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News Delphine finds a loving home


A BLIND dog who was tied to a pallet of bricks and left to die has got a reason to wag her tail again after finding a loving home. Delphine the springer spaniel,


aged about five, was dumped in Cripple Street, Maidstone earlier this year. Despite being safe and well- cared for, she did not like life in ken- nels and rarelywagged her tail. But her life was transformed after her story was spotted on Facebook by her new owners, John and Anne Hopkins. John said: “It is incredible how quickly she learned to trust us. Whenwe first met her shewas pac- ing around and when we touched her she flinched. But gradually Del- phine has learned to relax with us. Her tail never stopswagging now.” The couple, from Wokingham, Berkshire, visited LeybourneAnimal Centre four times to build up Del-


Delphine the spaniel has now settled in to her new home


phine’s confidence and they brought their nine-year-old rescue dogAnto- nia along to meet her too. John said: “She has grown in con- fidence and finds her way around without a problem. She’s an absolute treasure, and lifts her paw up to let us know shewants a tummy rub. “Delphine and Antonia are insep-


arable. Delphine has her own bed but she prefers to squeeze on to An- tonia’s. She really is part of the fam- ily. I will never understand how


Have say on neighbourhood plan


STAPLEHURST Parish Council has prepared a neighbourhood development plan that sets out a sustainable vision for the area. It also includes a series of policies the community is proposing should be used in the determination of planning applications. The public can have a say on the plan until 5pm on December 4. Copies are available at www.maidstone.gov.uk/consultations or from the parish office.


anyone could part with her.” When she was found, Delphine


had ear infections and cataracts in both eyes. Thanks to generous dona- tions from the public, Delphine had specialist treatment at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, but her sight could not be restored. Christine Dooley, animal centre manager at RSPCA Leybourne, is thrilled Delphine has found a home. She said: “Delphinewas completely traumatised by her previous experi-


RESIDENTS in Broomfield and Kingswood can comment on poli- cies for the futre of their area. The parish council has prepared


a neighbourhood development plan setting out a vision to be used to determine planning applications. Maidstone Council is consulting


ences and was unresponsive when she first arrived. The kennels were challenging for her as her height- ened response to soundmadeher all the more sensitive to the barking. “Whenshe eventuallywagged her


tail for us here it was a noteworthy occasion, rather like the time she first accepted a treat from our hands. They were milestones in her devel- opment and her return to being a more 'normal' dog and they felt like real achievements. “Her life has changed out of all recognition. Having the stability of a newhome, a steady canine compan- ion and the care and compassion of her new owners has changed her world completely.” If anyone has any information


about Delphine and how she came to be dumped, they should call 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for RSPCA Inspector Tina Nash.


Shaping future of community


residents on the plan until 5pm on December 18. See it online at www.maidstone.gov.uk/consulta- tions or at Broomfield and Kingswood Post Office. Representations can be made at www.maidstone.gov.uk/consulta- tions.


Albany Funerals “


They are bright, normal, businesslike, kind and absolutely genuine. We think they’ll look after you well, in the way you’d like to be looked after. You’ll be able to create a fine and appropriate send-off at a price that will reflect good value for money.


They are a class act. Good Funeral Guide ”


669 Loose Road, Maidstone ME15 9UX (off-street parking) 01622 746 688 (24 Hours) www. Albany-funerals.co.uk


Maidstone South December 2015 25


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