Leo needs an urgent foster place or a home. He's only got 3 legs and a slippery cencrete kennel is no place for a disabled dog

Doris Banham was a dedicated animal lover throughout her life who sadly died in November 2001. The following year in June 2002 her daughter, Trudie James, decided to honour her life

and dedication to animals by establishing The Doris Banham Sanctuary.

The charity was set up to help all animals, but as we became increasingly aware of the heart breaking needless destruction of unclaimed dogs in dog pounds, we vowed to help them and the charity has developed to provide an essential life saving rescue service for these forgotten dogs.

We are a non-profit organisation and rely totally on fundraising and donations to save these animals.

Today is the death day of nobody’s dog

Nothing will mark it but a note in the log

I’m faceless and nameless and no tears will fall

For I know in your world I have no worth at all

To you, my sweet someone, I’m a friend and a dear

We ran the wind daily and you held me so near

But the gate was left open – I chanced a walk on my own

I’d have cowered in fear if only I’d known

I know how you cried on the night that I strayed

I know how you searched, I know how you prayed

But I went to a pound far far from our home

Where I crouched in despair in my kennel alone

I know that you phoned for I heard your dear voice

And I hoped you would hear me so I barked myself hoarse

Although I’m a Lab cross with stockings all white

On their form I’m a Staff cross – the description’s not right

So they said I’m not here and I sank to my bed

My kennel cough’s worse and I can’t raise my head

The rescue came yesterday but they hadn’t a place

For an un-neutered cross breed with his mucus-streaked face

If only you’d come to search for me here

You would have known me at once, you would have sensed I was near

You would have sorted my ills, you would have carried me home

And I promise our God no more would I roam

Now my eyes plead for mercy for my seven days are done

And I am waiting with dread for the final vet run

No arms will caress me as they inject me to death

No words will comfort me as I take my last breath

When the body man comes, it is fitting I’m found

In a bin bag in the freezer in the depths of the pound

Thrown away like the rubbish - no respect and no shame

Denied even the time to find you again

My loyalty and devotion they did cruelly betray

Without microchip or nametag, I am just a dispensable stray

Once waggy-tailed, once proud, beloved and free

Oh Dad look with pain at what mankind’s done to me!

Anna pretty much sums up the work we do at Doris Banham. She was in the pound in agony- no other rescue wanted to know. We couldn't let her die just for the sake of £600. Please click on here pictures to read her story. We hope you can afford a few pound towards her medical bill,

If this poem touched your heart please pay £2 or more to help our rescue dogs,

PLEASE click on the donate button. THANK YOU

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