For the many pet
owners in and around Groningen a missing cat, dog, or even rabbit can be quite
a worry. Searching, putting up flyers and patiently waiting doesn’t often end
with the return of that soft, faithful friend. There is another option,
however, and that is to ring the Dierenambulance (Animal Ambulance).
Your
animal may well have been picked up, if reported as a stray in some other
neighbourhood, alternatively you can file a missing animal report with them.
They take great care to include as many details as possible about the animal,
where and when it was last seen, as well as any photographs you can supply them
with for easier identification. When your pet reappears you will be informed by
phone. In the sad case that the animal is not alive you will be called in to
identify your pet and be given time to say goodbye, in a room specially set
aside for that purpose. After that you will be helped with arrangements for
burial or cremation.
In
the case that the Animal Ambulance picks up an animal that has been hit by a
car and its wounds are of a particularly serious nature, it will be immediately
taken to the nearest vet.
Apart
from domestic animals the Animal Ambulance also picks up and helps any other
injured wild animals as well. In the case of birds, they are taken directly to
Het Hemelrijk, a bird sanctuary on the edge of Groningen, where they are looked
after until healthy enough to fend for themselves again.
The
Vereniging Dierenambulance Groningen (The Association Animal Ambulance) was set
up in 1979 with the idea of helping sick and wounded animals. It is open 7 days
a week, 24 hours a day. The employees (numbering 50 in total) are mainly
volunteers with a love for animals and who are prepared to give 20 hours a week
of their time to helping animals. Before beginning each volunteer goes through
an intensive training and takes a First Aid course for animals in order to be
able to give immediate on site relief when necessary
The
Animal Ambulance’s website: Dierenambulance (in Dutch) has information
about the work they do, lost and found animals, and first aid solutions. Take a
look at their promotion to get more of an idea. film
For funding the
Animal Ambulance rely on subsidies from the Council of Groningen, but also
receive help from the private sector (for example Century Auto Groep, and the
ABN Amro). Otherwise, they receive annual donations from individuals as well as
charitable donations from groups and schools.
So,
if you are looking for a worthwhile cause to support. The Animal Ambulance is a
good choice. More info here
© Alison Day
First published in
the Connections magazine #13
Autumn 2006
