AIN Donegal is offering free microchipping for 100 pets

Despite it being a legal requirement, many of the dogs that Animals In Need (AIN) rescues are not microchipped, or, if they are, the chip is still registered to the breeder, a previous owner or the contact details are out of date.

Cats are even less likely to be microchipped, although it would be helpful when trying to reunite a found cat with their owner.

To help change this situation, AIN is offering to cover the cost of microchipping/updating microchip details for 100 dogs and cats in Donegal.

If a pet is already microchipped but the details need to be amended, AIN will pay the full price to update/change chip details. To avail of this offer, the following terms and conditions apply.

Free microchipping is limited to the first 100 dogs or cats applied for, is only open to County Donegal households (with a maximum of one pet per household) and is available to the public, not to veterinary staff or rescues.

Microchipping can take place in most Donegal-based vets, but AIN will make the final decision on the choice of vets. Proof of ID is required by the vets at the time of microchipping.

To apply, please complete the form that is available on AIN's social media pages. AIN will contact successful applicants via WhatsApp or email.

The importance of microchipping was highlighted this week, when a cat was reunited with his owner in Donegal Town after going missing four years ago. Bug, the cat, was found by AIN last week and thankfully had been microchipped by his owner, Kelly Callaghan.

On Friday, Kelly was overjoyed to receive a surprising call from AIN, informing her that Bug had been found safe and well. Kelly stated that she was "absolutely shocked and over the moon. The missing years are a mystery but many thanks to anyone who cared for him in any way.” Bug and his owner were delighted to be reunited.

Sadly, not every rescue has such a happy ending. A little white kitten called Wren was found in harrowing circumstances recently, when she was trapped inside a derelict building alongside her dead mother and siblings. When Wren's mother died, the kittens were unable to get out of the building and had no food or water and starved.

When rescued, Wren was near death herself, but with AIN's care, plenty of good food, medication and warmth, she seemed to be responding well and a special foster home had been lined up for her, so that she could have one-to-one care.

However, over the past few days, Wren seemed dull and was put on supportive care. On Sunday morning, she had a hearty breakfast and it was hoped that she had turned a corner, but tragically, she suddenly passed away that afternoon.

Wren's story and her heartbreaking start to life touched many people and there is great sadness that she did not make it. Her little body had been through too much. RIP little Wren.

Meanwhile, despite the annual advice issued by animal rescues to keep pets indoors and safe during Halloween, it turned out to be the busiest weekend for lost dogs in the twenty years that AIN has been operating. Terrified dogs were found all over the county after being traumatised by fireworks. Most have now been reunited with their owners.

There was good news for a gorgeous golden Labrador called Marley, who had been in AIN foster care. Marley received his Pet Passport recently and was able to travel to Sweden, where a new, wonderful family awaited him. Marley arrived safely and bonded with his new owners immediately. Many thanks to Swedish rescue Hudar Utan Hem for transporting Marley and organising his forever home.

A heartwarming video of Marley arriving in Sweden is on AIN's social media pages.

Finally, AIN would like to say a huge thank you to Little Acorns Bookstore in Derry for their donation of some terrific books that are available in AIN's Charity Shop in Donegal. Such generosity is much appreciated, and every cent raised goes towards the care of the rescued animals.

For further information on adoption, fostering, volunteering, etc., please contact the main helpline on 087 1356188. For cat/kitten enquiries, please call 087 7644420.