Pop group Steps started the year at number one with their single Tragedy. The Euros premiered, the London Eye opened its doors to the public and people became concerned about the malicious Millennium programme.
For the dog, Shrewsbury, 1999 was memorable for another reason. It was the year dog fanatics Jane Davies and Rosemary Salter joined the team as volunteers.
23 years on, the dedicated duo have lost count of the sheer number of dogs they have helped. Young and old, big and small, they have helped many dogs and have lost count of the number of pairs of shoes they have worn out walking hundreds of miles with their four-legged friends.
“I notice my position as supporting anxious pups or lacking the conviction to overwhelm their worries and enhance said Rosemary, from Shrewsbury. That was the subject with Toby, but currently, he can’t stay to bring in the motorcar and go on experiences.
“I regularly work with dogs who are taking a while to find their forever home and of course, they get very attached to them, but it’s a nice feeling when, after weeks or months of helping to care for a dog, I see them off with their new family to a happy future, knowing that I’ve played an important part.”
Jane, who also lives in Shrewsbury, travels to the centre several times a week and loves going for long walks around the geographical area and to the beach with dogs who have been resident in Shrewsbury centre for longer than most. “Some dogs stick in your mind, like Jack the boy who was a Labrador who stayed with us for a long time and I have been spending a lot of time with the fabulous German Shepherd Roxy who arrived with us in November last year,” said Jane.
“We know it’s good for the dogs that we volunteer because the more people who help look after them alongside the team the better, but it’s great for us too. We find it irresistible! There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a dog you’ve looked after go off to their new family. You always overlook them but you’re happy for them too – that’s what it’s all about!”
The dog believe Shrewsbury currently has around 40 volunteers on site who help with everything from kennel cleaning to dog walking.
“It’s incredible that somebody might like to start volunteering this year and move on to turn 23 like Rosemary and Jane. They’ve been here longer than most of the staff!” “It’s remarkable to know that our puppies can get extra love and attention or time out for walks thanks to Rosemary and Jane, and all of our volunteers. Our volunteers have the absolute confidence that our puppies can adapt to life here quicker than they would otherwise, which ultimately enables us to find them forever homes,” said Helen Downing, volunteer coordinator.