Christmas is a time of rest, family and taking stock for many people. Unfortunately the dogs don’t know about the holiday season so they still need feeding, medicines and looking after. Thats something I’ll be doing in the coming days but I wanted to share my gratitude with you all for being on this journey with me.
Thankfully there are some wonderful things happening right now like this magical day with the dogs this week.
Here are some other things I’d love to share…
Sick Dogs Getting A Rest
At this special time of year some older sick dogs are getting a break from the streets and spending quality time with each other. McMuffin, Derek, Giuseppe and Moritz wouldn’t be here today were it not for your help. Now they can recover with the best care in their lovely VIP suites. I always dreamed of getting McMuffin to this time of year after her cancer and after a lot of recent scares she made it.
Giuseppe has even started walking again and has been practicing hard for the holiday season. He has a second chance at life in his old age and I think you will agree is now looking extremely distinguished.
600 Dogs Getting A Daily Feed
I’ve been able to ramp up to 600 meals a day by getting food out to people who contribute their own time to help dogs around the island. These people will be out feeding when everybody else is relaxing. That never stops and while those dogs are always struggling they will at least have super healthy food in their bellies.
The Hardest Time Of Year For Some
This week I wrote a post about how this is the hardest time of year for many. Believe me I know as 2 years ago I nearly drank myself to death and was in ICU. It can be hard looking at everybody being happy and celebrating while you are struggling yourself. I’ve seen both sides of it.
The 2 messages I’d love to share are that…
There is always a way back. I don’t want to sound smug but I am extremely happy right now so if I can do it so can you.
If you are struggling please reach out to someone. There is always help and support out there.
Thank You
I can’t reiterate enough that I am the person at the front of this and that I always get way too much credit. I cringe at the constant positive comments people leave me. I know I am beyond privileged to have found my vocation in life and to be able to help dogs until the day I die.
I never take the support for granted and I try my very best to use every fibre of my being to make it count and save more dogs. There is not a second of the day where I don’t think about how to do more.
In the month of December I got smashed pretty hard by non stop rain, the worry of McMuffin being sick and also having to bury Marlon Brando who was one of my favourites. It felt like I was getting tested non stop. One of the main reasons I was able to push on was because I feel like everything I do has people literally pushing me on from the sidelines. When I sit on that moped on tough days I do so knowing people are willing me on.
If you have helped me in anyway whatsoever believe me I pinch myself at how lucky I am to have that. All I can do is be a conduit to get that support to dogs who need it most and who are otherwise voiceless.
I might have had a tear on my eye driving home from Marlon Brando a couple of times this week but I also know that many other felt and shared that pain online and that he would have a lovely legacy instead of dying alone.
So if you are either looking forward to a nice Christmas with family or it is simply something that you just have to endure please take care of yourself and each other.
Huge love from me and the dogs.
Niall
P.S All the above was possible because of your support by either donating here, on Paypal or just subscribing to this newsletter.
Dear Niall, I wish you Merry Christmas and good special days. I think you will be with the best friends!
Thanks so much for everything you do.! I cannot detail now how you make these dogs (and also people) feel, as it is too much.
God bless you Niall!
Take care! And remember there are many many people holding your hand in your project.
Love
Merry Christmas to you and all your furry friends. All our love, Lucy & Andrew xx