Well, 2024 really was one to remember for KLAWS😊
Out of the blue, we had to leave our old shop in Kenmare and face the possibility of having to go without our most valuable source of income – the charity shop. But as a testament to the resilience and dedication of our volunteers, we managed to find and secure new premises in Kenmare. And in Main Street, no less!
So, remember 23 Main Street in Kenmare is the place for your bargain hunts now😊
Regardless of the setbacks, 2024 was our biggest year to date in terms of our main objectives. We rescued and rehomed more animals than ever before: 140 dogs and 156 cats found their forever homes. We also completed 35 TNR (trap, neuter, release) cases in our local cat populations. And 120 cats were neutered through our subsidised neutering schemes with O’Leary Collins Associates and All Creatures Vet Centre in February and October last year.
But enough of the stats and numbers! Let’s look at what some of our volunteers made of their 2024 with KLAWS😊
As last year was the year of the shop for us, so to speak, we asked our shop volunteers to reflect on their experience and give us their thoughts on why they keep coming back to the shop week in, week out.
Gail shares her reasons for volunteering in our shop:
I love being a volunteer in a shop where dogs are welcome. It gives me pleasure to have them there, and I am sure the owners appreciate being able to bring them in😊
And secondly, I feel that through the charity shop I’ve got to meet a lot of people in the town and surrounding areas that I would never have met if I hadn’t volunteered with KLAWS.
And here’s Moira reminiscing about her time with KLAWS:
I haven’t been with KLAWS for too long, but my story is that I did one or two days in the old shop with Catharina and really enjoyed it, following that I again worked with her when moving stuff to the new shop. And we got on famously😊
I have done a few days in the new shop, and I love it, but what I find most appealing is the WhatsApp group and how lovely, charming, helpful and friendly everybody is. And I haven’t even met some of them in person yet!
The vibes are good, I feel I will be very happy to be part of this unit of lovely people😊
Catharina, our shop manager remembers,
I can only say that 2024 was a tough year for the shop and the shop volunteers. We had to move out the old shop, finding another premises wasn't easy but surprisingly, we found one.
The shop volunteers worked very hard to remove all the bags and boxes and to get the new shop in shape. They were a hectic few months, although ultimately worthwhile, of course.
We all love the new shop and are really excited to operate in our new location😊
Of course, not everything in the lives of our shop volunteers revolves around the shop😊 and here’s a little happy tale from Lucia, one of our shop volunteers:
I got a cat Basil from KLAWS with FIV and FeLV. He was a tiny, small boy. For more than 2 months, he stayed behind a TV stand in the living room. Didn't go out during the day but used his litter tray at night when we were not around.
But then he got very badly ill and so weak that we had to catch him and take him to the vet. They said that there is a small chance for him to survive.
Nonetheless, he did survive😊and since that I became his love. He follows me everywhere, sleeps on my legs. I do have other cats but this one from KLAWS is special ❤
As mentioned earlier, 2024 was the biggest year on record for dog rehoming at KLAWS😊
So, here’s Jason, a beautiful soul and dog’s best friend, reflecting on his 2024:
2024 was the first year I worked with KLAWS.
I had 3 puppies show up at my doorstep one day in need of a forever home. A friend of mine suggested I contact KLAWS for help. They were very friendly and understanding, and within one week had found foster homes for two of the puppies (the third one was adopted by a friend of mine).
After KLAWS had found forever homes for the two puppies, I decided to volunteer transporting animals and eventually foster two puppies.
I was nervous about fostering, but the more experienced volunteers were there for me every step of the way, and I felt very supported. Helping animals in their time of need and seeing them off to their forever homes is a gratifying experience😊 I highly recommend it!
And finally, to warm the cockles of your heart, here's Lena, one of our dedicated cat fosterers:
My favourite foster story of 2024 has to be Harley's😊
Harley arrived in my care during spring, thanks to a few kind-hearted people who had found him injured on the road. He seemed to have been in an accident which had left his back legs partially paralyzed. His situation was dire, and he required intensive care to even have a chance at recovery.
After weeks of effort, our vets determined that the damage to his tail was beyond repair. Most of it had to be removed in surgery, and they warned that he might never fully recover. However, Harley had other plans😊
The surgery was a turning point. Without his damaged tail, Harley adapted remarkably well and began to thrive. He regained mobility and a zest for life that was truly inspiring.
Today, Harley has a new name—Forrest—and an even brighter future. He’s living his best life with two amazing human parents and a cat sister by his side. His journey from injury to a loving forever home is a testament to the power of compassion and resilience.
Forrest’s story reminds us why fostering is so rewarding: every animal deserves a second chance, and the transformation can be nothing short of miraculous😊
What more is there to say but a huge thanks to all our volunteers, adopters and supporters – you all play an important role in the lives of so many animals in need😊
PS. If you would like to join our team of wonderful volunteers, please get in touch with us here:
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