Canine rescue home gets makeover

26 February 2002

The Mayhew Animal Home in London has opened a new centre for abandoned and neglected dogs

It’s not every day that a homeless hound in London finds itself free to roam in a specially designed Feng Shui garden, complete with fountain and Japanese stepping stones.

But that what rescue dogs will find if they get taken on by the Kensal Green-based charity centre, the Mayhew Animal Home.

The recently refurbished Mayhew Animal Home in North London which was opened by TV vet, Steve Leonard, also has kennels, specially designed by an interior designer from the Swedish furniture firm, IKEA.

The kennels are the brainchild of animal care manager, HelenBetts, who says a rescue animal should be given the best possible environment while it waits for a home of its own.

“This has been made possible by a very generous legacy left to the home,” she explains.

“Now the dogs will be considerably less stressed and prospective adopters will meet the dogs in a far more comfortable setting, which can only lead to faster rehoming.

The custom-made kennel units are equipped with TVs, showers, carpeting and inter-connecting doors – for more friendly dogs to socialise with one another.

And to create a more “homely” environment, there are animal pictures on the walls, aromatherapy oils burning and an abundance of toys on offer.

The whole project cost £120,000, but development officer, Nicky Austin says they managed to keep the cost down because they didn’t use outside architects and many of the furnishings were donated.

To adopt an animal from the Mayhew Animal Home contact (tel: 020 8969 0178) or forfund-raising (tel: 020 8969 1313).

• Click here to read about the National Canine Defence League’s scheme to rehome stray dogs.