Chance of a Lifetime

Thousands of Dogs Destroyed in Northern Ireland Each Year

Each year thousands of unwanted dogs placed in local dog pounds are destroyed.

Could you help Save the life of a Dog?

♦ £20 will save a dog from death row.

♦ £400 will save a full van load of dogs – that is up to 22 dogs and puppies – and transport them all to England.

Please Donate Now – Dogs are dying in Northern Ireland every day!

In November 2003, Assisi launched the Chance of a Lifetime programme and to date we have saved over 8,650 dogs from death row. The Chance of a Lifetime programme aims to save the lives of as many dogs as we can, which are abandoned in council pounds in Northern Ireland from death. Every week we organise the collection of dogs from council pounds and sanctuaries throughout the Province and transfer them to sanctuaries in England, where there are more opportunities for them to find new homes.

The dogs are transported in a specially designed, air conditioned ambulance bought by public donations and driven by volunteers. The Chance of a Lifetime ambulance which is fitted out with 20 kennels, makes the 800 mile round trip most weekends to Dogs Trust rehoming centres at Kenilworth or Evesham.

In the Maghera area we are supported by local Assisi volunteers, who run an Assisi programme called Homeward Bound. These volunteers collect dogs from council pounds in their area, after the five days are up and the dogs are due to be euthanised. The dogs are then neutered, vaccinated and kept until they can be taken to England for rehoming on the Chance of a Lifetime ambulance.

Could you help us continue this vital programme – here’s some ideas?  Could you:

♦ volunteer as a driver and help collect the dogs and puppies from the local pounds and transport them to England

♦ organise a fundraising event:

♦ £20 – saves one dog from death row

♦ £400 – saves a full van load of dogs – that is up to 22 dogs and puppies. Each trip to England costs £400, which covers the return boat trip and fuel for the 800 mile trip. Assisi funds these trips, once and sometimes twice a week.

If you would like to find out more about this programme or you feel you might be able to help, please contact Bill Donnan, Assisi Chance of a Lifetime Organiser on – 028 9181 2622.

Above is Saxon who was the 6,000th dog to be saved and who went to England to a new home.  Also pictured is Bill Donnan who co-ordinates the Chance of a Lifetime programme with the Chance of a Lifetime ambulance.