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Post by nuggie on Jul 15, 2013 14:27:25 GMT
Having read the minutes of committee meeting of 29th March 2013, I refer to item 9 Progress Updates-- Heaters-- which raise in my mind a few questions.
1) Does supplying 7 heaters provide every kennel with a serviceable heater?
2) It states that the system cannot be used until upgraded by the council, it does not give any anticipated time for that work. That makes me think that with the council strapped for cash the dogs will have to suffer another cold winter like they went through last year.
My opinion is that ''Friends'' as a priority, ask the council what the cost of the upgrade will be and if it is within FCDH reach should pay for the upgrade to ensure the dogs have a better coming winter. After all the money raised is to benefit the dogs and support CDH and for refurbishment. To me providing heating is part of refurbishment. What do you think?
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Post by daffysmum on Jul 15, 2013 14:55:38 GMT
I'm not sure that the cost if the electrical refit is the issue.
I think it could well be a case of the council wheels turning slowly.
My opinion, and I am sure others will have differing opinions, is that upgrading the electricity system is a routine maintenance and health and safety issue for the council and not something that should come out of the Friends pot which is there for the "value add" items.
So whereas, providing the new heaters is a value add for the dogs, maintaining the electricity supply up to current standards should be a council issue.
I'm sure we can find out what is behind the delay and report back after our next meeting with management.
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Post by Baglady on Jul 16, 2013 0:49:40 GMT
As Lynne has pointed out, whilst Council funds are under extreme pressure in every department, we have had reassurances that the necessarily electrical work will be undertaken. Also, I have to agree entirely with Lynne's comment about Friends funds being used for added value, not for routine maintenance of the existing building. We are acutely aware that no-one wants to see the dogs endure another winter like the last one. There were issues last year about the heaters being turned off on consecutive weekends, hopefully this has been investigated and dealt with. We also want to discuss with the Council whether there is anything we can do to prevent heat loss through the 'ventilation gaps' in the front wall, and there are other considerations that will help, for example bricking up the metal door which used to give access to what is now the vet room. As Lynne has explained, Friends meet regularly with the Council in the true spirit of co-operation, and whilst there are obviously competing agenda items, it is a given that the comfort of our dogs is a priority for both the Council and for Friends. There are a number of measures already in place to help mitigate the worst ravages of the coming winter. Friends have a very healthy stockpile of thick blankies and warm coats in our storage units. The appeal last year was extremely well received, and Rach has been squirrelling away warm bedding for the last six months. Kara's auction paid for a healthy stock of warm thermal coats, and last week we presented CDH with 4 electrical heating pads for the vet cages. These were also funded by Kara's auction, and received Missy's seal of approval last week ;D So any poorly, tiny, or very young dogs that come in over the winter months will enjoy the warmth they need in the vet cages. And, we might as well break the 'big' news here. ;D CDH have recently been trialling raised beds. Visitors may have noticed the new type bed in Kennel 8. The beds are extremely robust, lightweight, hygienic, and most importantly, as they are elevated off the floor, they are infinitely warmer for the dogs when the ground temperature drops below zero. The managers contacted us last week and asked us to help set up an appeal for replacing all the beds before winter. The beds are not a cheap option, they come in at around £70 each (depending on size). Just before we went 'live' with the appeal, a gentleman walked into CDH with a massive £2000 donation for the Home. The Council wrote a grateful letter of thanks, and explained that this would pay for the majority of the kennels to have a new bed, and the same gent turned up a week later with another £1200. so project 'Four Paws Off the Floor' was completed before it had even started! We were absolutely astounded and thrilled at the generosity of our dogs' secret benefactor, what an amazing thing to do! The new beds have been ordered and will be delivered on 5th August.
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Post by annewatkins on Jul 16, 2013 6:35:14 GMT
this is fab news ,some lovely generous people out there,hope this gentleman gets all the luck in the world xx
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Post by sandraehale on Jul 16, 2013 6:46:31 GMT
What wonderful news and many thanks to our secret benefactor
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Post by kathleen on Jul 16, 2013 9:01:29 GMT
That's great news ;D Mystery benefactor is a true gentleman!
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Post by nuggie on Jul 16, 2013 11:27:55 GMT
Well If one thing my post has done, is brought out some information. Great to have raised beds. Can't agree on the ''Add Value'' policy If anything makes the dogs lives better, to me thats Added Value. Please let it be known when the circuit is upgraded.
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Post by seonlasil on Jul 16, 2013 11:55:31 GMT
Omg what a top man!!! So glad for the dogs. It was bitingly cold last winter, and went on and on
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Post by nuggie on Jul 16, 2013 18:53:09 GMT
Omg what a top man!!! So glad for the dogs. It was bitingly cold last winter, and went on and on You are dead right Lisa the winter was so cold and so long, that is why I am so concerned that all kennels are heated by the start of winter and I think it should be a top priority for ''Friends''
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Post by Andrea on Jul 18, 2013 12:44:26 GMT
I admit that I am a softie at the best of time and will cry at almost anything, but filling up in work reading about the generosity of our mystery benefactor is just so uncool lol. What a wonderful man. The generosity of some people still amazes me at times, and so if you are reading this, thank you so very much.
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Post by emmanewt on Jul 18, 2013 18:18:33 GMT
Wow! What a lovely kind gent!! That is so generous of him, and for future reference sir my address is..... only joking. The raised beds seem like a great idea and I am sure that the council will have to give consideration to the heating very soon. I can see the point about FOCDH not paying for the electrics. I mean, of they start paying for that then the council may turn around and expect them to pay for all "maintenance" issues, which is the responsibility of the council and not the charity. Well done FOCDH, it is just brilliant to see in the difference you have made to the place xxxxxx
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Post by CazDD on Jul 22, 2013 0:02:29 GMT
I'm glad this topic has been started because it's brought out much needed information. Last winter the welfare of the dogs played on my mind so much. Kennel heating is a basic requirement and in my mind it should be a priority so it's good to know that steps are being taken with the council to provide adequate heating. The availability of heating pads, thermal coats and supply of blankets etc is superb and keep the dogs as warm as possible whilst the heating business is being sorted out, but we all know they will never be as effective as proper kennel heating. We also know that Cardiff Council is pushed for funds and we also know they need a push. After all, as I said before, kennel heating is a basic requirement and as such I think they should be fulfilling this requirement as they have undertaken to provide a facility. I can only imagine the look on the faces of customers at Cardiff Council run Leisure Centres if they had to use facilities with no heating in winter! I look forward to revisiting this thread for updates as I know Friends will be keeping on top of this very important matter.
Baglady - good point about blocking off the open parts of the kennel building. No dogs should be housed in a building even partially open to the elements.
What an amazing donation of raised beds by the secret benefactor! It just goes to show that by donating money or things, however large or small, there are a lot of people who are seriously interested in the welfare of the dogs. ;D
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Post by k on Jul 22, 2013 14:59:08 GMT
Do you have any use for old duvets? Or furry blankets (unfortunately got a bit if paint on it:-( so getting rid of it)
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Post by daffysmum on Jul 22, 2013 15:13:27 GMT
We are always happy to give blankets a new home. ;D
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Post by Baglady on Aug 3, 2013 0:08:19 GMT
Quickie update...
Friends met with the managers of the home on Thursday and have asked for an update, we have received this by email today...
Just to make you and all the Friends aware that funding has been secured to commission a design to enable us to heat the kennels effectively during the winter. This will include upgrading the electrical circuit to enable the piped music to be installed too. I will ask for timescales for this but I have made it clear that we really need to do this in time for this winter.
Regards
Maria Bailie
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