Boarding kennels are part of Three Counties Dog Rescue success as a Bourne charity

Three years ago we were on the brink of realising a major ambition for Three Counties Dog Rescue, writes Max Mauchline, who runs the charity.

We were about to purchase and take over the ownership of the kennels where, previously, we had paid to keep our rescue dogs.

This had been made possible by a legacy left to us by one of the original owners of the rescue.

Full ownership meant coming to terms with what management of the resource involved including staffing, managing supplies and bringing standards up to the level we wanted.

In the following three years we have transformed the kennel site in Spalding Road. One of the first jobs was to clear a lot of the massive conifers that restricted access. Opening up the approach made a big difference. A renewed shingle area gave the kennels a much better look, and parking.

Improved fixed heating in the kennels and cattery was installed, with obtaining our licence to board dogs and cats the next step. Bookings for boarding have gone well through the summer with the takings helping towards the dog rescue funds. A new cremation unit has enabled us to provide caring, individual cremations when pets have reached their final chapter.

We have started to make use of our extensive grounds by cleaning up the pond, which now has bee hives sited beside it.

All this has been achieved against the background of covid and adjustments having to be made to enable rehomings to resume once restrictions eased.

A key addition was the purchase of a large marquee, located in our enclosed paddock. This meant that prospective owners could be seen outside but under cover and has now become our standard means of operation.

Further plans are nearing fruition and we hope to be able to announce the latest exciting development soon. The numbers of unwanted dogs and cats doesn’t diminish and all this work is aimed at allowing us to continue to look after their needs.