For the seventh time, Basingstoke Dog Warden Laura Yeates has won the RSPCA Gold Stray Dog PawPrint Award.
CommunityAd spoke with Laura to find out more.
This is the seventh time you’ve won the award! How does it feel having such an amazing track record?
I feel immensely proud to receive this award which recognises the standard of care given to stray dogs in Basingstoke and Deane. I hope that it offers reassurance to our residents that should their beloved pet ever get lost, they will be well looked after while in the council’s care.
How long have you been the Basingstoke Dog Warden?
I have been lucky enough be the dog warden in Basingstoke and Deane for 20 years and during that time have seen many changes. Every day is different and I never know what I will be dealing with day to day.
What are the hardest and the most rewarding parts of your job?
The hardest part of this role is sometimes having to deliver sad news to owners. Another difficult part of the job is dealing with neglect or welfare cases.
These are two things you never get used to no matter how long you do the job and I have shed many tears.
The rewarding parts of the job are reuniting lost and stolen dogs with their very grateful owners. Also, being in a position to offer help and advice to pet owners hopefully resolving their issues and making a difference is very fulfilling.
What do you do in your down time when you’re not taking care of Basingstoke’s dogs?
I like spending time with my children and grandchildren, I enjoy walking my own dogs in our lovely surrounding countryside. I also love listening to all kinds of music. Another passion of mine is collecting antique porcelain figurines.