Animal friends Lüdinghausen

The Lüdinghausen animal friends have a new home / Maria Eichel co-founded the association 18 years ago

Since September 1, the animal friends of Lüdinghausen and the surrounding area finally have a new home. Where the Hohe Lucht restaurant used to be (at the crossroads between Lüdinghausen, Ottmarsbocholt, Ascheberg and Nordkirchen), the animal shelter has now moved in. Thanks to many donors and active volunteer help, a dog house and a cat house have been built. The animal friends' office is housed in the farmhouse. We spoke to Chairwoman Maria Eichel about animals in need and the work of the association.

Which animals do you take in?

If a dog owner has become so ill that they can no longer care for their dog, then the animal can come to us. Sometimes it is a change in life circumstances that means you have to give up your animal. Some animals are abandoned. All these animals find a temporary home with us.

How long do the animals usually stay with you?

Nice and socially compatible dogs usually stay no longer than three months. Difficult dogs that bite, for example, are of course difficult to place. In such cases, I ask specialist friends for help. There are special emergency centers for difficult dogs. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any in our area.

What do I have to do if I am interested in an animal from you?

First of all, we will talk to you to find out: Is the animal even suitable for you? Example: We can't place a Great Dane with someone who lives in a one-bedroom apartment. If everything fits, then an approach is made. First you take the dog for a walk, get to know each other. And at some point you take him home with you.

How many animals currently live with you?

We currently have five dogs and 24 cats. Do we have capacity for 18 dogs and 25 cats?

Why so many cats?

Although there is actually another lost and found center, the found cats also end up with us. Of course, we don't send them away again.

Do you also take in small animals?

Once the outdoor enclosures for the dogs are finished, we want to start building an enclosure for small animals. Then guinea pigs and rabbits can also join us.

There's a lot of work involved here. Do you do it all on a voluntary basis? And how do you finance the animal shelter?

Yes, we all work on a voluntary basis. I'm almost always here. Apart from that, everyone helps as much as they can. If we have settled in well here and the animal shelter continues to be well received, I would like to offer a training position for animal keepers again next year. The funding really only comes from donations and membership fees.

Why do you enjoy working here so much?

Everyone who helps out here loves animals. I do too, with all my heart. I live for what I do here. And the thank you comes from the animals.

Volunteers wanted

The animal friends are still looking for volunteers. "We can use help with the cats in particular," says Maria Eichel. "The animals need to be looked after and cared for. Anyone who just wants to go for a walk is also welcome. There's something for everyone to do - as much as they can and like.

Contact: Tierfreunde Lüdinghausen und Umgebung e.V., Oberbauerschaft 32, 48308 Senden, Tel.

02598/9292532, kontakt@tierfreunde-luedinghausen.de, www.tierfreunde-luedinghausen.de; opening hours: Tue-Fri 2.30pm-5.30pm, Sat/Sun 2pm-4pm