The experience-seeking group was informed of the voluntary positions by Marketing Manager for Saving Strays Animal Rescue, Jorden Parton, fellow Edge Hill MA Marketing, Communications, and Branding student. Jorden strongly believes that gaining as much experience as you can outside of your course, will allow you to grow, develop and help you set yourself apart from competing candidates.  

“When students graduate or come to the end of their course, there is this fear and anxiety about entering the workplace, which is due to a lack of continuous practice of skills and knowledge and often a lack of confidence in ability. I firmly believe that by volunteering, not only are you helping a worthy cause like Saving Strays Animal Rescue, but you are giving yourself the best chance at gaining an interview or being offered a role. Experience is detrimental to improvement and definitely helps develop professionalism which will help you in the future.” 

Jorden Parton, Marketing Manager at Saving Strays Animal Rescue  

(Pictured left to right: Sam Colson, Jorden Parton, William Baker, Ayran Hayworth.)

Volunteering is a crucial stepping stone for students to transition from the educational to the practical world. Volunteering Advisers at Edge Hill University highlight why they think gaining experience is important for students.  

“Volunteering whilst at Edge Hill University can open the door to new opportunities and inspire students’ future career choices. Volunteering is a great way to gain the skills graduate employers are looking for, whilst building a network of contacts. It helps you connect with others who are making a difference within the community, whilst doing something you enjoy. Volunteering Advisers within Careers are there to support students in sourcing volunteering, and the university recognises the importance of volunteering through the Extra Edge Award, Careers Awards, and Scholarships.”  

Helen Rimmer and Lynn Anderton (Volunteering Advisers at Edge Hill University).  

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is proud to adopt these students and hope that the experience provides knowledge, passion, and practical skill. To volunteer at Saving Strays Animal Rescue please visit volunteer for us. 

The post Marketing Students volunteer at Saving Strays Animal Rescue – Here’s why you should too  appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Pictured: Chris the Kitten 

On June 19^th 2023 Saving Strays Animal Rescue was notified that an individual carelessly threw a kitten over a wall into someone’s garden. Fortunately, the kitten was not harmed but the situation could have been far more severe. This act displays a lack of compassion and neglect for the poor animal and demonstrates why acts of cruelty such as this cannot be allowed to continue.  

Pictured: Chris with his new friends 

The kitten (named Chris) is currently being well taken care of by one of Saving Strays Animal Rescue’s heroic fosterers and has even made some new friends as Chris has been greatly welcomed by the fosterer’s other cats. With the selfless help of fosterers, kittens like Chris who have suffered from acts of neglect and cruelty can be looked after and more importantly, be shown compassion and love.  

Chris’ story is more common than you would think and animal cruelty must be stopped, here is what you can do to raise awareness of the issue and how to act against this suffering:  

• Prevention: By educating individuals about the signs and consequences of animal abuse, we can empower them to identify and report instances of cruelty. Early intervention is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of these vulnerable animals. 

• Advocacy: By shining a light on this issue, we can advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and stricter enforcement. Increasing public pressure and engagement can drive policymakers to prioritize the protection of cats and other animals. 

• Report Abuse: If you witness or suspect animal abuse, report it immediately to the relevant authorities, such as your local animal shelter or law enforcement. Providing detailed information can help initiate investigations and ensure the safety of the animal. You can report cruelty or neglect to organisations such as the RSPCA.

• Support Animal Rescues: Contribute to local charities such as Saving Strays Animal Rescue which work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused animals. These types of organisations rely on your help not only financially but also on a voluntary basis. Please donate to Saving Strays Animal Rescue and volunteer for us as the newly registered charity always needs as much help as it can get.  

• Do the right thing: If you are struggling to look after your animal and are thinking of abandoning them, please do not hesitate to contact us to surrender your pet. We are a judgment-free charity and it is far safer for both you and the animal to surrender your pet to make sure they are treated well and stay healthy rather than neglecting the animal and leaving it to suffer. 

• Educate Others: Share information about animal abuse and responsible pet ownership with friends, family, and your community. Encourage others to be vigilant and compassionate towards animals. Please share this blog with your friends and loved ones to further help spread this message. 

Saving Strays Animal Rescue does not condone animal cruelty and you shouldn’t either, if you have witnessed anything please act on it using the previous steps and if you are struggling with the responsibility of caring for an animal, please do the right thing for both you and the animal. With these actions hopefully, Chris’ story will not be repeated in the future.

The post The Seriousness of Animal Cruelty – Chris the Kitten’s Story   appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Is There a Demand for Dog Groomers?

Absolutely. Since 2019, there has been a significant increase in the population of dogs and dog breeds and the number of dogs in the UK has risen to 10.2 million from 6.2 million. In just two years, this has increased by 4 million. What this means for dog groomers is that they are now in demand and more people are now looking to pursue a career as a dog groomer.

Can Dog Groomers Make Good Money?

How much do dog groomers make? It’s possible for dog groomers to make good money, especially if they start their own businesses. If they have a successful business with a large clientele, and they have the scope to groom several dogs per day then they have the scope to earn good money. They can also grow their business by taking on staff and more clients, all of which will help them to make even more money.

Is Dog Grooming a Profitable Business?

Yes, dog grooming is a profitable business, employed dog groomers can earn anything from £13,000 to £23,000 per year in pay. For those who are self-employed or run their own dog grooming business then they can earn much more – as much as £100,000 (this would be multiple salons). This is because they have the scope to charge their own amount based on the market rates for taking care of dogs and handling the grooming for their owners.

Dog Grooming Business Cost in the UK

If you start a self-employed business as a dog groomer, then you can keep your grooming business cost low, especially if you operate from home. However, the costs increase once you begin factoring in the cost of premises, equipment, and supplies as well as running costs. Set Up costs vary depending on the scale of the intended business. Set-up costs can be as cheap as needed, from as little as £2,000 for equipment and insurance.

How Much Does Dog Grooming Business Make a Year In the UK?

This is all dependent on whether they choose to become an employee of a business or start up their own dog grooming business. If you’re wondering how much dog groomers make, then on average they will earn pay of around £11 per hour or around £20,000. This is the kind of wage you can expect if you work for a company, but if you decide to open your own business, then you can earn anything from £20,000 to £35,000 running a single one-man band salon.

How Do Groomers Get Paid?

Dog groomers get paid either per hour or by the price that they charge for specific treatment if they are self-employed. So, an employee will get paid an hourly rate as part of their wages while a business owner will get paid per job.

How Long Does it Take to Train to Be a Dog Groomer?

To become a dog groomer, you will need a dog grooming qualification. Initial beginner grooming courses can take just a few weeks, but ongoing learning and training will be needed to continue to develop your skills. After completing a beginner’s course, further teaching can come in many forms such as 1-1 training with experienced groomers, grooming shows and workshops, or online seminars.

Things Needed to Start a Dog Grooming Business

✓ A business plan 

✓ Plan how you will operate 

✓ Give your business a brand identity 

✓ Take out insurance and licences 

✓ Purchase tools and supplies 

✓ Undertake training and obtain certifications 

✓ Determine pricing 

✓ Promote your business

Becoming a dog groomer can be extremely rewarding, especially if you are a dog lover and love working with animals. Once you have obtained the right qualification, you can then opt to start your own business or work for a business that offers dog grooming. Either way, you have the scope to earn good money and do something that you enjoy.

If you would like to train as a Dog Groomer and need some advice we recommend British School of Grooming for all your training needs. Contact them on 07487 25 88 14 or via email info@britishschoolofgrooming.com 

www.britishschoolofgrooming.com 

The post How Much Does a Dog Groomer Earn in the UK appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

THE TRUTH BEHIND PUPPY FARMS

Puppy mills were first introduced in World War 2 in response to failing crop yields in the Midwest, today there are over 2000 legalised puppy mills in Wales alone, with over 80,000 dogs sold in this industry which is designed on profit rather than animal welfare.

DID YOU KNOW?

Puppy mills continuously use dogs to breed, standardly in poor conditions, the dogs and puppies are often placed in small and restrictive confinement and subject to long lasting trauma and fear. The animals in their care often do not have access to the basic essentials such as nutrient rich food and are habitually separated from their mothers before the recommended time. Puppy farms are an inhumane practice and to close down these illegal and disgusting places, anyone looking to add a pet to their family should look at adoption and providing an animal, who hasn’t had the best start to life a second chance.

A great example of how adoption can help animals is Tilly, the Jack Russell has been striving since being adopted over a year ago:

‘We adopted Tilly (originally named moo-moo), just over a year ago from saving strays animal rescue, she was very malnourished and weighted under the recommended weight for a jack Russel, she was very shy, scared, and standoffish due to being used for breeding. Since adoption, she has developed a great, fun, and sweet personality and always seeks love and attention. It has been amazing to see the change In her and her confidence grow, she is a great addition to our family and is extremely loving to her sister border collie, we would definitely recommend anyone looking for a pet to choose adoption over visiting puppy farms, it is a great feeling knowing that you are proving a better life for a dog that hasn’t had the best start’ – Patrick Green and Jorden Parton

ADOPTION IS BEST

To end this continuous cycle of mistreatment, people can choose more ethical methods such as adoption which helps prevent dogs being euthanised due to overcrowding, limited resources and ill health as shelters often are unable to provide adequate healthcare or treatment due to a lack of funds. Sadly, by being kept in shelters, some animals have a tendency to display characteristics of aggression, nervousness and depression. However, with love, affection and adoption these behaviours can all be reversed, not only will you be providing a safe and loving environment for an animal but you will be investing in their future and improving their quality of life.

Adoption also helps the shelters and other animals who need urgent care, as it will solve the overcrowding issue and offers relief to their resources which can then be used on an animal that may need a little extra time to come out of their shell and find a forever home.

Another reason to consider adoption, is because it may be better for your bank balance, it is notoriously well known that if you were to purchase a new pup, it could cost you on average between £1000 – £2000 (dependant on the breed of dog), this is excluding any additional vet bills or visits that may occur. By offering a new home to an older or any animal in need, you will be saving yourself a lot of money, for example, here at Saving Strays Animal Rescue and other shelters, they ensure that animals are fully checked by the vets, are spayed, and aid fosterers by supplying them with donated food.

YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS

There’s a misconception surrounding the idea that you can only find older dogs at rescue centres when there are puppies found in shelters all over the UK. There are various shelters all over the UK, with a variety of ages to suit each owner depending on your different situations and lifestyles.

There is a myth that you cannot teach an ‘old dog new tricks’ and it is easier to train new pups, this is simply not true, each animal comes with its own challenges whether that is toilet training, aggressive behaviour or unwanted barking. All animals need time, patience, and a firm authoritative leader to correct any behaviour. By providing a safe environment, plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, any dog of any age will strive.

This can also be beneficial for those that are looking to engage with more active lifestyle and offers health gains such as burning calories, weight loss, reduce blood sugar and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases i.e. coronary heart disease by 19% – if you choose to invest in any animal, you can also help reduce anxiety, depression, and other negative moods. 

By adopting just one animal, you can save the life of two, stop the cruelty in puppy farms, prevent unnecessary deaths, and help shelters by reducing their resources. Help older and unwanted dogs feel loved and youthful, and the change you can see within them is a great reward. You can support Saving Strays Animal Rescue today by looking at the wonderful animals that we have currently looking for a forever home HERE.

The post Chose Adoption; Chose the Ethical Option appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.