A Kildare veterinary nurse and her dog have raised much needed funds for Dogs Trust by walking an incredible 105 kilometres in the month of October.
Niamh Flattery is a registered veterinary nurse at MyVet in Maynooth. And for the month of October she put on her boots and got walking with her dog PJ to do the 99k for canines walking challenge organised by Dogs Trust.
The aim of the challenge was to help raise funds for the charity as they continue to care for abandoned dogs and puppies amid the cost of living crisis. Niamh completed her 99km three days before the end of the month, clocking up an impressive total of 105km by walking around her hometown of Edenderry and close to MyVet’s Maynooth practice before or after shifts.
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She was joined by her beloved her dog PJ on the walks, and they have so far raised over €500. Niamh told Dublin Live this week: “The charity gives all dogs a chance to find a forever home and helps to rehabilitate those who had a rough past so they have a second chance with a family. So it was important to me to raise as much as I could throughout October," she added.
Niamh said that on a lot of their walks she and PJ were joined by PJ's sister Suzie or his best friend Scratcher for company.
Like many other charities, Dogs Trust Ireland has been hit hard by the cost of living crisis by receiving more dogs and puppies than ever before. Dog food prices for example have risen, and there are fears that more dogs will be abandoned because their owners may not be able to afford to care for them during the winter months.
It comes as Dogs Trust recently took took in 54 puppies in three weeks and are appealing for new dog owners. Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland Maciej described the current situation as "overwhelming".
He said: “We also have an overwhelming list of dogs waiting to come into our care from local authority dog pounds. While we would love to be able to help every single dog we are asked to, sadly, we just don’t have the kennel space to do so."
Meanwhile Niamh said that it is a "very difficult time" for charities like Dogs Trust. There is still chance to donate to Niamh’s fundraiser by visiting her JustGiving page here.
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