An animal-loving mother and daughter duo from Essex will give up their Christmas Day this year to spend time with the dogs who have no one else.
There will be two members of the Shilling family at the RSPCA’s Danaher Animal Home this Christmas, as mother and daughter duo Cathy and Katie (pictured with Danaher resident, Max) head into the centre to spend time with the dogs while the turkey is in the oven.
Mum-of-two Cathy Shilling, 62, has been volunteering at the shelter since 2015 and always tries to head in on Christmas Day for a few hours to help out staff and give the dogs some attention.
This year, her daughter, 25-year-old Katie, will already be in the kennels working for the day, as she’s a Team Leader at the shelter and is on the rota to work on 25 December.
Volunteer dog walker Cathy, from Halstead, Essex, said:
“I’ll get the veg prepped and pop the turkey in the oven and then I’ll head down to Danaher to spend time with the dogs and help support the staff there who also want to get home so they can spend some time with their families.
“I started volunteering when my daughters were older and I had more time on my hands.
“I thought it would be a great way to get outside, do something I love and do a little bit of good.”
Katie started volunteering alongside her mum when she turned 18 and then returned a few years later when she moved back home after university. When a Kennel Assistant vacancy came up, she applied and was thrilled to get the job, before becoming a Team Leader.
Now the pair, who have two dogs of their own, will be working together on Christmas Day to help the dogs.
Katie said:
“When I was little I was scared of dogs so mum and dad got a puppy and it helped me get over my fear. We’ve always had dogs since and I’ve fallen more and more in love with them.
“I absolutely love my job and spending time with the dogs who need it the most is really rewarding. To see a dog come in who is completely shut down and terrified, work with them and see them blossom and go off to their new home, is incredible.
“I wouldn’t do any other job!”
Cathy added:
“She certainly has a way with dogs and really enjoys working with them. It’ll be lovely on Christmas Day to go out together for a walk with some of the dogs, it’s a real family affair!
“When I arrive at Danaher to volunteer I get given a radio and someone comes over the radio waves to say ‘Mama Shilling’ has arrived which always makes us laugh.
“Being able to go to the kennels on Christmas Day and give the dogs a break from those four walls, get them some fresh air when they need it most, and spend quality time with them is such a wonderful feeling on a special day.
“It’s nice to show them that extra bit of love.”
Join the Christmas Rescue
This Christmas should be a happy time for all, including the animals who share our lives. Cats will spend long winter nights curled up by our side. Dogs will play with wrapping paper. Some animals will even receive their own special Christmas presents.
But without urgent action, not every animal will be as lucky. While the nation prepares to celebrate Christmas, far too many animals are being left to suffer. Puppies are starving behind closed doors. Cats are being left with no one to care for them.
Can it really be a happy Christmas when so many animals are still suffering?
Right now, too many animals are facing the worst times of their lives. Over the Christmas period, we receive over 25,000 reports of animal suffering – including more than 700 on Christmas Day. That’s why we can’t stop for Christmas. As long as any animal is suffering, we will keep going to reach and rescue them.
We must work together to make it a happy Christmas for every kind. We’re calling on everyone who believes that no animal should be left to suffer this Christmas to donate today.
Together with you, our animal rescue teams will bring animals to the safety and warmth of RSPCA Animal Centres. You’ll be supporting our veterinary teams, working tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment that will save their lives. And you’ll be by the side of expert centre staff who give animals the loving care they need to recover.
So please, join the Christmas Rescue and together we will bring joy and safety to animals. For thousands of terrified and injured animals, we’ll turn the worst suffering into the best Christmas yet – because it will be the one where their lives change forever, and the start of many happier Christmases to come.
Join the Christmas Rescue by finding out how you could volunteer for the RSPCA in your area, or by donating online rspca.org.uk/jointherescue.
