In Memory of Millie.  (www.facebook.com/InMemoryofMillie)

I am an 18 year old first year student at De Montfort University called Darcie Russell. Many people will know from experience and other students that they know that alcohol is a students best-friend. Many people who know me personally will know I go out a lot during the week and really enjoy the socialising that comes with nights out. I absolutely love animals and especially my dogs, they have always had a special place in my heart!  Therefore I have decided to give up what I love doing the most for what I love the most. 

I wanted to raise some money for the charity Animal Helpline Dog Rescue in a way that is challenging for me. I have decided to give up what I love the most for the full 30 days throughout April. Therefore, have decided I am going 100% alcohol-free for a whole month. This means I cannot drink a single drop of alcohol from the 1st April to the 30th April (2015). I am so ready for the challenge, it will definitely be hard for me but I will do anything to raise some money for the vulnerable,  sad and innocent dogs that are being lovingly cared for by Animal Helpline Dog Rescue who just need a caring and happy home. 

Why I am doing this...

On the 20th February 2015, My beautiful 20 month old German Shepherd x Rottweiler was stolen from my garden in Peterborough. Her name was Millie and she had the most loveable and caring personality about her. I used to call her my big friendly giant, because that is what she was! Millie's disappearance brought the community of Peterborough together, many people spent hours looking for her (we are extremely grateful as a family to all those people involve - you know who you are!). Sadly, Millie was found deceased in a car park 10 minutes from home on the morning of the 22nd February. The condition she was in was terrible, she looked as though she had been badly attacked and had been foaming at the mouth. What happened to Millie took us all by shock, She was the most healthiest, happiest and delightful dog ever, we never expected to lose her in such tragic circumstances. I set up a Facebook page called In Memory of Millie (www.facebook.com/InMemoryofMillie) as I decided I wanted to do something in Memory of her short but sweet life. Millie was taken away from me and my family too soon, nothing can bring her back and we have sadly accepted that. Therefore, to me it only makes sense to use her memory and Millie's story to raise some money for other dogs out there who need all the help the rescue centres can give. 

Who Animal Helpline are and why have I picked them...

Animal Helpline (Registered Charity Number: 1151287) are a independent charity based in Cambridgeshire that rescue dogs. They rescue unwanted dogs and try find them their first or a new loving home. Dog's that get taken to a council pound in the UK tend to have only 7 days for their owner to come forward to claim them, they can be transported miles away from home and unless they have a microchip, it seems almost impossible for a dog to be reunited with the owner. After 7 days, all unclaimed dogs are likely to be destroyed. Animal Helpline treat dogs with the respect they deserve. Instead of destroying the dog to make 'space' for a new unwanted dog, They have patience and perseverance with dogs to find them a suitable and caring home. Animal Helpline claim themselves to be the 'last resort' for a homeless dog. 

A few years ago I got my other dog Peppa through Animal Helpline. Peppa is now my only fur baby and was Millie's big sister. Whilst me and my family was on the search for a rescue dog, we took many of the dogs for a walk at Animal Helpline and got to know many of them and to see whether they will be suitable for our home environment. Whilst being at the rescue centre my heart broke. The sad constant cry of a dogs whimper just echoed throughout my head for days, and the looks in the dogs eyes was just enough to make me want to rescue them all! Dogs have feelings and all they want is a loving family, just like any of us. I believe larger charities get all the money and smaller and much more independent charities get forgotten about. Animal Helpline deserve some recognition and some money to help feed, shelter and look after the health of their hundreds of rescue dogs. You can read more about Animal Helpline via their website www.homes4dogs.co.uk. 

What your money could buy... 

• £150 is the approximate cost for neutering a dog 
• £50 would fully vaccinate a dog for a year
• £20 would pay for a rescue dog to be microchipped

#InMemoryofMillie 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, Please check out Millie's facebook page (links can be found above).

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