We thought you might like to know a little more about our team during the current lock down due to Covid-19. Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager has asked a number of questions and to start off we meet Anna Paint the GSPCA Senior Animal Care Assistant who heads up the cattery and has worked at the GSPCA since October 2002
Steve Byrne asks “Why did you want to work for the GSPCA?”
Anna Paint “I started off as a volunteer about 19 years ago, then a job came up to cover two days in Boarding cats and floating in the other departments. I have grown up with a variety of animals dogs, cats, horses etc and am passionate about animals and their welfare. It was a chance to work with a professional body of like minded individuals and I’m still here nearly 19 years later.”
Steve “What is your favourite part of working for the GSPCA?”
Anna “I think my favourite part is seeing the cats off to their new forever homes, no matter how many cats you care for over the years this part of the job is always wonderful, there is always a home for every cat but sometimes it can take time to find the right home.”
Steve "What would you like to see at the GSPCA if you had a magic wand?”
Anna “Crumbs that’s a hard one, I would love to see a never ending pot of gold at the end of the stay safe rainbow to help the GSPCA fund many of it’s projects, like building the new wildlife hospital.”
Steve “What has been the most challenging thing you would say with the social distancing requirements due to Covid-19?”
Anna “Having to adapt quickly to changing the re homing process for the IFH cats, doing it all remotely following the guidelines. Also not being able to see some staff members due to restrictions put in place. Certain staff members have had to adapt quickly as their Departments had to close due to restrictions, but they have all done an amazing job in other departments. Thanks Sue for putting up with me. Also I don’t think I have ever disinfected everything so much in my life!”
Steve “What has been the happiest thing we have achieved during Covid-19?”
Anna “Still being able to find wonderful homes for a number of animals on site. Have talked to some amazing people who have re homed some of our cats during lockdown, just lovely people. Adam (now called Bob) one of our longest term residents went off to his lovely family home, miss him but so pleased and happy for him.”
Steve “What is your favourite animal currently at the GSPCA?”
Anna “Cats, cats and cats, can’t say I have a favourite as each cat has it’s own unique personality and character. I do love the more challenging cats that we get in with behavioural issues, being able to help them progress and find them the perfect home.”
Steve “Which volunteer or team member are you really missing?”
Anna “I’m really missing my Saturday volunteer gang, Sue Martel, Chrissie Robert and Cheryl Tough. They have all been volunteering for so many years and are just fantastic, would be lost without them. Am also missing other staff members/friend Yvonne Chauvel who I have known for so many years.”
Steve continues “Anna is a real star like the whole team are at the GSPCA.”
“The team have been fantastic and I am very proud of everyone working so hard through such difficult times.”
“It certainly isn’t easy for anyone and we have had to change so many practices at the GSPCA.”
“The main challenge is raising the funds as we aren’t able to run our normal events or charity shop and with only a few emergency boarders we have faced a real struggle to raise the £2,000 a day to run the Shelter so we launched our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal .”
“We have had some amazing donations towards this much needed appeal and if you would like to donate you can do so by calling 01481 257261, by post or online via our web page https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .”
“Another great way to supporting is by donating each month and to find out details please visit this web page http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”
“Without your support the GSPCA couldn’t achieve so much caring and helping over 3000 animals every year.”
"Sadly we aren't recruiting new volunteers or staff at this time, but keep an eye online for when we are and if you would like to support us then sharing our messages online or doing a fund raiser is very much appreciated."
“We will meet other GSPCA team members and let you know how they are doing very soon.”
Donations by post, please make cheques payable to 'GSPCA’ and post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if you are over 65, have an underlying health condition or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and only visit us if your visit is essential but before doing so please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to the GSPCA to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
For lots more ideas on how you can support the shelter and the animals in our care then please visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
To see a list of our volunteer induction evenings which we hold each month and for more information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on trips, talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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