Venturing in the World of Volunteering - The Island Sanctuary

This is the first of a three part series of articles written by Lindsay Fenech following her experience in three different voluntary organisations. These articles serve to explain the details of her experience within The Fair Trade Shop (L-Arka), Funny Farm - Horse Rescue Association and The Island Sanctuary.

The Island Sanctuary

The Island Sanctuary is another NGO which is found in Dellimara (Marsaxlokk). The main objective of the Island Sanctuary is to cater for the needs of stray and abandoned dogs in Malta. This NGO gives home to over 150 dogs and unfortunately it is always over capacity.

Expenses must be the Sanctuary’s main obstacle. Much of the money is spent on food, treats for the dogs, medications, the vet’s visits and the electricity bills. It is really difficult to overcome all these payments. Although the government gives an amount of money to help out, the bills are never fully covered. Hence, donations made by people are vital for this NGO. People can adopt a dog but only after they fill up a form, so that the people of the Sanctuary can check on the dogs later on. This shows the dedication and responsibility of the people of the Island Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary opens both in the morning and the evening. A lot of work must be done in order to satisfy all the dogs’ needs. Apart from feeding the dogs, the volunteers must fill their bowls with water, give them their medication, take the dogs for long walks, play with these animals and clean the rooms in which the dogs stay.

Volunteering at the Island Sanctuary was a really life-changing experience. Also the volunteers were very kind and friendly. The dogs at this NGO are really cuddly and playful. Some of them are really energetic while others are calmer. I would highly recommend to anyone to spend some of their free time at the Sanctuary to help out. By doing this, one would be helping, who were neglected or abused, live a happier life, as they deserve.

Animals: The Abandoned & Abused (Part 2)

This is part 2 of a four-part article penned by Greenhouse Executive Francesca Saliba on the issue of Animal Rights.

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Another aspect of the maltreatment of domestic animals, is when they are thrown out onto the streets, having to live day by day in sadness and betrayal because of some type of their owners, who usually have some sorry excuse for their terrible act of neglect. Everyone should think about the long term when they are adopting an animal.

One of the most common excuses for people abandoning animals is when a newly formed family is expecting a child. The problem is that, although some people buy their houses with 2/3 bedrooms (sometimes even five years before they are married, because they know how many children they want to have), they fail to anticipate what will happen to their pet! Another typical excuse is that when their pets are sick, instead of taking care of them when they mostly need it, they throw them out because sometimes they think that it’s something that could be easily spread to humans, which is rarely the case. Another classic excuse is when their pets are pregnant, instead of neutering them if they didn’t want any young ones, they throw them out.

Nowadays with all the neutering campaigns, like Dogstrust one can no longer bring about the excuse that it is too expensive to neuter and microchip your pet, because they do it all for free. This helps the people trace back their pet or rightful owner and even decrease in diseases. Do people choose just the easy way out in life? What does that tell you about a person, culture, society? Maybe, very few people think ahead and lack knowledge. Awareness is a definite need in our country. Pets thrown in the streets become strays, if they are lucky, they are left in the responsibility of others to take action and try to help them in the best way possible. To make it easier for the people who are willing to help such innocent creatures, the animal ambulance is now available 24/7 by calling 2122 4001. It was made possible thanks to Noah’s ark which was being taking care of By the Animal Welfare Department later on.

Members of Greenhouse carrying out voluntary work at a local shelter

Moreover, without awareness that animals should be treated well, we are imposing on a revolution of bad situations. In particular cases, children are sometimes seen throwing rocks at cats and trying to harm them, just because their anger is unleashed on innocent creatures which could result in a horrible factor for the cat and for the future child. Enforcement of the law should be made so that these cases will stop. Justice is important when involving mistreatment. It’s also the case since many people hate the idea of too many cats close to their homes in streets since they are considered as filthy creatures. The responsibility comes from the person taking care of this colony of cats, to not leave any wastes behind, and always cleaning after feeding. The cats are not the one to blame if such a situation is not the case scenario.

Volunteering an afternoon towards Abandoned Animals.

Dear Greenhouser,

We're looking for volunteers for this Saturday 26th February! No requirements needed except for unconditional love for man's best friend and food for oneself, unless you'd like to fast for the day.

For the month of November; Greenhouse is going to Abandoned Animal's Association (AAA), where we shall spend a day at the place volunteering. We're meeting at 9am in front of Phoenicia Hotel. The day includes a briefing and division of responsibilities among the attendees. One is also encouraged to donate foodstuff for adult dogs apart from your time

which is indispensable!

So, if you made up your mind and feel like giving up some time to spend with these wonderful animals let us know via email green.uom@gmail.com and don't forget to bring your cameras along!

Best Regards,

Greenhouse Team

Show some love during the month of November!

Dear Greenhouser,

We're looking for volunteers for this Saturday 20th November! No requirements needed except for unconditional love for man's best friend and food for oneself, unless you'd like to fast for the day. 

For the month of November; Greenhouse is going to Noah's Ark, where we shall spend a day at the place volunteering. If you need transport, we're meeting at 9am in front of Phoenicia Hotel, a small fee will be charged for the transport. The day includes a briefing and division of responsibilities among the attendees. One is also encouraged to donate foodstuff for adult dogs apart from your time which is indispensable! 

So, if you made up your mind and feel like giving up some time to spend with these wonderful animals let us know via email green.uom@gmail.com and don't forget to bring your cameras along! Booking is very important for those who need transport, if the number exceeds 17 people we need to arrange for another minivan.