Castle Point’s only dog rescue centre has posted a message on Facebook asking for public donations as they have reached “crisis point”.


The message read: “We never wanted to be writing this but we have had an awful week and desperately need your help. 


“We have reached crisis point with dogs coming in needing medical treatment and as a result we need your help.”


Sarah Knight, who runs Acres Way Boarding and Rehoming Centre, said that the home is “not closing” but that they are in desperate need of help.


She said: “Categorically, we are not going anywhere; we just need help with the donations.


“The point that we were trying to make on Facebook was that dogs are continuing to come in to us every day and not all of these are in fantastic condition.


“We need to get them operations to improve their quality of life.”
A follow-up post on Facebook thanked people for their donations, mentioning Ozzie, a Shih-Tzu dog who was rescued four weeks ago and needs cherry-eye surgery.


Cherry-eye is a red lump that appears on a dog’s eyelid which swells up and blocks its vision.


The growth is common in small dogs, like Shih-Tzus and cocker spaniels, aged between six and 12 months.


The surgical procedure to remove the lump can cost as much as £5,000.
Ms Knight said: “Dogs with conditions like Ozzie’s are very rarely claimed.


“Ozzie has been with us for about four weeks now, so not very long, and he is looking for a new home.


“As soon as the operation is done, we can get him on his way.”


Vet bills can be very expensive and the cost of keeping a dog healthy can be crippling to some people.


At Acres Way, they get a discount on their veterinary bills.


Ms Knight said: “Our vets are a massive help to us.


“The vet bill for our dogs is heavily discounted.”


Sometimes people will pick up dogs and pay for the veterinary bills themselves, although this is uncommon.


Ms Knight added: “People often don’t see past the illness the dogs have.
“Some people are really good and will offer to contribute to the vet bills, but it’s obviously a big amount to pay.”


One notable canine to come from the home is Rebecca Harris’ dog, Milo, who beat Ed Vaizey’s hamster to become Parliamentary pet of the year.
The MP for Castle Point said: “I am a big supporter of Acres Way. 
“My last two dogs have come from there and they have been valued additions to my family. 


“If you are looking for a dog I urge you to visit Acres Way as they always have dogs looking for a new home. 


“It is a fabulous organisation and it is worthy of our support all year round.” 


Mayor of Castle Point, Brian Woods, added: “Anything like this is important and the council can’t manage without it. 


“I am glad to hear that they are not closing - but support for them is vital.”

There’s a charity box available in the shop if people want to come in to donate.

Centre plays key role in rehoming stray dogs

The Acres Way Boarding and Rehoming Centre is an integral part of dog care in Castle Point, being the only rescue centre in the area.


Located in Thundersley, at the top of Great Burches Road, the tucked away dog shelter came to the area in 1993 and has since played a major role in homing stray dogs in south Essex, playing a key role in finding new owners who will give them the life they deserve with lots of love and affection.


Sarah Knight helped set up the centre with her mum and, since its opening, they have worked closely with Castle Point Council to provide homes for stray dogs in the area.


In addition, they have worked with Essex Police to help them in training dogs.


The dog centre sources their funds for operations through charging people to keep their dogs in kennels, whilst they go on holiday or work away from home, and also through donations, on which they rely heavily to continue providing such a vital service to the community.


In order to source donations, volunteers at the dog home actively fundraise and also put out messages asking people to help out.


A lot of their donations come from people who know the rescue centre and are keen to support them.


Sarah Knight said: “We do a lot of different things. 


We have stalls at our events outside Pets at Home and other similar shops. 


“But normally people come in and donate straight away or do it through our PayPal account.”


As the only dog rescue centre in the Castle Point Council area, all stray dogs found in the area are initially sent to the pound.


When a dog is sent to them, they remain their for a week waiting their owners to pick them up.


If the dog is not claimed after a week, it then moves onto to the rescue centre.


The home can hold up to 85 boarders and stray dogs and they take in dogs from Castle Point, Southend, Rochford and Basildon areas.