Behind the scenes with our Kennel Team
We are so lucky to have such wonderful staff working at our Kennels in Connemara. They work so hard to prepare the dogs for their forever homes. Auranne, Caroline and Ell from our Kennel Team kindly caught up with Louise to give everyone an insight into what goes on behind the scenes.
Can you walk us through a typical day in the life of the kennel team, from morning until home time?
Ell: The morning starts with giving every dog a toilet break. While they’re out, we clean their kennels and refresh their water. After that, we clean the corridors, get laundry going, prep food, and wash dishes. A staff member then prepares a list assigning dogs to each team member and volunteer for feeding and walking. After lunch, any dogs needing a second feed are fed and all dogs spend more time outside their kennels. In the evening, each dog gets a final toilet break, water bowls are topped up, kennels are checked and cleaned if needed, the kitchen is cleaned down, bins are emptied, and then we lock up.
How do you decide on feeding, walking, and enrichment for each dog, especially when they all have different needs?
Auranne: We base everything on the dogs’ individual needs. We assess their behaviour and what they’re comfortable with, and that helps us plan their day. For example, if a dog comes in underweight, we might feed them three times a day instead of two. Some dogs need more enrichment or training, while others need a quieter space.
How do you handle dogs that are nervous, reactive, or struggling emotionally?
Caroline: In rescue, we see a lot of fearful and nervous dogs, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We take time to understand each dog and what triggers their fear. We might use herbal remedies from our vet, put covered crates in their kennels to create safe spaces, and limit handlers to help them build trust with just one or two people. We use a hands-off approach at first, letting the dog decide when they’re ready. Consent tests, sitting quietly, and offering high-value treats like chicken or sausage can make a big difference. What might seem small to us could be a huge step for them.
Can you tell us about a dog who made a lasting impression on you, and why?
Auranne: There was one dog who had a lot of issues, including with her eyes, she needed surgery. Her name was Bella (the Akita who is now one of our Sponsor Dogs) but she was always so happy despite this. She had such a strong spirit. She made a big impression on me because, despite everything, she was just full of life.
Ell: Clifford made a huge impression on me. He was extremely hand-shy and startled by everything. He couldn’t be walked, so he spent time in the pen. I had him on my list almost every day, and over time, we built a bond. He was very food motivated, so we started with treat retreats and enrichment, and eventually, he took treats from my hand! That was a big breakthrough. The next step was teaching him to walk on lead and with patience and lots of treats, he learned to walk confidently on a slip lead.
Caroline: I’ve been with MADRA for over two and a half years and so many dogs have left their mark. The three Shaggies were my first experience with shut-down dogs and seeing them slowly open up was incredible. Belinda and Patti came in emaciated and unexpectedly had puppies in the kennels – it was amazing to witness their births. Ophelia and her four terrified pups were another special case – I worked closely with two of them, Opie and Otto, and watched them become confident boys. Macy, Nemo, and Lily are others I’ll never forget. They’ve all had such a big impact on me.
What’s the most challenging part of the job and what keeps you going?
Auranne: One of the hardest parts is not having enough time. You want to give every dog the training and attention they need, but sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. That’s frustrating. But what keeps us going is seeing the dogs happy even small improvements make it all worth it.
How do you all work together as a team to keep things running smoothly?
Caroline: It’s all about teamwork, communication, and a shared love for the dogs. We’re all here for the same reason, to help these innocent creatures find new homes. That shared goal keeps us connected and focused.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about life behind the scenes at the kennels?
Ell: People might be surprised to know how few staff there actually are behind the scenes. Staff aren’t just feeding and walking dogs, they’re also giving medication, introducing the dogs to each other, doing training, transporting dogs, and so much more.
If you could ask the public for one thing to help make the dogs’ lives better, what would it be?
Auranne: We’d love people to be more aware of what the dogs need. Whether it’s donations for training tools, enrichment, or even just more volunteers — everything helps. Also, more understanding about what rescue dogs have been through would make a big difference.
Caroline: I’d ask for continued support and understanding. Rescues are struggling right now with very little funding and we rely on public generosity. Donations are amazing, but even just sharing our posts on social media can help more people find out about MADRA and what we do. Every bit helps, and we’re so grateful for it
Ell: I’d ask people to learn about dog body language. The information is easily accessible and understanding it can keep both you and the dog safe. It can make a huge difference in how we interact with them.