MOST of us have had to get up in the early hours of the morning for one reason or another – but, in Karen Phelan’s case, she has a very important job to do.
Karen sets her alarm at two-hour intervals throughout the night to check on puppies in the care of Dogs Trust Manchester’s rehoming centre in Denton and feed them.
She loves her sleep but doesn’t mind missing out if it benefits the pups.
“Sometimes we have litters born at the centre, sometimes pups come in just a day or so old, so it’s really important that we step in and help care for them,” said Karen, who has worked at the charity for two years.
“Sometimes they may be with their mum, but they often need some help to feed so we bottle feed them, and that’s why the alarm gets set, but I really don’t mind.”
Karen has cared for more than 60 puppies so far – including Lurcher Crosses, Poodle Crosses, Chongqing pups which is a Chinese mastiff breed, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
She says it’s an absolute privilege to care for them and fun too.
“Trying to keep track of which puppies in a litter of twelve have been fed at three o’clock in the morning gets increasingly difficult once they find their paws and are climbing all over you, but I’m certainly not complaining.
“As well as feeding them it’s really important that the puppies learn how to play, get used to being handled, have positive experiences going to the vet and basically getting them ready to meet their new owners. It’s wonderful to see them head off in the arms of their excited new families, knowing we have helped them have the best possible start to life.”
Dogs Trust Manchester cares for around 80 dogs of all ages every day of the year at its Denton rehoming centre – each one needs walks, play time, training, meals and sometimes medication and vet visits.
People can find out more about the dogs waiting for their forever homes by visiting www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester