AN ANIMAL rescue centre that has been taking in abandoned dogs for more than 50 years has announced, with regret, that its doors will close next month.
Following the death of Brian Johnson, who ran the sanctuary, Binfield Dog Rescue will close in early August.
The group says on Facebook that it won’t be taking in any more dogs, and will no longer be requesting donations.
They thank everyone who has donated food, toys, bedding and money over the years.
“The kindness shown to our dogs has been astounding, said a spokesperson.
“Every time a dog comes in having been mistreated or neglected or dumped because they were old or because they didn’t get on with the new puppy, your faith in humanity takes a knock.
“Then wonderful people turn up, day after day, bringing treats, and you realise for every awful owner in the world, there are thousands more dog lovers outnumbering them.”
Binfield Dog Rescue was opened in 1966 by Mrs Peake, who entrusted it to Brian in her will, to run for as long as he was able.
Despite not being well for the past 10 years, he has kept working, walking the dogs daily and feeding them well past retirement age until he was 78.
After a spell in hospital he died in June this year, and with his passing, the centre has to close.
His son, Paul is managing arrangements, with help from regular volunteers.
He said: “The centre was doing well, but we knew that this day would come eventually.”
The centre was gifted to Brian in Mrs Peake’s will for the duration of his lifetime, with the proviso that he could not pass it on to anyone else.
“We did try to see whether there was any way of changing the terms of the will, but it wasn’t possible,”Paul said.
“It’s a very very sad day but it’s no-one’s fault that we’re not able to continue, or to purchase the land.”
Paul is proud of his father’s legacy.
“Dad was one in a million,” he said.
“He was always ready to help anyone, and for the past 30 years he has kept the centre going.”
Volunteers at the centre agree, with an online tribute saying: “Brian didn’t like to say no to any dog needing help.
“He took in many dogs with chequered pasts – dogs that had bitten, dogs with fear aggression and resource guarding, many of whom couldn’t be re-homed so lived out their days at the rescue,” said the spokesperson.
“We’ve had big dogs, small ones, happy dogs, grumpy pups, long and short haired dogs, ones who loved going out for walks and others that preferred a cuddle in the office.
“The one thing they had in common was that they needed a new forever home.”
Brian ran the centre without any paid staff, relying solely on the kindness of volunteers, many of whom gave up their free time to help many hours a week.
“You know who you are, and that you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty – there just aren’t the words to express how incredible you’ve been,” said a spokesperson.
In the few weeks that remain Paul and the team are working hard, clearing up, and preparing to hand the land back at the end of August.
“We’re making progress,” he said, “but there’s still lots to do.
“A few dogs remain at the centre, but I will either find homes for them, or take them to other rescue centres to be cared for.
“And we will donate any left over food and equipment to other organisations.
“A big thank you to everyone for all their help over the years.”
Brian’s efforts over the years have changed the lives of countless animals, and the volunteers are inviting supporters past and present to post photographs of their cherished canines with stories of their post rescue lives, on the group’s Facebook page.
Binfield Dog Rescue, will close its doors for the last time on Wednesday, August 7.
For information, visit: www.binfielddogrescue.co.uk or the group’s Facebook page.
