Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter Announces ‘Draw on the Door’ Van Art Winner from a Local School

Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter is delighted to announce the arrival of generously donated new van, that has been designed with animal adoption inspired artwork from a ‘Draw on the Door’ competition involving local schools.

The winning design, created by Carlie Lam of West Jesmond Primary School, was beautifully created in-kind by Carmeleon Concepts, a specialist vehicle graphics, wrapping & branding company based in South Shields.

“The addition of this van, graced with Carlie’s inspiring artwork, marks a significant step forward in our mission,” said Iain Riddell, Fundraising & Marketing Manager at Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter. “We are extremely thankful to Wilson Barrett for this hugely generous donation, Carmeleon Concepts for their in-kind service, and of course, the talented Carlie Lam for their artistry. This van is not just a vehicle for us, it’s a symbol of community spirit and a love of local animals.

Iain continues, “The van will be pivotal in transporting our animals for veterinary care and collecting food donations, embodying the essence of our transformative work and the journey of our animals, much like Axel.”

The van is a lifeline for animals in the North East and plays a crucial role in animal care, exemplified by Axel, a precious Cane Corso cross puppy who was overwhelmed by fear and lacking socialisation on arrival to the Shelter.

His journey was not easy, he would timidly growl out of fear, unsure of the world around him. But with trips to the vet for health checks, vaccinations and neutering as well as support from our dedicated animal care team, Axel was ready to be rehomed.

Thanks to the dedication of his foster family and the power of love, Axel transformed into a much-loved pet full of joy and confidence.

Yet, his journey faced a significant challenge early on. Before he even turned a year old, Axel underwent surgery for a blockage after swallowing part of one of his toys he had chewed up. This event served as a poignant reminder of the importance of pet insurance and diligent supervision of pets in a new home environment.

However, despite this hurdle, Axel’s spirit remains unbroken. Today, he stands tall atop Mount Snowdon, a testament to resilience and perseverance.

Iain adds. “Axel’s journey from surgery to adoption is a testament to the love and dedication we put into every animal’s care. Our new van will help us continue this work, ensuring animals receive the necessary care they need to grow, and Carlie’s artwork serves as a reminder to the community on the importance of this work.”

Mr Ward, Headteacher said, “We’re delighted that Carlie has been chosen as the winner of the Draw on the Door competition. Carlie is not only a gifted student but is an animal lover, with three cats at home. We’re thrilled that her creative talents have been recognised and will be seen in the community on important visits from the Shelter.

“West Jesmond Primary School prides itself on enabling children to follow their own interests and allow them to showcase their talents to a wider audience. We’re really proud of Carlie and this excellent artistic achievement.”

Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across the North East. The Shelter relies on community support and donations for its operations, which exceed £1.25m per year with no statutory Government Funding.

For more information about Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, visit www.dogandcatshelter.com.