The German Animal Welfare Federation has a new member: The umbrella organization for animal shelters is now operating the Sonnenhof für Mensch und Tier in Rottenbuch, Bavaria, as a new animal welfare facility. This offers old senior dogs, but also very young dogs, a special place of refuge. On September 17, a new rescue center was inaugurated on the premises, which gives confiscated puppies from illegal trade the chance of a new life.
“We are delighted to be able to unite two important projects under one roof with Sonnenhof. On the one hand, we are bringing older dogs together with older people with our tried-and-tested “Seniors for Seniors” concept. Secondly, the newly built puppy sanctuary supports the work of our affiliated animal shelters, particularly in Bavaria and areas close to the border, which do a great job of rescuing puppies from illegal trade,” says Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation.
RESCUE CENTER FOR PUPPIES INAUGURATED
When puppies are confiscated from illegal transports, animal shelters are faced with a mammoth task. When they reach the limits of their capacity in caring for many sick and weakened puppies, Sonnenhof can relieve the animal shelters and take animals into its care. With the rescue center opened at the weekend - consisting of a quarantine station, an infirmary, a room for veterinary treatment and dog houses with spacious runs - Sonnenhof meets all the requirements for providing the young dogs with animal-friendly accommodation and medical care. The employees also focus on the comprehensive socialization of the puppies. Through the practical work on site, the German Animal Welfare Federation aims to gain fundamental insights into how the future prospects of the puppies can be improved despite their poor start in life. This knowledge will also benefit animal shelters in the future.
NEW CHANCE FOR SENIOR DOGS
In addition to the very young, older dogs are also given a new chance. At Sonnenhof, the German Animal Welfare Federation can take senior dogs whose adoption seems hopeless from affiliated animal shelters in order to find them a suitable “forever home”. As the needs of older dogs and older people are similar, Sonnenhof uses the “Seniors for Seniors” concept to find homes for older people who were previously worried that they would not be able to take responsibility for an animal for many years. Sonnenhof helps beyond its role as a placement partner: it also supports the new owners after the adoption if challenges arise in keeping and caring for the senior pet. Until they move into their new homes, the dogs live in groups in log cabins with spacious runs. The animal keepers provide intensive care and cater to special requirements: with special food, for example due to pre-existing conditions or to prevent obesity, regular vet checks or any necessary medication.
