Staff at a Quintrell Downs business spent a night ‘in the doghouse’ to help unwanted or neglected dogs, cats and small animals from across Cornwall. 

The team at Naked Solar in West Road spent a night in the kennels at the RSPCA Cornwall branch at St Columb to raise awareness and funds for the charity.  

The company jumped at the chance of supporting the RSPCA’s work after installing a solar installation at the centre. 

The evening started with a presentation from RSPCA on the important, self-funded work they do around rehabilitation and rehoming of animals in need before bedding down for the night in the kennels. 

The sleepover has so far raised £2,871, which will help fund the ongoing medical care and rehabilitation of the 90 animals currently in the RSPCA’s care at the centre. 

Aaron Cox from Naked Solar said: “For anyone who has visited our office it’s no secret that we are huge dog lovers so we wanted to support the RSPCA centre’s amazing work after hearing about the fundraising opportunity. 

“The sleepover was an eye-opening chance to reflect and think about what some animals go through before they get an opportunity to start their journey with the RSPCA and find a loving home. 

“It is not uncommon for rescue dogs to be scared of everything around them.  

“The rehoming centre in St Columb are seeing unwanted, mistreated and neglected dogs and cats coming through its doors at a frightening rate. 

“Every year they are being asked to help more and more unwanted or ill-treated animals find their forever home.  

“The cost of providing this care, the food, the warmth and vital veterinary treatment is on the increase.

“However, their commitment to these animals never waivers and they are constantly looking to offer the best possible welfare standards and future for the animals in their care. 

“The average costs to run one of these kennels is £1,100 therefore we wanted to raise as much as we could to help.” 

Tony Sampson, the managing director at Naked Solar, added: “I’m afraid I was quite ignorant of the work carried out at the centre.  

“I thought they looked after a few dogs, it’s so much more involved. 

“There is the process of identifying what issues the dogs have, what they’re scared of and what they need in a home are so wide ranging and to work all this out takes weeks and weeks of continuous work.   

“Then the work identifying and matching suitable homes takes its toll plus dealing with very short notice intakes, limited staff and volunteers, along with the bad press from disgruntled people who didn’t fit the needs of some dogs they hoped to adopt. 

“It all adds up to a very difficult and stressful working environment.  

“The centre is entirely self-funded so need to raise thousands and thousands every year to keep going.  

“It was such an eye opener and I’ll certainly be getting involved in any future fund-raising events they have.”