THE BROMSGROVE Blue Cross has been using Volunteers Week (June 1 to 7) to thank those who give up their time to care for homeless animals.
The charity is also calling on local animal lovers to find out more about volunteer opportunities including becoming a volunteer foster carer.
Last year the rehoming centre on Wildmoor Lane, Catshill, helped nearly 2,000 pets.
So far this year, the team has already helped nearly 1,000 pets.
Christine Tilt, 72, has been fostering for Blue Cross for four years.
She said: “I was at a crossroads – I had lost my own dog and was in desperate need of a dog as a companion and to give me a reason to get up each day.
“I didn’t want a dog full time I couldn’t commit to that so I started to foster.
“Four years and 25 dogs later I feel really fulfilled I have made new friends and being part of a team I feel included and given a purpose in life.”
Foster carers receive full training and all costs, including travel, are covered by Blue Cross and there is full support and guidance throughout.
Samina Araf, 59, has volunteered at the Bromsgrove Blue Cross since 2009, helping to volunteer in the on-site catteries and with fundraising activities.
She said she knew it was where she belonged.
“Giving up my time to be with the animals and support the charity felt like the most natural thing to do.
“Over the years I have given as much time as I possibly could.”
She added some time it was up to three to four days, other times just a few hours.
“But whenever I am at Blue Cross, my heart and my hands are fully there.
“I don’t measure it in hours, because to me, being there is a part of who I am.”
Laura Coveney, Bromsgrove’s Blue Cross centre manager, said: “We are so grateful to all of our volunteers like Christine and Samina.
“We know they find the experience incredibly rewarding and some even say it has been life changing, for both themselves and the pets they have helped.
“We’re seeing a real hidden pet welfare crisis in the UK, with more pets and people needing our help.”
She urged anyone who could volunteer at the Blue Cross to visit: bluecross.org.uk/volunteer to find out more.
