Latest news with #DogsTrustWestCalder
Scotsman
3 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Two volunteers celebrate 3,500 hours of dedicated devotion to dogs
Two dog-loving volunteers who have racked up a total of nearly two decades of dedicated devotion to Dogs Trust West Calder's handsome hounds are encouraging others to come and join the volunteer team. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from editor David Summers, and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Having spent over 3,500 hours volunteering, Isabel Taggart and Kay Wallace are urging others this Volunteers' Week to consider joining the Dogs Trust West Calder team. Isabel Taggart from Livingston has been a firm fixture at the rehoming centre since 2011, when she first joined the volunteer team as a dog walker. Isobel has always liked dogs, but as she worked full-time, she didn't have a dog of her own, so volunteering allowed her to help dogs in need. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When Isabel retired in 2017, everything changed as she adopted her first dog from Dogs Trust and continued to volunteer cleaning kennels. Isabel is so committed to the charity that both dogs she has rehomed from Dogs Trust, Jovi and Suzi, had experienced very unsettled starts in life and were proving difficult to rehome until Isabel came to the rescue. Dogs Trust West Calder Volunteer Isabel Taggart Isabel says: 'You can't take all the dogs home, but by volunteering, you are making their lives better. By cleaning the kennels, the staff can spend more time with the dogs, which makes me happy. 'As I am now retired, I feel it's nice to still be making a contribution. I enjoy coming in in the morning and seeing the dogs' faces. The longer-term dogs get to know us and respond in a positive way. I feel a real sense of achievement volunteering with Dogs Trust.' Kay Wallace, also from Livingston, began volunteering for Dogs Trust in 2021 after losing her beloved dog Pepsi the year before. Despite working full-time as a Treatment Room Nurse, Kay volunteers on Saturday and Sunday at the rehoming centre. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kay said: 'When I lost my Labrador Pepsi, I decided not to get another dog as it's too heartbreaking when they die, so instead I've been volunteering ever since. My role involves cleaning the kennels and ensuring the dogs have a comfy, clean bed, which I love doing as no dog should have a scruffy bed. Dogs Trust West Calder Volunteer Kay Wallace with Volunteer Co-ordinator Garry Lee 'Volunteering gives me so much joy. As much as I enjoy my job as a nurse, coming to the centre on the weekend are the best two days of the week. Spending time with the beautiful dogs is wonderful, especially saying good morning to them and seeing their reaction when they get to know you. I feel very much like I am part of the team at West Calder, where everyone is so hard-working and friendly. I recommend volunteering to anyone with the time and love of dogs.' Dogs Trust West Calder is currently seeking volunteers for different roles at the centre including: ·Canine Assistants who spend time helping clean the kennels and being with the dogs; Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad ·Administrators who carry out tasks such as answering the phones, filing and carrying out internet research; ·Meet and greet volunteers who are often the first point of contact for visitors, ensuring people receive a warm welcome, and have an enjoyable visit; ·Volunteer Laundry Assistants to make sure dogs have clean and fresh blankets and bedding when it's time to rest and enjoy a snooze; ·Home from Home foster carers who care for dogs in their home temporarily until they find their forever homes. Dogs Trust meets all costs involved in caring for the dog. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Although more than 60 people currently give their time to help at the centre, Volunteer Co-ordinator Garry Lee, says they would love more to join. Garry says: 'Our volunteers are amazing and go above and beyond for our dogs here at West Calder rehoming centre. They devote so much of their free time to us and are always willing to help whenever possible. Without them, giving the dogs everything they need would be much more difficult. 'Isabel has been a core member of our volunteer team for many years. When she retired, she moved closer to the centre and was then able to volunteer more often. She also helps other volunteers by giving them lifts to and from the centre. Kay is also a valued part of the team. She works extremely hard Monday to Friday as a nurse and yet spends her weekend mornings with us, looking after our dogs. We really appreciate their hard work and dedication. 'Every volunteer makes a huge difference to what we can achieve at the centre, and we welcome more local dog lovers to come and join us.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Volunteers must be aged 18 and over, and all are welcome. It's a fantastic way to develop new skills, gain further experience and meet new friends. All that's required is a positive attitude and a love of dogs. To find out more, please go to or contact Garry Lee, Volunteer Co-ordinator at [email protected]
Daily Record
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Volunteers celebrate 3,500 hours of devotion at Dogs Trust West Calder's base
Isabel Taggart and Kay Wallace are urging others this Volunteers' Week to consider joining the Dogs Trust West Calder team. Two dog-loving volunteers who have racked up a total of nearly two decades of dedicated devotion to Dogs Trust West Calder's handsome hounds are encouraging others to come and join the volunteer team. Having spent over 3,500 hours volunteering, Isabel Taggart and Kay Wallace are urging others this Volunteers' Week to consider joining the Dogs Trust West Calder team. Isabel Taggart from Livingston has been a firm fixture at the rehoming centre since 2011, when she first joined the volunteer team as a dog walker. Isobel has always liked dogs, but as she worked full-time, she didn't have a dog of her own, so volunteering allowed her to help dogs in need. When Isabel retired in 2017, everything changed as she adopted her first dog from Dogs Trust and continued to volunteer cleaning kennels. Isabel is so committed to the charity that both dogs she has rehomed from Dogs Trust, Jovi and Suzi, had experienced very unsettled starts in life and were proving difficult to rehome until Isabel came to the rescue. Isabel said: 'You can't take all the dogs home, but by volunteering, you are making their lives better. By cleaning the kennels, the staff can spend more time with the dogs, which makes me happy. 'As I am now retired, I feel it's nice to still be making a contribution. I enjoy coming in in the morning and seeing the dogs' faces. 'The longer-term dogs get to know us and respond in a positive way. I feel a real sense of achievement volunteering with Dogs Trust.' Kay Wallace, also from Livingston, began volunteering for Dogs Trust in 2021 after losing her beloved dog Pepsi the year before. Despite working full-time as a Treatment Room Nurse, Kay volunteers on Saturday and Sunday at the rehoming centre. Kay said: 'When I lost my Labrador Pepsi, I decided not to get another dog as it's too heartbreaking when they die, so instead I've been volunteering ever since. 'My role involves cleaning the kennels and ensuring the dogs have a comfy, clean bed, which I love doing as no dog should have a scruffy bed. 'Volunteering gives me so much joy. As much as I enjoy my job as a nurse, coming to the centre on the weekend are the best two days of the week. 'Spending time with the beautiful dogs is wonderful, especially saying good morning to them and seeing their reaction when they get to know you. 'I feel very much like I am part of the team at West Calder, where everyone is so hard-working and friendly. I recommend volunteering to anyone with the time and love of dogs.' Dogs Trust West Calder is currently seeking volunteers for different roles at the centre including Canine Assistants who spend time helping clean the kennels and being with the dogs; administrators who carry out tasks such as answering the phones, filing and carrying out internet research and meet and greet volunteers who are often the first point of contact for visitors, ensuring people receive a warm welcome, and have an enjoyable visit. Although more than 60 people currently give their time to help at the centre, volunteer co-ordinator Garry Lee, says they would love more to join. Garry said: 'Our volunteers are amazing and go above and beyond for our dogs here at West Calder rehoming centre. They devote so much of their free time to us and are always willing to help whenever possible. 'Without them, giving the dogs everything they need would be much more difficult. 'Isabel has been a core member of our volunteer team for many years. When she retired, she moved closer to the centre and was then able to volunteer more often. 'She also helps other volunteers by giving them lifts to and from the centre. Kay is also a valued part of the team. 'She works extremely hard Monday to Friday as a nurse and yet spends her weekend mornings with us, looking after our dogs. We really appreciate their hard work and dedication. 'Every volunteer makes a huge difference to what we can achieve at the centre, and we welcome more local dog lovers to come and join us.' Volunteers must be aged 18 and over, and all are welcome. It's a fantastic way to develop new skills, gain further experience and meet new friends.
Edinburgh Reporter
15-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Beautiful Brindle Lurcher Rory seeks a forever home
Roxy the Lurcher is bursting with life and love to share with the right family. This sweet-natured and affectionate three-year-old has stolen the hearts of everyone at the centre with her playful spirit and gentle personality. Roxy thrives on companionship and adores spending time with her human friends. Whether she's chasing her toys around the garden or simply enjoying a cuddle, Roxy brings joy wherever she goes. Highly intelligent and eager to learn, she would do best in a home committed to continuing her training and helping her grow in confidence and skill. Roxy is looking for an adult-only home where she can be the only pet so she can get all the snuggles to herself. She would prefer to have someone around for most of the day, as she truly flourishes with company and routine. While she prefers to be the centre of attention at home, she's happy to greet polite dogs when out on walks. If you're looking for a loyal, lively, and loving companion, Roxy could be the perfect match for you. She's ready to start her next chapter with a family who will give her the time, patience, and affection she deserves. If she sounds like the match for you, please call 01506 873459 for more information regarding rehoming. You can also follow us on X @DT_WestCalder and Instagram@dogstrust_westcalder. Additionally, If you'd like to find out more about becoming a foster carer for some of our canine pals before they find their forever home, then do feel free to come on down to our centre for a chat. Dogs Trust West Calder is currently seeking new foster carers within a 60 mile radius of the centre. Please email HFHWestCalder@ for more information. The rehoming centre is also recruiting volunteers for a variety of roles. Anyone interested should email our Volunteer Coordinator at Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
07-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
A heart full of love and a tail that never stops wagging
Say hello to Lucy, a delightful 6-year-old crossbreed with a heart full of love and a tail that never stops wagging. This loving, clever dog is all about spending time with her favourite people, whether it's curling up on the sofa for a cuddle or zooming around the garden with her toys. Lucy is a true homebody who thrives in a calm, relaxed environment. She prefers a peaceful household where she can feel safe and settled, so she's looking for a quiet home without too many comings and goings. In return, she'll offer you endless affection, loyalty, and lots of playful moments. She's incredibly smart and loves to show off her impressive list of tricks, from a dramatic 'play dead' to paw shakes and weaving between your legs! Lucy loves to learn and enjoys being mentally stimulated, especially when there's a squeaky toy or game of tug waiting as a reward. Out on walks, Lucy prefers quiet routes where she can enjoy the world at her own pace, free from the hustle and bustle of busy paths. She walks beautifully on lead and is fully housetrained. She'd love a secure garden where she can run, play, and soak up the sun. Lucy would suit someone who is home most of the day and looking for a devoted, fun, and affectionate companion. She's also happy to hop in the car and join you on outings, this girl is always ready for a bit of adventure by your side. With her loving nature, playful spirit, and clever mind, Lucy is more than ready to bring joy to a lucky new home. If she sounds like the match for you, please call 01506 873459 for more information regarding rehoming. You can also follow us on X @DT_WestCalder and Instagram @dogstrust_westcalder. Additionally, if you'd like to find out more about becoming a foster carer for some of our canine pals before they find their forever home, then do feel free to come on down to our centre for a chat. Dogs Trust West Calder is currently seeking new foster carers within a 60 mile radius of the centre. Please email HFHWestCalder@ for more information. The rehoming centre is also recruiting volunteers for a variety of roles. Anyone interested shouldemail our Volunteer Coordinator at Like this: Like Related
