Dogs Trust Basildon's thank you to its volunteers

Dogs Trust have shown their appreciation to the team for this year’s National Volunteer Week, which took place throughout the first seven days of June.

From raising money by working in their charity shops, to working in the rehoming centres as a dog walker, gardener or foster carer, there are plenty of roles for those who give up their time to help.

But at the heart of every volunteer is a positive attitude and a love of dogs.

Laura James, of Rayleigh, has dedicated hours of her time helping in the kennels for two years.

She said: “Being able to help these dogs and provide them with some extra love and attention really makes my week, and I get to see the fantastic work all the staff put in.

“I enjoy every minute I spend at the Basildon rehoming centre and have grown particularly close to my buddy dog Charmer, who is so deserving of a special home.”

But for Charlotte Elliot, Dogs Trust Basildon volunteer co-ordinator, they mean so much and are “priceless”.

Ms Elliot said: “The fantastic work and dedication the volunteers provide at this centre never fails to surprise me.

“We can’t thank them enough for continually going above and beyond; they really are priceless to us.”

The trust welcomes applications from all backgrounds but will be sure to list any specific requirements needed in the role descriptions.

However, they do ask that those wishing to help must be aged 18-plus.

Their rehoming centre or shop volunteers typically give up to three hours a week, but the charity is grateful for any time they can commit.

The charity normally cares for around 14,000 dogs across its network of 21 rehoming centres in the UK.

It also focuses its efforts on understanding dogs and sharing that knowledge with the wider public to prevent problem behaviours that can result in relinquishment or abandonment.

To find out more information on how to volunteer at Dogs Trust, please visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/volunteering.