Highland animal aid shelter thanks supporters for getting it through 'terrible year'; Cat situation 'was something else' in 2020 but improvements on horizon for 2021
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THE operators of a Highland animal shelter have paid tribute to the supporters who have helped them get through "a terrible year".
Munlochy Animal Aid stalwart Iona Nicol said she is looking forward to "a better and brighter new year".
She said dogs came and went during the year but that cat situation "was something else".
She said: "I have never had so many feral cats/kittens coming in from all over Highland area. Any domestic cats were homed quickly but with the wild spitfires they are probably with us for life. Our cat enclosures which were badly damaged during one of these gales are having a fantastic make-over and we are extending them out a bit so more space for climbing frames.
"Their indoor space has been transformed and this was needed for years so I am delighted to see it looking so good. As always I have to say that it is the support we get from yourselves that lets it happen and I am so grateful to you all.
"Animals like wee Monty, a very feisty little chap but he is doing well and will be going to his new home soon. Maggie the feral kitten from Beauly, was just a bundle of hissing fur when she came in and is now a very affectionate puss but still doesn’t like to be picked up."
She paid warm thanks to Rhona and Jimmy from Bella's Bargains who raised £15,000 during 2020, taking the fundraising total in three years to around £42,000.
She said: "That is absolutely amazing and we are so very grateful to them, they work really hard at this for Munlochy rescue animals. Obviously it takes a lot of people to donate all the goodies that they sell and a lot of folk buying them. Thank you all."
Businesses that have helped include Fettes Sawmill, Macleod Roofing and MacGregor Industrial Supplies.
She also thanked regular supporters including Yvonne, the organiser of an online dog show and raffle which raised £8500 – "a very welcome boost to the coffers".
She added: "We have had some gorgeous animals in this year and thankfully most of them have gone out to lovely homes. The few dogs that we have are going to be with us for a wee while longer but hopefully the latest restrictions won’t be in place too long and we will be able to move them on soon."
Mrs Nicol also thanked Anna Thorburn from Tropic Skin Care for donating her £200 commission for December to the shelter and Munlochy-based jeweller Eileen Gatt who ran a raffle and raised £520 for the shelter and Munlochy Primary School.
She went on: "Thanks to all who helped us this year. I really hope you have a brilliant New Year and that this Covid disappears and maybe things will get back to somewhere near normal."
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