Longest serving volunteer at dogs' home celebrated

Ann Palmer - pictured with Jack - has volunteered for the charity for 24 years

The longest serving volunteer at a dogs' home has been celebrated after helping out for more than two decades.

Ann Palmer has volunteered at Battersea’s Berkshire branch since 2000 and has adopted 12 dogs.

She is the Old Windsor home's dog socialiser and helps animals get ready for their new homes.

Toothless Yorkshire terrier Phyllis, who she looked after, was featured on the late Paul O’Grady’s ITV show, For the Love of Dogs.

Ms Palmer told BBC Radio Berkshire that TV producers thought Phyllis, who was found abandoned in a field, would be interesting to cover.

“The vet couldn’t get near her and she was a really grumpy little thing. Because [Battersea staff] knew I liked Yorkies, I used to go and sit with her and she was quite nice to me,” she said.

“I did quite a bit of filming with her and she did a bit of filming with Paul O’Grady. She was horrible to him and he kept his gloves on. He did a wonderful segment with her.”

Ms Palmer helps out as a dog socialiser

Ms Palmer eventually adopted Phyllis, who lived with her for three years.

“She was fine with me. She could have her moments but luckily she didn’t have any teeth so she couldn’t do that much damage,” she added.

“Phyllis was really popular. She got so many likes on Facebook and even when she died, a friend of mine sent a message to Paul O’Grady’s Radio 2 show and he did a wonderful segment about her.”

She added: “It’s very rewarding especially when you see a little dog come in that’s sort of unaware of what’s happening and within a few weeks - or not even that long - with all the dedicated staff and volunteers, their character comes out and then they go out and find a lovely home.”

Poppy Duckett, Battersea’s volunteer services manager, said: “Ann has made a real difference to the lives of so many animals during her time volunteering for us, from helping nervous dogs come out of their shells to giving them a friendly face to spend time with each day.

“From day one she got stuck in with life at Battersea, not only with her day-to-day duties but she’s always keen to get involved with everything, giving our grounds a spruce up and attending our events with her Battersea dogs.”