Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre manager Susan Tonner celebrates her 25th year working for the UK’s largest animal welfare charity this month. In that time, Susan has helped secure forever homes for more than 13,000 dogs in and around West Lothian – and sometimes, even further afield.
Susan has ‘led the pack’ at the Bentyhead Rehoming Centre team since 1995, in her role as Centre Manager. Having worked in animal welfare most of her life, Susan’s love for dogs started when she adopted her first rescue dog, a Border Collie named Shep from a local rescue in Edinburgh. Over the years Susan has adopted 17 rescue dogs, most from the West Calder centre, with older canine residents holding a special place in her heart.
Susan said: “I can’t believe it has been 25 years, it feels like yesterday when I first started at the centre; but although it might not feel that long, things have changed a lot in that time.
“When I first started there were three main kennels; we were taking in 250 puppies a year and up to 700 at its peak and that’s when we added a purpose-built puppy unit. There has been a constant look at improving and providing the best facilities for dogs, and that is what I love about my job.
“To look back and see everything you’ve achieved really the best thing about working for Dogs Trust – they always put the dog first.”
When thinking about her fondest memories over the last 25 years, Susan said: “You remember all the emotional things, but mostly it’s all been happy. I always come back to thinking about a pregnant Cavalier called Lou. When she gave birth I ended up having to catch the first puppy, as she was walking and that sort of set up the whole birth from there.
“Lou was lying on her back throughout, while we did all the work for her. She was a lovely dog but was slightly put out by the puppies getting so much attention, that she wanted for herself, and I liked that about her.
“The best part of my job is always being able to find any and every dog its forever home. It’s lovely to help the dogs but also very rewarding to help people who may have to part with their beloved pet and make them feel reassured that we will love and care for their dog like they would.
“It’s important that people feel they can bring their pet to us in their time of need and know we will care and do our utmost for their dog.”
As part of her 25th anniversary celebration, MSP for West Lothian, Angela Constance, has lodged a motion with Scottish Parliament to recognise Susan’s contribution and commitment to dog welfare in the local community; and to thank her for her continued good work especially at this challenging time.
Angela Constance said: “Dogs Trust at West Calder is well known and highly regarded locally; and this is in large part due to the contribution made by Susan.
“I want to both congratulate and commend Susan for her 25 years of outstanding service to the welfare of animals and of course to the wider West Lothian community; and as her colleagues will testify, she still has a lot more to give.”
To find out more about how you can support Dogs Trust, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk
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