Film stars urge people to back PAWS - Kilkenny Live

Academy award nominated film director Lenny Abrahamson and actor Alison Oliver took some time out recently to visit PAWS Animal Rescue and highlight the growing numbers of abandoned dogs.

Currently PAWS is home to 85 dogs, which are mainly lurchers and greyhounds who are all looking to be fostered and adopted.

Lenny Abrahamson received four nominations for the film, The Room and also directed the hit series of Normal People and Conversations with Friends.

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Committed dog lovers Lenny and Alison travelled to Paws recently and said that he was very impressed by the dedication of the staff there.

“They are looking after so many dogs who would otherwise be straying, suffering and are often sick or injured. And they do such great work rehoming. It’s a beautiful thing to see a dog that’s been neglected or abandoned finding a warm and loving home. After even a few weeks, dogs who have been anxious, scared, sometimes traumatised, are happy, settled and bringing joy to their new family,” said Lenny, who has adopted dogs as part of his own family.

“A large proportion of the dogs looking for homes in PAWS are greyhounds, lurchers and whippets. There are so many of these beautiful sighthounds who would make incredible pets. For some reason, in this country, they aren’t often thought of as pets - perhaps it’s the association with racing and coursing - but they are perfect family pets.

“Contrary to what people think, they don’t need loads of exercise. They need one good run or walk per day and the rest of the time they like to drape themselves elegantly in the warmest part of the house to be adored. They are so affectionate and, having two myself, I can highly recommend them.”

“Working on Conversations With Friends, myself and our wonderful lead actor, Alison Oliver, spent so much time talking about our mutual obsession with dogs. So I immediately thought of her as I’ve been putting together a group of people to help support PAWS. It’s brilliant to come here with her and show her the work that’s being done and introduce her to the team here. The only thing that’s hard about the trip is not being able to adopt all the dogs,” he added.

Gina Hetherington, who runs PAWS said she was delighted to show Lenny and Alison the work they the team at PAWS do.

“Lenny is passionate about spreading the word about sighthounds (lurchers, greyhounds, salukis, whippets) and what great family pets they make(excluding cat homes, of course). He feels that people need to get to know the breed before judging. Alison loves all animals and was in awe of the work that the team does here. She even fell in love with one of our lurcher girls and is trying to persuade her parents to adopt. Her current work commitments are between Ireland, the US, and the UK, so unfortunately, she is not in a position personally to adopt a pet at the moment” he added.

For more information on adoption or fostering or to donate see paws.ie