Contingency Fund - Sheltie Rescue

 

WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE – to provide the Club with the ability to respond to the needs of Shelties when the unexpected arises. WHAT DOES IT COVER – in the majority of instances, the Fund is used to help in looking after the Shelties of members who are temporarily incapacitated or to rehome Shelties left by members who have passed away. However, it would be impossible to define ‘the unexpected’ and decisions on what situation qualifies for help and what does not is in the hands of the ESSC committee. The use of the word ‘contingency’ in the title is intended to convey the message that the Fund is more than just a mechanism to help rescue unwanted Shelties.
Sandy – rehomed 2005
HOW DOES IT WORK – the Fund has a national co-ordinator, Mrs Betty Peach, who calls upon the services of a team of some twelve volunteers located around the country. Requests for help should be directed in the first instance to Mrs Peach who will decide on the most appropriate course of action. Only in very exceptional circumstances does the Fund offer its assistance (e.g. if the well-being of a significant number of Shelties is in jeopardy) – it is normally the member who must make the first contact. THE HISTORY OF THE FUND – Miss Mary Davis identified the need for the Fund in 1969 partly because a well-known elderly breeder who owned several bitches passed away without making any provision for them. The Club deposited an initial £10 into a separate bank account for the Fund and to this day the Fund’s finances are kept completely separate from those of the Club. The Fund’s bank balance has grown steadily over the years for several reasons a)     Many fund raising events have been held by supportive members b)     Donations are received from time to time c)      Legacies are received from the estates of members who have passed away d)     Many members assist the Fund as a service to their fellow members and do not seek re-imbursement The 1975 and 1995 Club Handbooks both carry articles seeking to clarify how the Fund works. SOME STATISTICS –     2010 2009 2008             Number of dogs rehomed 25 28 32   Helpers’ mileage 796 505 1,512   Helpers’ mileage costs £215 £136 £408   Boarding fees £322 £216 £619   Veterinary fees £546 £1,132 £2479   Bequests £5,200 £30,439 £500   Donations £1,332 £1,711 £5,314
Meg – rehomed 2009
SOME GUIDELINES – 1.      Confidentiality - the Club is aware that those who seek the help of the Fund are unlikely to wish for their application to be made public. Indeed, the desire not to be seen to be seeking help financially and/or the risk of disclosure, are probably the two main reasons why the Fund has not been asked to re-imburse more members over the years and hence why funds have increased. Whilst so doing may cause some members to accuse the Club of secrecy, the Club does endeavour to deal with all requests for help in strictest confidence. 2.      Rehoming – the Fund does all in its power to ensure that the Sheltie involved gets the best start. This means checking the suitability of the new home, possibly boostering/neutering/micro-chipping/medical treatment of the dog before it is rehomed. To avoid subsequent complications, it is necessary for the Fund to ensure that ownership of the dog being rehomed is not left with the original owner. Ownership of all dogs rehomed by the Fund remains with the Fund and registration papers are not passed to the new owner. There have been cases where an owner is suffering from mental illness and changes his/her wishes day by day whilst a close relative with power of attorney has given permission for the dog to be rehomed – the Fund does not wish to spend members’ money defending itself in a court of law. However, the team will, if requested, seek information/photographs from the new owner of the dog and pass these on to the original owner or his/her representative. 3.      Temporary incapacity – this is not the same as rehoming and there is no question of signing dogs over in this situation. 4.      Private rehoming – if it is possible, the Fund will assist members looking to rehome a Sheltie by providing names of people waiting to give a Sheltie a home. This may lead to a private rehoming arrangement but, since none of the services associated with a formal rehoming take place, this can potentially end in discontent for both parties e.g. one party changing its mind, disagreement about terms and conditions. 5.      Purchase to rehome – the Fund will not purchase dogs from members or third parties since such action would inevitably create an ongoing opportunity for the unscrupulous. 6.      What the Fund is not – the Contingency Fund is NOT a substitute for canine insurance.
Lucy & Misty – rehomed 2000	Sammy & Amy – rehomed 2004
In conclusion, the Contingency Fund was set up to help and it will do just that if, in the opinion of the Committee, the request for help is genuine and deserving. The form and level which the help takes must also be decided by the Committee.
Should you unexpectedly find yourself in difficulties or feel you could offer a home to an older Sheltie, please contact the national organiser who is: Mrs Betty Peach, Bank End Cottage, Gosberton, Spalding, PE11 4NU t: +44 (0)1775 840800 e: sheltiepeach@aol.com
Should you wish to make a donation to the ESSC Contingency Fund by PayPal please click here. Donations by cash, cheque or credit card can be made by contacting the Treasurer: Mrs Marion Withers, Rose Cottage, The Green, Bures St Mary, CO8 5JU t: +44 (0) 1787 227414 e: marionwithers@dsl.pipex.com