Community

Neglected Pembrokeshire poodles find their forever homes

Published

9 months ago

March 22, 2024

THIRTY poodle type dogs were in total rescued after they were found in an unsuitable environment where their owner also failed to provide grooming and vet care. Twenty-three dogs were signed over to the RSPCA and permission was given by the owner for the remaining seven dogs to be removed and boarded.

They were subsequently taken into RSPCA care and following a veterinary check were transferred to RSPCA centres, RSPCA branches, and five young male and one female poodles went to Greenacres Animal Rescue.

Many of the poodles have been happily rehomed, and following the conclusion of the court case the remaining seven dogs have been signed over to the RSPCA, meaning they can now be rehomed too.

RSPCA Llys Nini Branch had six of the poodles that can now be rehomed. They have been in foster homes and happily many of them are set to become their official owners.

Now named Bryn (pictured above following rescue) – one of the poodles is going to be adopted by his foster carer Helen.

“He has fitted in so well to our family that we all agree we should adopt him,” said Helen Morgan, who is from Gorseinon, Swansea.

“He is 10 years old and has only two teeth left but that doesn’t stop him eating! He is almost completely deaf, but the sweetest boy you could ever imagine.

“He loves his walks, he’s food oriented and will sit under the table when we are eating in case something falls on the floor! He loves fuss and is my shadow, he wants nothing more than a comfy spot on the sofa next to one of us and he especially loves a cuddle with our cat!”

Helen said Bryn has been a wonderful addition to their family and has helped her in so many ways.

“I have been diagnosed with arthritis and fibromyalgia and was feeling very down. Fostering seemed like a good idea, and this dog has given me a purpose to get up in the morning, so even though you saved him, in his own way he has really saved me.”

Purdy is going to be adopted by Natalie who lives in the Rhondda Valleys.

Natalie Williams, who has been fostering Purdy, said sadly Purdy was one of the poodles that needed all her teeth removed.

“She has settled in so well,” she said. “She was a little overwhelmed and nervous at the start and didn’t like being touched much but now she jumps up for cuddles and takes over the sofa.

“She loves walks and can go for miles. She has another poodle brother called Lucky who is a rescue from South Korea and she loves to sleep next to him.”

While Maddie has been fostered by Hadeel Dart from Loughor, Swansea, who lives with her husband Rhys, daughter Nia and their other dog Lily.

“It took some time for Maddie to settle in and she was quite nervous and cautious when she first came to live with us,” said Hadeel, who is looking to become Maddie’s official owner.

“I feel that she has become more relaxed around us now and one of the nicest moments I’ve had since fostering Maddie, has been seeing her tail wag for the first time as she welcomed me home.

“Maddie is very curious and will follow us around the house to see what we are up to at all times. She also gets very excited and is full of energy when it’s time for a walk. She will literally bounce up and down when she sees us getting her harness out!

“Maddie is a very affectionate, sweet dog and as soon as one of us sits down, she will come and lie next to us for a nap. It’s been a pleasure having Maddie stay with us.”

The family is now also looking to officially adopt Maddie.

All thirty poodles have been rehomed or are with other rescue charities and RSPCA branches.

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben said: “It is lovely to see these wonderful pictures of Bryn, Purdy and Maddie who are now living their best lives in their forever homes.

“We’d very much like to thank these dedicated foster carers for their support and it is lovely that these dogs are now going to be adopted officially.”

This year the RSPCA celebrates its 200th year of changing industries, laws, minds, and animals’ lives. To mark this anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals’ lives. Together, there are actions, big and small, everyone can take to create a better world for every animal.

Community

Castle Ward Pupils Lead Anti-Social Behaviour Art Mural Project

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST HIGH VC SCHOOL welcomed a visit from County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who expressed his full support for the pupils’ efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour through an innovative Art Mural Project.

Councillor Tudor, representing the Castle Ward, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the area’s past struggles with anti-social behaviour in central commercial zones. “Engaging with pupils to address this issue through art is an extremely exciting venture,” he said.

The project has received a boost with £750 in funding secured from the Youth Bank initiative. Councillor Tudor commended the Youth Workers for their successful funding application, describing it as “a great achievement.”

The mural, spearheaded by pupils from the Youth Room and Haverfordwest High VC School, aims to inspire and engage the community while addressing a vital issue. “This exciting and innovative project will undoubtedly capture the imagination of those involved and reach out to all concerned,” Councillor Tudor added.

The initiative is set to bring a creative approach to community engagement and highlight the power of art in fostering positive change.

Photo caption: Castle Ward inspiration: Councillor Thomas Tudor supports the Art Mural Project (Pic: Suppled)

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Whether due to stress, loneliness, or financial strain, the festive season is not always a time of joy for everyone. To support those struggling this Christmas, Mind Cymru has shared carefully considered advice to help navigate the season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

For some, the holiday season can feel overwhelming:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate amidst personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs making the season harder to enjoy.

Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:

“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of year where our feelings are magnified, and not always in a positive way. Sometimes there are other, less joyous things going on in our lives that make taking time out to be ‘merry and bright’ feel like less of a celebration and more of a challenge. There are so many reasons why someone might not feel like celebrating this Christmas, and we just wanted to remind everyone that it’s ok to feel this way and that there is support available for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive season.”

Tips from Mind Cymru

Mind Cymru has shared the following tips for managing mental health over Christmas:

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself; it’s understandable to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to things that aren’t helpful.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related activities.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling.
Access online communities, like Mind’s Side by Side service, for support.
Communicate how others can help and what activities you’re comfortable with.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to potentially difficult questions ahead of time.
Discuss budgets and schedules with family to reduce stress.
Maintain distance if you must be around people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering environments if possible.
Check the opening hours of key services you may need during Christmas.
Ensure you have enough medication to last the holiday period.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling this Christmas, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open daily from 7pm to 11pm.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.

Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. Mind Cymru reminds everyone that support is always within reach.

Community

Cones now gone as Johnston gas works finally completed

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WALES & WEST Utilities has announced the successful completion of essential gas network upgrades in the Johnston area of Pembrokeshire.

The project aimed to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to homes and businesses, supporting the community’s needs for generations to come. In collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council, the company implemented traffic management measures to minimize disruption during the work.

Adam Smith, who managed the project for Wales & West Utilities, expressed gratitude to local residents for their patience and highlighted the significance of the upgrades:

“We are pleased to finish this work and would like to thank the local community for bearing with us as we carried it out.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the wider area. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe, reliable, and there when you need it.

“This work was essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”

Wales & West Utilities provides gas emergency and pipeline services to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the southwest of England. If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, they urge you to call 0800 111 999 immediately for assistance at any time of day or night.