This is a hard review to read. But rescue is hard, and it's not pretty. You are absolutely right that the main kennel block needs some investment; we know it's dated and needs a revamp. We have set aside funds for this investment but the logistics of changing the flooring for example would require us to have empty kennels for a prolonged period and with the pounds bursting at the seams and a huge list of dogs waiting for a space in our kennels, for now we have to put the needs of homeless dogs ahead of aesthetics. This does not affect the care that the dogs get, quite the opposite in fact as our team of staff and volunteers are fully focused on looking after all the dogs in our care and keeping the facilities clean and safe. The donated sheets and blankets hanging on individual kennel doors ensure each dog has privacy and are not overlooked by other dogs or people. They might not be fancy, expensive screens but they achieve what is needed for now. Happily the dogs get to spend plenty of time enjoying the other areas of our facility like the sensory garden, the big pen, the real-life room as well as twice daily walks in the Connemara countryside and on nearby beaches.
There are toys, interactive feeders, destruction boxes and licky mats available to the dogs all the time so we would certainly like to understand how it was that you didn't see these. Unfortunately it appears that your visit took place over a year ago, so it's difficult to investigate this element of your feedback to see if there was a glitch somewhere that day. It also seems that your visit was limited to just the main block so I'd like to personally invite you to visit us at the kennels for a complete tour of the facilities and a more in-depth view of the work we do. Please email info@madra.ie and we'll be happy to arrange this. Best wishes, Marina Fiddler, Co-founder and Chairperson.
