Shelter Struggles to Endure Amidst Challenges for Incapacitated Canines - Struggling Paralyzed Canines Fight for Life at Gnadenhof Shelter
Animal Shelter for Disabled Dogs Battles to Stay Afloat
Saskia Wicke, a resident of Lüneburger, cares for a multitude of disabled dogs around the clock at her home, which houses seven canine residents, three of whom have mobility issues. "I am here for them 24/7. This isn't work; it's my passion," Wicke asserts. Five years ago, she relocated to the grounds of the animal shelter "De Hun'nenhoff" in Schneverdingen, Lüneburger Heath, with her children, and has since assumed management of the farm.
The 39-year-old plans to complete her training as a physiotherapist and later become a veterinary physiotherapist. Currently, the five-hectare farm is home to 86 dogs, 3 horses, 12 cats, 11 sheep, and various poultry, ensuring an unending symphony of sounds. Some partially disabled dogs utilize wheelchairs for mobility, while the farm offers physiotherapy, electrotherapy, and laser therapy to all its inhabitants. Some accommodations even boast floor heating and air conditioning, and an underwater treadmill is part of the therapy arsenal.
The "De Hun'nenhoff" foundation has received numerous accolades, the most recent being recognition for their walking group composed of up to 45 volunteers who take daily shifts on the rounds. Despite the tireless efforts of these volunteers, the farm continues to face financial struggles. "We're in a difficult position, and everything is getting more costly - vet bills, food, energy," Wicke laments. "How are we to cover these costs now?"
Staff expenses amount to approximately 50,000 euros per month. As traditional funding sources for animal welfare are sparse, the farm depends on a Facebook flea market and support association for income. Recycling, membership in the association costs 50 euros per year, and the farm is one of the few dog pensions that accommodates disabled dogs during holidays.
The shelter's challenging financial situation led Wicke to downsize her staff, recently letting go of some mini-jobbers. Whether there's hope for survival hinges on continued support and fundraising efforts.
For more information about De Hun'nenhoff, visitors can explore the shelter's website or social media profiles, contact them directly, or look for local news coverage. Animal welfare organizations may also have useful information about the shelter's efforts. Potential volunteers or donors may find fundraising campaigns or donation drives on the shelter's platforms, which often highlight specific challenges they are facing. Joining online forums or local community groups can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
- The Animal Shelter for Disabled Dogs, De Hun'nenhoff, strives to provide top-notch therapeutic care for its residents, implementing various treatments such as physiotherapy, electrotherapy, laser therapy, and even offering modern facilities with features like floor heating and air conditioning.
- Driven by her passion for health-and-wellness and her pursuit to become a veterinary physiotherapist, Saskia Wicke employs science-based methods in the management of De Hun'nenhoff, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment where pets can recover and maintain their quality of life.
- Unfortunately, De Hun'nenhoff faces financial challenges in maintaining its high-quality policies for the care of disabled dogs, including the costs associated with vet bills, food, and energy, thus relying on support from community members, donations, and fundraising initiatives to sustain its operations and keep its services accessible to all pets in need.
