web counter

DIANA BRIMBLECOMBE ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE

'DBARC FUN DAY'

The DIANA BRIMBLECOMBE ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE formerly the Animal Rescue Group, Wokingham, was founded over 40 years ago. For a large part of that time animals rescued by the Charity were kept at the home of Mrs Brimblecombe, who was awarded the MBE in 2001 for services to Animal Rescue.
Whilst the staff and supporters of the Charity have done a magnificent job over the years, helping thousands of unwanted, stray and neglected animals, the operational aspect of the rescue has been continually expanding throughout this time, and it became clear that it could no longer function in the cramped and difficult conditions of Mrs. Brimblecombe's back garden!
It is almost impossible to raise the funds necessary to keep the Rescue even ticking over, but some incredibly generous legacies enabled the charity to seek a permanent, independent site for a properly equipped Rescue Centre where our animals could receive the best of care, and at last in May 2003 we relocated to Hurst, where our animals are accommodated in specially adapted and purpose-built accommodation on a 14 acre site.
This includes:-

• Block of 14 spacious dog kennels, with covered outside runs.
• Three dog-walking paddocks, one with footpath for walkers in bad weather, the other two for 'off lead' exercise and games.
• New cattery blocks built of modern fibreglass, all individually heated with 2 separate heaters per pen, as well as a light in each unit. This is completely undercover, so will keep our cats warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.
• Separate isolation wards for cats and dogs, which are situated in our main block so we can keep a close eye on any sick animals.
• A lovely whelping area, so we can accommodate a bitch and her puppies should the need arise.
• Spacious aviaries, with wind protection on the sides to keep them comfortable.
• Large area for our ducks and chickens, with a large new poultry house and a wonderful new duck-pond
• Large paddock for our pigs and goats. The goats have had a climbing frame specially built for them, so they can keep a better watch on what goes on, and quickly see when their meals are coming!
• An amazing, purpose built ferret complex, incorporating a communal play area where the ferrets can come out of their cages and play with their ferret activity equipment.
• We firmly believe that rabbits should NOT live their lives in solitary confinement in cramped hutches, which is so often the fate of pet rabbits. Due in large part to the generous sponsorship of a supporter, we now have a massive bunny care complex designed and built to our own specifications where our rabbits can enjoy active lives and social interaction. We would so love to construct something equally fantastic for guinea pigs when funds permit. Our guinea pigs are loved and pampered, but would so benefit from more space and more imaginative housing
• Our small mammals now have a nice quiet room to themselves. We have plenty of spacious activity cages for them until they find new homes.

All the animals at DBARC are cared for by a dedicated team of staff, including both paid and voluntary team members, working under the guidance of our gifted and dedicated Manager who is an experienced and highly qualified Veterinary Nurse. Working in an Animal Rescue is demanding, and can be hard and upsetting at times, but is also tremendously rewarding and satisfying, as it is a real chance to make a difference. Although we only rarely have paid vacancies, we are always glad to welcome new volunteers, so if you feel able to help us in any way, please feel free to e-mail us to find out more.
There are always animals to clean, feed and care for, and maybe just to be cuddled and made to feel special. There is ongoing maintenance and improvements to be made to the Centre itself. We are also desperate to expand our fund-raising activity, and there are endless administrative tasks too, so whatever you feel you can offer to help the animals, we would love to hear from you!
DBARC is a fantastic facility for the care of animals. It has grown into this due to the inspiration of Mrs Brimblecombe and due to the hard work, generosity and dedication of so very many people over the years. We would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYBODY who has been involved in any way, be it large or small. On behalf of the animals, we are extremely grateful. We also know we have tremendous potential to continue to grow, and the need for animal welfare and rescue is most certainly growing, so your ongoing support is vital. If you would like further information on the work of the Charity or would like to be involved in any way, please feel free to e-mail us on mail@dbarc.org.uk to arrange a visit.

web counter