Here Comes The Science....

[Baglady]

Click HERE for an overview

There is substantial research that demonstrates the benefits of exposing captive animals to certain types of music. It can decrease stress, lessen some of the more distressing kennel behaviours, pacing, barking, scratching, etc, and promote calm, restful behaviours.

Part 3 of Friends Environmental Enrichment Program involves installing a state of the art sound system in the main kennel block with speakers in each kennel.

This will provide gentle, ambient background music to help reduce stress levels for the dogs. It will also have a positive subliminal impact on visitors to CDH.

We have had exploratory talks with a sound engineering company, and first indications are that we are likely to need in the region of £3000 to install a suitable system.

The really good news is that our fund has had an amazing kick start.....

The Echo Wish Campaign was tremendously successful, and Friends picked up a cheque for over £1100 to start off the Fundraising for this project. A massive 'thank you' to everyone who collected tokens



And this week, out of the blue we were contacted by the fabulous people at Go Compare, who wanted to mark the release of their latest TV advert by making a substantial donation to Friends.....



Cheryl with Roy, who jumped at the chance to accept a cheque for £1000 on behalf of Friends ;D


Many thanks to Dan and everyone at Go Compare for this extremely generous donation to our Enrichment Fund

[sandraehale]

Excellent news that means we only have £900 to raise

[daffysmum]

Fabulous news! ;D

[emmanewt]

That is such good news! X

[Baglady]

Just in case you hadn't noticed......

We are thrilled to announce that Part III of our Environmental Enrichment Program, 'Soft, Soothing Music' is now 'Mission Accomplished'

Friends are very grateful to Craig of CSD TV CSD TV
for working so patiently with us, and bringing soft sweet music to the kennels! We had a lovely note from the Manager at the home too....

Hello to all the Friends,
I just wanted to let you all know how wonderful the music system in the kennels has been. It is a fantastic addition to the Dogs Home and another major environmental enrichment factor. It not only helps sooth the dogs but appears to have an effect on the staff and our customers too!! We are all really delighted with the system and our heartfelt thanks go to you all for your tireless work in raising funds for this and all the other things that you have funded at the Dogs Home.
Kind Regards
Maria Bailie

And folks, here's what happened on Christmas Eve......



Friends are doing everything possible to improve the welfare and welbeing of the stray and abandoned dogs while they are waiting for their forever homes. Without our supporters, volunteers and well-wishes, none of this would be possible.

Thank you for being a part of it 

[karenmcg]

Is the music still on? I've only been into the kennels once and I didn't notice it, but that could have just have been me...

[Baglady]

Yes, it's not on all the time, nor at the same time of day. The whole idea is for it to be a 'nice surprise' for the dogs lol. It would become like 'wallpaper' to them if it was on constantly, and if it was played at the same time each day it would also lose some of the beneficial impact. So says the science! I think it's a bit like any other enrichment activity, and why we don't give out the stuffed hooves and pizzles regularly, ie same day, same time. We mix it up a bit. It keeps a bit of spice in their lives, and they certainly need it bless them. x

[eve1984]

Went in the kennels with my daughter on Sunday and the music was on, it was lovely, amazing what a bit of Charlotte church can do! But seriously, it's an amazing addition for the dogs to help make life just that little less stressful, it was a lot quieter, the dogs seamed calmer, it was lovely xx