Plea for tradespeople to help RSPCA create dog sensory garden 

The RSPCA is appealing for help from builders and tradespeople to help with the next phase of their special dog sensory garden project.

The new dog sensory garden is being created at the RSPCA Central Suffolk branch’s Martlesham Animal Centre.

The garden will enrich the lives of rescue dogs in their care and provide a calm, safe space for behaviour training sessions.

But, to create the new space, the branch is asking for donations of specific building materials and items as well as hoping local builders or tradespeople could help with some parts of the project –  such as creating a small patio and paths which will use a variety of stones and textures for the dogs.

They are also appealing for help regarding some larger parts of the project such as a decking area, a shelter with a roof, a garden bridge and concrete tunnel  – the items do not need to be new and could be good quality seconds or ex display models.

The branch has been holding an array of fundraising events throughout the year in support of the project – and as they move into the development phase they are asking the local community for help.

Zoe Barrett, the centre manager, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community in helping raise the funds for this garden. But now we hope that some local businesses, tradespeople and builders might be able to help us with the next phase.

“We really need help with some of the building elements to the garden such as laying a small patio and creating paths and help regarding some larger parts of the project such as a decking area, a shelter with a roof, a garden bridge and concrete tunnel.

“We also have a wishlist on Amazon with lots of the materials we need for this exciting project. We are of course happy to use second hand or ex demo/display stock so any help from local businesses or individuals would just be incredible.

“The new dog sensory garden will help us prepare our dogs for their new homes as quickly and effectively as possible, while giving them the best quality of life during their stay. But it is costing around £20,000 to create.

“Last year we took in 42 dogs rescued from abuse, neglect or taken in from owners who could no longer care for them due to financial constraints or behavioural difficulties. That’s nearly one every week.

“Not only have we seen a steep rise in the number of dogs arriving with complex behavioural needs, but dogs are also spending longer in our care – the average stay nearly doubled to 129 days in 2023, and the cost of living crisis means fewer families are taking on a new pet.

“This sensory garden will be a vital part of the rehabilitation of the dogs in our care and we really hope the local community will get behind us.”

It is hoped the sensory garden will allow the branch to help even more dogs in the local community – by getting those in the centre’s care available for rehoming more quickly.

She added: “The Dog Sensory Garden will provide a safe and calm environment, separated from our exercise field, that will allow dogs the ideal space to relax out of their kennel, enjoy different smells and a slower pace while undergoing important training and rehabilitation.

“We hope that by providing this wonderful space they will be ready for rehoming sooner, allowing us to help more dogs in need across Suffolk.”

Anyone who would like to find out more regarding sponsorship opportunities email lorna.goodwin@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk