We will remember him - saying farewell to a loved team member 'Richard Chandler'
Submitted by Steve on 16:19, 12th Nov, 2015 |
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Today family, friends and the GSPCA team attended a celebration for the life of Richard Courtenay Chandler who passed peacefully on Thursday 1st October 2015 aged 68 and took place at Le Foulon Chapel.
In an emotional service led by Nikki Attwoll for a wonderful and caring man the following loving words were spoken in his memory by the GSPCA Manager -
"Today we remember a much loved family member, a friend and someone that was very dear to the team at the GSPCA
Richard was not only a work colleague, in the time I knew him he certainly became a very dear friend and to many at the Shelter a kind of grand father figure.
There were three things in Richards life that drove his heart and soul. Without doubt this started with his family, who, he loved dearly and spoke of often, of how proud he was of each and every one.
The second was the GSPCA and caring for animals, Richard was a wonderful man, who passionately cared for the Shelter and the team at the GSPCA, and he is sorely missed by all. Despite his grumpy old man demenour and untidy desk he wanted what was best for everyone and always wanted to see people do their best.
Many may not know the extent of Richards role over the years at the Shelter or the dedication and pride he took, despite the organised chaos he called his desk. Some of his highlights were
He cared for the lion cubs
Covering the front desk
Manned the ambulance
Cleaned kennels
Ran the accounts
Arranged the rota
Hand rearing baby birds and many other species
Ordered stock
Fixing the IT
Liaised with the vets
Fund raised
Helped catch stray dogs like Jessie the beagle
Helped rescue the Slovakian puppies
And even dressed as a Giant Animal Mascot that being Big Bird
Richard over the years helped and organised all levels of the work of the GSPCA, from living on site to sitting at his desk where he was most at home, directing what he would call his minions with his dry but funny sense of humour he certainly loved his role and the difference he made.
Finally his third passion in his life when he wasn't talking about his family or the GSPCA was without doubt the rugby. Being a Welsh man and he being, well English meant we spent many hours joking about the better team. He also spoke often of his younger days, when he would like to think he was the best rugby player of every year and that he could hold his beer better than any other of his team.
Now I know there are others but these other than a nap in the Guernsey sunshine to me stand out for the man he was. A family man, a dedicated and caring person, a wonderful member of the team and someone that didn't always cheer for the best rugby side.
Richard without doubt has made a lasting difference not only to many of us here today but in helping countless animals, their owners and touched many lives and we will all miss him dearly."
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those that cared for him. We all miss him dearly at the GSPCA and we are honoured to have had such a dedicated, passionate and amazing person as part of our team.
To see some of the highlights from Richards life whilst working at the GSPCA please click here.
Help us to continue to keep them safe!
Thankfully the incidents of animals being injured by fireworks & bonfires in Guernsey are few and far between; but we mustn’t get too complacent. Below are some basic guidelines that will enable you to help all of our furry and feathered friends to stay calm and safe on and around Bonfire night.
To notify us of your event please email the team at the GSPCA and we can add your firework display to our calendar. Please let us know the location, date and times it is planned for and also if it is public or a private event.
To help please cut and paste the following and input the details -
Location of event:Date of firework event:Time planned to start:Time planned to end:Is the event public or private:Any other helpful details:
Thank you for helping us help pet owners in Guernsey.
GSPCA Firework Advice
Fireworks are exciting and pretty to look at and it is fun to celebrate Guy Fawkes with a bang, but for our furry and feathered friends this time of year can be a nightmare. Many animals domestic and wild suffer needlessly every year.
The GSPCA would like to urge everyone follow our animal friendly firework code and protect your pets and the local wildlife.
Please make sure that your pets are wearing a collar with an identity tag in case they manage to escape from your home. We would also strongly advise that you have your pets microchipped as this enables us to reunite them with you much more easily should they run away. Please call the GSPCA for further details on having your animal microchipped.
Walk your dog during the day.
As soon as it gets dark keep your dog or cat inside. Ensure all of the windows and doors are locked including dog and cat flaps.
Go to an organised display if you can. If you are having a private firework display then build you bonfire as late as possible to reduce the likelihood of any wildlife taking up residence. Before lighting the fire check the area thoroughly for hedgehogs. We are always saddened by the number of hedgehogs we receive that have suffered severe burns.
Please notify your neighbours of your intentions. Especially the elderly and those who have pets.
When horses are startled they are likely to bolt and can suffer serious injuries. Ensure that all horses, ponies and donkeys are securely stabled with the doors closed.
Remember to bring guinea pigs and rabbits inside or place under cover in an out building.
Don’t take your dog to a firework display. If you are going out then draw your curtains, put the television or radio on and provide you pet with a safe hiding place so they feel secure.
If you know that your pet is frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or has an existing heart condition please contact your vet for advice. They may suggest you try an Appeasing Pheromone such as ADAPTIL or Feliway diffusers or may discuss the use of sedatives; depending on your pet’s needs.
Please clean up after firework parties. Litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.
Remember NEVER let fireworks off near animals.
Note: ADAPTIL and Feliway products are on sale at the Shelter and have proven to be very effective in calming anxious pets. You should purchase the product as soon as you can for maximum effectiveness on and around Fireworks night. The GSPCA is keen to help owners reduce their pet’s anxieties and now offers these products for almost 50% less than other outlets.
Here is some additional information and videos to help you through the next few weeks with your dog and cat:
If you require further advice please contact the GSPCA on 257261
Sell out tours at the GSPCA and plans for 2016http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/sell-out-tours-gspca-and-plans-2016
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By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
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