We are thrilled to announce that Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter has been awarded a generous grant of £3,150 from Waggel as part of their ‘Second Chance’ initiative. This funding will play a crucial role in providing care, rehabilitation, and the second chance at life that so many animals deserve through veterinary care.

The ‘Second Chance’ grant was designed to support animal shelters like ours in their mission to offer neglected and vulnerable pets the opportunity to find loving homes. With this grant, we can continue our commitment to rescue, nurture, and rehabilitate animals in need, providing them with the care and resources required to rebuild their lives.

Anjuli Hakin, Head of Animal Care, expressed her gratitude for the grant, stating, “This funding from Waggel is invaluable in our efforts to provide comprehensive behavioural training for our animals. Many of the pets we rescue have faced significant trauma and require specialised training to help them adjust and thrive in new, loving homes.”

Anjuli continues, “Pet insurance is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership, ensuring that our beloved companions receive the care they need without financial burden. By creating initiatives like Waggel’s ‘Second Chance’ grant, insurance companies play a vital role in giving back to the community and fostering the wellbeing of pets everywhere.”

Nana Appiah, Partnerships Manager at Waggel, shared their perspective on the initiative, stating, “At Waggel, we firmly believe in giving back to the community and supporting shelters like Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter. Our ‘Second Chance’ grant is a testament to our commitment to making a positive impact. We also encourage pet owners to think responsibly about insurance, as it not only safeguards the wellbeing of their pets but also ensures that they can provide the best care possible in times of need.”

Funding from Waggel will directly contribute to improving the wellbeing of animals under our care, like Goliath. When Goliath first came to Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, it was clear he had been through a harrowing ordeal. Abandoned in an empty property after the tenants moved out, this ten-week-old dachshund was found alone and scared, having survived a week and a half with no one to care for him. In a severe state, Goliath’s skin was so badly infected that vets initially feared he was suffering from mange or ringworm. To ensure his safety and the safety of others, Goliath was placed in isolation while our dedicated team, dressed in specialist PPE, worked tirelessly to assess and treat his condition. Despite the challenges, Goliath remained gentle and trusting, his big brown eyes telling us he was ready to be loved again.

Thankfully, after thorough vet checks, Goliath was cleared of any contagious conditions. With a tailored treatment plan in place, he was placed with a foster family where he could start to heal—not just physically, but emotionally too. Surrounded by care and companionship, Goliath began to flourish. He started to socialise with other animals and rediscover his playful, affectionate nature.

This December, Goliath’s story reached its happy conclusion. He found his forever family just in time for Christmas, trading loneliness for a warm, loving home filled with festive cheer. Goliath’s story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the importance of funding like Waggel’s to give them a second chance at a happy life.

Find out more about Waggel’s Second Chance Grant programme at https://www.waggel.co.uk/second-chance-grant.

Or alternatively for more information about Waggel please visit https://www.waggel.co.uk/