Our dedicated staff and volunteers care for approximately 2000 cats and dogs every year. We are committed to providing the best environment possible for our animals with a superb 11 acre site.
Each of the kennel units has an outdoor paddock and there is plenty of open space for dog walking.
The cattery provides modern facilities with heated pens and outdoor runs for every cat.
All the dogs and cats we re-home have had a full medical examination, are wormed, flea treated, fully vaccinated neutered and micro chipped.
With no Local Authority or Government funding and the rising costs of maintaining Gables Farm there is no doubt we could not continue without the support and generosity of the public.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2010
To pick just one employee out of 25 was a very difficult task. Everyone worked so hard in 2010 considering it was a such difficult year with lots of changes to adapt to. There was one member of staff who stood out for regularly going that 'extra mile', achieving 100% attendance and supporting her management as well as all the other staff.
After careful consideration the Employee of the Year 2010 award was given to Ms Karen Woolmer, Animal Care Supervisor.
Deputy Manager Ruth Rickard says: "Karen has of course achieved 100% attendance and is always here earlier than expected in the mornings. She has been a fantastic support to her line manager throughout 2010, always being cheerful and positive and most importantly very calm under pressure. 2010 has been a difficult year with several changes that have impacted on the running of the home, throughout all this Karen has demonstrated on several occasions her commitment to the welfare of the animals residing at the home.
An example of this was when we had flurries of snow and ice in January 2010 and I was concerned about looking after all the animals on site with possibly very few if any staff being able to get in to work - Karen volunteered to help me with topping up all the dogs and cats food and cleaning cat litter trays at about 10pm each night so that if needs be we would be able to care for all the animals between the two of us if no one else could get in the following morning. Karen has also made a huge effort to build up a good rapport with all the staff and it is great to see how caring she is about all of our employees as they are essential to provide the right care for our animals. It does not matter how busy she is, Karen is always polite and considerate to others and always makes time to address any issues".
We are very grateful to Karen for all her hard work and dedication to the home - well done.
Some comments from our customers:
"Hi Everybody, we just thought we would write and let you all know how Hocus is doing and thank you for all the time and effort you spent looking after her. We were really impressed with the staff and procedures at Gables and feel privileged that we were part of the process of rehoming Hocus. Your procedures really made us think about whether we could give her the time and love that she needs and whether we would be appropriate owners for her. The individual advice and care given by staff members helped her to make a successful transition to our home. Hocus is really enjoying being in a family environment and has got used to the daily routine. She continues to have amazing speed and stamina and is certainly improving our fitness levels. Thanks again for all your help". Debs, Gareth and Hocus - Jan 2012.
"We would like to thank you and all your staff at Gables Farm for being so welcoming and friendly. You all have such patience and so much time for all the dogs, it is so lovely to see. Your farm is clean, well organised and a place that you just want to recommend people wanting a pet to come to. Many thanks". Martine. Brian, Noella and Adam Shapley - Jan 2012.
"After our visit Gables Farm yesterday myself and my husband felt we had to e-mail you to say what excellent staff you have. The reception staff, kennel staff and the dog behaviourist were so welcoming and friendly, the kennels were clean and the dogs were well cared for. Although nobody wants to see dogs in rescue, all your dogs are lucky to be in your care. ln over 30 years that we have been rescuing dogs yours is by far the best rescue kennels we have seen. Over the years we have rescued 3 dogs from the old Plymouth cats and dogs home a far cry from your current kennels. We will certainly recommend anyone looking for a dog or cat to come and visit you. Thanks again for all you help". Ellie and Albert Roberts - Jan 2011
"Just before Christmas I had a look on Gables website for a dog and one that stood out in particular was a 10 year old dog that I know is harder to home. After contacting Gables I spent three days visiting them for myself and my dogs to be assessed, followed by a home check. This was a wonderful experience as I have nothing but praise for ALL the staff for treating myself and my dogs with kindness and understanding. My new addition joined us on Christmas Eve and is truely a wonderful character. A lot of these animals will come with some issues but I ALWAYS find ignoring bad behaviour and rewarding good behaviour soon deals with most problems. He loves his new friends even the horses. So to Gables Farm my utmost respect to all you do everyday of the year...." Mrs Holt, Jan 2011
"I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with Gables Farm and all the staff and volunteers. I brought home my lovely dog Zig on 12th November and he has been a real joy. He was obviously looked after very well while at Gables, everyone who meets him comments on how healthy he looks. He is such a fun dog to own and I am so grateful to have him. Thank you to everyone at Gables, keep up the good work, all those animals need you!" Ms Dexter - Nov 2010.
"We visited Gables for the first time after seeing a lovely dog on the website. I would like to say how impressed we were with the caring attitude of the hardworking staff and volunteers. From our initial enquiry at reception , first walk, second walk and home visit the staff we encountered have been excellent! So welcoming and approachable. We now look forward to welcoming Maldiva into our lives and having a happy future together. Gables staff and centre are a credit to animal rescue. Many thanks" Beverly & Mark Bayard - Sept 2010.
Compliments and Complaints
Gables Farm has invested a lot of time and staff training to ensure we provide an excellent service to not only animal welfare but also to our customers.
We would very much appreciate your time if could let us know what you think about our charity and if there are any comments – positive and negative you would like to make, as it will help us to improve the service we provide.
If you have any comments about our work, please write to:
General Manager
Gables Farm Dogs’ & Cats’ Home
204 Merafield Road
Plymouth
PL7 1UQ
Or email: info@gablesfarm.org
Any complaints will be fully investigated and a response will be sent as quickly as possible.
