A bedraggled white bitch called Lady was the catalyst for the animal sanctuary which has taken the name Noah's Ark.

Former scuba-diving instructor and now bar and restaurant-owner Fabio Ciappara was out for a walk at Ahrax, on the outskirts of Mellieha, about four years ago when he noticed a white dog scavenging in the fields. The creature was in an appalling condition - so starved that she could hardly walk and terrified of people. Fabio could not get near her, but, back home, he could not get her out of his mind, so he went back the next day, and every following day, with some food and water. Gradually he won her trust. She eventually allowed him to put a collar on her which enabled him to take her to a vet for a thorough check-up.

Fabio called her "Lady" and eventually found her a lovely home on the farm of friends where she now has a very happy life.

There are, sadly, many abandoned dogs in Malta. Having had the very satisfying experience of rescuing Lady, and seeing her happily re-homed, Fabio realised that he could not just ignore all the other animals needing help. So he decided to start an animal rescue organisation that could, perhaps, one day become a proper animal sanctuary. Other local animal-lovers joined in to help and so Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary was born.

Members of the Ark still pick up strays and try to find homes for them and, gradually, word has spread and now the local council and the police will ring Fabio if a dog is handed in or reported to them.

The need for permanent premises, to which the organisation has title, is paramount. Following an appeal that appeared in Mellieha local council's newsletter, a local farmer has given the organisation the use of some land, including a large building, on a temporary basis. Volunteers are now clearing the site, which is near Paradise Bay, and it is hoped that, before too long, Noah's Ark will be able to move in the 25 or so animals that are currently housed in various farms in the Mellieha area - thanks to the kind hearts of the organisation's supporters.

Over the last few years, Noah's Ark has rescued scores of dogs and cats. Of course, the ideal is to find new homes for them but, sadly, this is not always possible. Nearly all the animals taken in by Noah's Ark supporters are fed by the organisation and Borg Cardona & Co. Ltd generously supply foodstuffs at wholesale prices. However, this does not mean that there is no longer a need for donations. In addition to food, several of the animals that have been taken in have required medical treatment, which is, of course, paid for by Noah's Ark.

Donations do not have to be of the financial kind, of course. There is always a need for suitable bedding, for example, and such things as food bowls and collars and leads that are no longer required. And several shops in Mellieha - Shoppers supermarket, V & F Borg and Il-Qasrija - are supporting the "buy an extra tin" campaign, whereby customers are asked to do just that: buy an extra tin of cat or dog food and leave it with the cashier for one of Noah's Ark's helpers to collect.

Fabio has a collection box down at the Commando Bar and his customers - locals and holiday-makers alike - are very generous, but the need is constant. Donations of money will be gratefully received at Bank of Valletta, Acc. No. 4001 3262 921. To donate anything else, please ring Fabio on 79730900.

There are now many volunteers who help the only animal sanctuary in the north of the island, and with their support - and the help of the public - Noah's Ark will keep on sailing.

YOUR ASSISTANCE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
THANK YOU
Call Fabio on 79730900