The inaugural winner of a special award recognising an exceptional contribution to the welfare of dogs has been announced - Wolfwood Wildlife and Dog Rescue.
Launched by Lancaster City Council’s dog warden and animal licensing team, the award is a tribute to a former colleague, Alison McGowan, who sadly passed away last year.
Nominations were requested for individuals, charities, or organisations within the Lancaster district for work which had benefited dogs, either from a one-off incident or as an ongoing project.
Eight nominees were put forward by 74 individuals, making it difficult for the judges to narrow it down to an eventual winner.
After much deliberation, Wolfwood Wildlife and Dog Rescue took the top spot. Comments made to support their nomination included: “They make an outstanding contribution to the welfare of dogs within the district” and “The team work tirelessly to improve the lives of all dogs that come in to the rescue and continue to play an active role once settled in their forever home”.
Mark Woodhead, the city council’s community health and protection officer, said: “We were blown away by the number of entries for the award. We launched it as a way of honouring Alison’s memory and thanking someone who has contributed to the welfare of dogs in our district, just as she did over her many years of service.
“From those nominated, Wolfwood just pipped the other worthy nominees to the post. They epitomise all the values which Alison herself held and our congratulations go to Stephen and the whole team at Wolfwood.
“A massive thank you as well to everyone who took the time and trouble to nominate someone for the award. There could only be one winner but we want this award to grow and grow, so there will be another opportunity next year.”
The following nominees were highly commended:
Ian Roberts – Comments from those that nominated Ian included: “The One Every Hour Foundation run by Ian shows his dedication to the housing, rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs in the district” and “Ian should be commended for his hard work towards the rehabilitation of dogs suffering from previous ill treatment, neglect, behavioural issues and medical problems”.
Brenda Williams - Comments from those that nominated Brenda included: “Brenda has been nominated for her tireless fundraising for dog charities and rescues across the district” and “Brenda organises countless raffles, online auctions and fundraising events which have resulted in £1,000s being donated for the care and upkeep of countless rescue dogs in the district".
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
