Week 27 - Walk the dogs in Madra

This one was a lonnnnnng time in the making. I'd spoken to the amazing photographer/designer/blogger and pure sound Galway head Saibh Egan about going out and walking the dogs in Madra (I'll explain) for an eternity. Eventually we did it and I ticked off another of my 52 cards, albeit around 73 years late.

Madra are an amazing non-profit organisation and group of people that try and find deserving and welcoming homes for dogs that were abandoned, neglected or even abused. Some have even been left tied to Madra's gate on Christmas Day as little furry 'unwanted presents' are left wondering what the hell they did wrong. As a dog owner (and a human being) this is a disgrace.

All dogs that arrive at the shelter in Camus, Connemara, are assessed and treated by a vet. They are vaccinated, wormed, flea treated, neutered and micro-chipped. All of the dogs at Madra are also temperament tested.

As well as chilling in their insulated kennels, each dog is brought out for a walk on a lead 4 times a day. It was to help with the walking that Saibh and I made our way out into the beautiful wilds of Connemara. The wind and rain tried its best to put us off (and nearly did at one point!) but we battled on and made it to Camus. Although Saibh has worked with Madra for years, I'd never been. The setup out there is incredible. Each and every dog has their own kennel space or at the very most is sharing with another other dog of a similar personality.

We each walked a number of dogs of various sizes including Odie, the happiest, smiliest Labrador in the universe! (Reminded me of that dog from Up! a lot.)

"Squirrel!!!..."

It confirmed to me that I love big dogs and not the yappy little terrier type mutts! As an owner of two big, mad and powerful Labradors, I've alway had a thing for larger dogs. Dogs don't belong in handbags, they belong at the end of a lead pulling your arm off!!

Madra are always interested in having people out to visit and help them walk the dogs. Even more so,  they're looking for people to adopt a dog and give them a new loving home. Whether you want to help out by walking some pooches or are interested in getting a dog, then contact Madra on 086 814 9026 or email madradogrescue@gmail.com

As you can see from the photos we had a blast walking dogs of all sizes in the wind and the rain. It's important that these beautiful, friendly, loving dogs get their walks but it's more important that they get a home.

If you want to donate to Madra and help them with their mission, log on to www.madra.ie and click on the donate button.