Dear Friends,

Mum and I have decided that instead of doing the March 100 kilometre Dog Walking challenge for Dementia charities, we would prefer instead to try to raise £200 for this charity that is very close to our hearts. We have also decided to up the challenge slightly to see if we can walk 300 km between us in March. We appreciate that we are already into March, but we have already been walking as much as we can with our doggy friends! 300 km from where I live in Leicestershire, would get me to Calais , or to Northumberland or to Gretna Green, apparently!

Merlin's Haven Dog Rescue, a sanctuary for over 75 dogs, 25 cats, 3 pigs, 6 horses, a donkey, and 4 goats in a village near Ayia Napa, Cyprus, is facing an imminent threat. After seven years of dedicated service, they were given a heart-wrenching six-month notice to vacate their current premises, leaving over 100 animal’s lives hanging in the balance.

Why does it matter?

If Merlin's Haven closes, many animals would face possible homelessness or the grim reality of being abandoned or Captured and then euthanized. Over the years, this privately owned rescue has been a beacon of hope, rehoming more than 700 dogs that would have otherwise been left to suffer or meet an untimely end. Two of my own dogs came from Merlin’s and mum and I have actually visited the farm whilst on holiday and seen the amazing work that is done there.

The Urgent Need

Merlin's Haven has fortunately acquired a plot of land not too far away from its current location. This land holds the promise of a brighter future for countless animals, offering them the shelter, food, socialisation, kindness, and access to veterinary care . But to turn this land into a suitable premises is hugely expensive. Merlin’s now need to raise £150,000 for this to work. It has to fund the construction of warm amd homely kennel blocks which are used for pregnant mothers, litters of puppies, or dogs that are unwell or really frightened initially. The current farm also has a welcoming indoor area for dogs with beds and sofas so that the dogs become used to a home environment. This would also need to be re-created at the new location as well as foundational buildings necessary to house all of the other animals that are rescued apart from the dogs.

They plan to do the work in Four Phases:

Secure Boundaries - £40,000: Erecting a wall around the perimeter for safety and security.

Home Sweet Home - £60,000: Building dog kennels/ animal enclosures alongside top-notch cleaning facilities to ensure an hygienic and comfortable environment.

Operational Backbone - £40,000: Establishing support buildings, including an office, laundry, storage, and a kitchen to streamline our operations.

The Final Touches - £10,000 improving the space with landscaping, Toys and activities, and proper drainage to create a welcoming and functional habitat.

The timeline is tight, with a vision to reopen this sanctuary by September. Completing this project within the next 6 months means that they can provide a safe haven for the current residents and importnatly, continue to open their doors to many more animals in dire need. They currently have around 70 dogs that need rehoming!

What Makes Merlin's Haven Special?

Merlin's Haven stands out among rescues; it allows its dogs to roam free during the day, fostering a unique sense of community. They are committed to never euthanizing a healthy dog; even those with behavioural challenges receive dedicated attention and rehabilitation efforts. If finding a new home proves difficult, they ensure a lifelong sanctuary for them.

They also have an open-door policy and anyone can visit and see their work at anytime. When Mum and I visited, it was a lovely experience to see all of the dogs playing together.

The Harsh Reality in Cyprus

Cyprus, renowned for its beauty and warmth, harbours a hidden crisis. Dogs and puppies face abandonment, isolation, and death on a daily basis. Skeletal hunting dogs, discarded like rubbish, arrive regularly. While there are animal welfare laws, enforcement is minimal. Municipally picked-up dogs have a mere 15 days to find rescue, or they face euthanasia.

Why Are There So Many Homeless animals?

Irresponsible pet ownership, lack of spaying and neutering, economic challenges, abandonment, and lax legal frameworks contribute to the alarming number of homeless dogs. Animals suffer when owners fail to comprehend the long-term commitment or cannot afford the care. Uncontrolled breeding adds to the problem, and economic hardships force some owners to abandon their pets

How Can You Make a Difference?

Your donation, no matter how small, will be the lifeline for Merlin's Haven. Mum and I will keep you updated with our Walking progress! Your donations will spur us on to go. As far as we possibly can. In a few weeks we have left of this month. Thank you so much x 🐶🐕‍🦺🐾

The Merlin's Team and every animals' life you will help save.