Trainee sailors from HMS Raleigh have taken a break from their normal routine to help out at Gables Farm Dogs and Cats Home.
The group of trainees, who are currently undergoing rehabilitation after illness or injury, spent the day at the home in Plympton, weeding some of the paddocks and helping to care for the animals.
Liam Fraser, aged 28, from Liverpool said, “I’ve got two dogs at home, so it was nice to spend some time with the dogs. I took Toffee, one of the chocolate Labradors, for a walk.
“She was as bouncy as anything. Being there helped to build on our team working skills, which the Navy is really big on. It was good to get that aspect as well as doing something different from our normal routine.”
Gables Farm Dogs and Cats Home is a charity that cares for approximately 1,000 cats and dogs each year. It receives no Government funding so relies completely on the generosity and support of the public through donations and legacies.
The charity also depends on volunteers to supplement the staff in caring for the animals and raise vital funds to ensure its future.
Sadie Parker, Fundraising and Events Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator for Gables, said, “We were so thankful that HMS Raleigh picked Gables Farm Dogs and Cats Home to volunteer with for the day. They were absolutely fantastic and even though it was raining they did not let it dampen their spirit.
“With their help we were able to accomplish maintenance jobs such as removing all the weeds in the paddocks. They also worked in the cattery grooming, cuddling and cleaning out the cats. With all the extra hands we were also able to get a lot of dogs out for walks.
“It was great to see them all playing and socialising with the recruits, they really enjoyed the extra attention. Thank you again to HMS Raleigh we thoroughly enjoyed having you at the home.”
Recruits recovering from injury or illness are part of Crean Division at HMS Raleigh. Each recruit has an individual rehabilitation package to aid their recovery, with the ultimate aim of returning them to full training.
They also undergo a programme of general naval training to maintain and expand upon the skills they have learnt so far.
