Pups and staff at Dogs Trust Leeds have bid a fond farewell to its Rehoming Centre Manager who has retired after dedicating more than 36 years of her life to helping over 29,000 dogs go on the find their forever homes.
Amanda Sands first came to work at Dogs Trust Leeds almost four decades ago after spotting dogs being cared for whilst visiting her horse in a nearby field. As a dog lover, the temptation became too much and she started volunteering for the charity, doing everything from walking the dogs and cleaning the kennels to talking to potential adopters.
Back then the Dogs Trust Leeds team consisted of just Amanda and one other person and one block of kennels. Now, on its 35 acre York Road site, the 30-strong team can care for around 80 dogs at any one time, there is a dedicated puppy suite, a veterinary suite and the staff include specialist training and behaviourists.
Beyond supporting the dogs in her care to find their forever homes, Rehoming Centre Manager Amanda has also single-handedly driven important relationships with local councils, dog wardens and other rescue centres across the region. She has also led the way in piloting schemes that have changed the way Dogs Trust supports dogs across the country, including its incredibly successful Home from Home fostering scheme which has enabled the charity to support more dogs than ever before.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says: “Amanda has dedicated almost 40 years to Dogs Trust and the dogs in our care, going above and beyond to make sure all their needs are met. Not only has she supported 29,000 dogs to find their forever homes, she’s also hand-reared puppies born at the centre and has played an important role in introducing new ways of working so we can support even more dogs.
“As such an important part of our team, we are incredibly sad to see Amanda go, and wish her all the very best for her retirement. However, I am sure it won’t be too long until she is back at the Rehoming Centre to visit the dogs she is so passionate about.”
Amanda Sands, who is leaving her role of Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Leeds after almost 40 years, says: “I’ve loved working for Dogs Trust for so many years, and it’s always great to see dogs in our care go on to live full and happy lives with their new families. The team here work so hard to give the dogs everything they need and help them find their forever homes.”
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone across Yorkshire and beyond who have adopted one of our beautiful dogs and given them the second chance and loving home they all deserve.”
