0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:04- Hello and welcome to the programme - with me, Elin Fflur.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06- Over the next few weeks...
0:00:06 > 0:00:10- ..we'll follow the events - at Wales's largest animal centre.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15- They save, care and rehome - all kinds of animals.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20- Stay tuned if you're anything - like me and you love animals.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- We've come to the RSPCA pet rescue - and rehoming centre...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- ..on the historic farm of Llys Nini - at Penllergaer near Swansea.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- During the series, - we'll learn about the centre...
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- ..get to know the animals - who live here...
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- ..and meet those who work tirelessly - to care for them.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- These are animals like Starsky.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- He's asked me to tell you - about the site's history.
0:01:06 > 0:01:12- RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre is - situated near Junction 47 of the M4.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- Gorseinon and the Gower - is to the south.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- Swansea is to the east - and the Lliw Valley is to the west.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- The heart of the centre is an - old farmhouse from the Middle Ages.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27- It stands on 80 acres of land...
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- ..and is the temporary home - of many orphan animals.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- The centre develops - various habitats...
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- ..to encourage wildlife - across the site.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- It's all in aid of the animals.
0:01:43 > 0:01:49- Llys Nini is an independent charity - but is affiliated with the RSPCA.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- This is one - of 14 branches in Wales...
0:01:53 > 0:01:58- ..of The Royal Society for the - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- The RSPCA inspectors - of the South-West Wales region...
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- ..are located at Llys Nini.
0:02:06 > 0:02:12- They save animals that have been - abandoned, neglected or mistreated.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- Many of them come - to the Llys Nini Centre.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- This is what we have for you today.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- We meet two special huskies - called Ollie and Che.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- Joe Allen and wife, Lacey - tell us how they help this centre.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35- Animals are always going to play - an important role in our lives.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- We'll also meet - some brave animals...
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- ..such as Marley the poodle - and Merc the cat.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47- They do incredible work to improve - the lives of these animals...
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- ..so they have a chance - to be rehomed with the public.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- From week to week, - the comedian, Steffan Alun...
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- ..will tell us about some - of Llys Nini's residents.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- He has close ties with the centre...
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- ..as his grandparents - farmed the land for some time.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- Hello, my name is Steffan.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- I won't be doing - any stand-up here...
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- ..but have come to meet the animals - of the Llys Nini centre.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- They usually have over 70 dogs - and 90 cats here.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- Each one is looking for a home.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- Some are snapped up quickly - and are only here a week or two.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- But others, like Boyo here, have - been at the centre for over a year.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- Greyhounds are amongst the most - common breeds at these centres.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- Many don't see any worth in the dogs - after their racing days...
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- ..but they are usually - loving and loyal...
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- ..and they don't need - a lot of exercise.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- These traits haven't been - acknowledged in Boyo's case.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04- He's been here so long and struggles - to cope despite the loving carers.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- Boyo has been temporarily fostered - by a loving home.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14- And as you can see, he's much - happier and loves living with Anne.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- His personality - has finally come out.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- When someone comes to adopt Boyo...
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- ..he will have experienced - a warm and loving home.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- It will be difficult for Anne - to see him go.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- Llys Nini has a hard-working team...
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- ..that cares for the centre - and its four-legged residents.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- Occasionally, the staff have - the help of experienced volunteers.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- I worked at the centre - a few years ago...
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- ..but now work full-time - at a veterinary surgery.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- I stayed in touch with the centre...
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- ..and work for them - when someone is ill or on holiday.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- I step in when they need - some extra support.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- If I haven't been to the centre - for a while...
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- ..I come and volunteer with the dogs - on weekends.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- I always wanted - to work with animals.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- Any other job wasn't an option.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Despite working - in a veterinary surgery...
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- ..I've retained my relationship - with the centre...
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- ..and help the animals - who don't have owners.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- I feel like I'm making a difference.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- A five-minute walk - makes a huge difference...
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- ..to a dog who is stuck in a cage - throughout the day.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- It feels great to help - and do something for an animal.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- I tend to arrive at 9.00am - and help with the cleaning.
0:06:11 > 0:06:17- I usually work with the dogs and go - to the block with the daily staff...
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- ..and help to clean, - feed and medicate the animals.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- From about 11.00am, we take - each of the dogs out for a walk.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- It gets them out for some fresh air - and exercise...
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- ..before returning to be fed - and put to bed.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- It starts again on the next day!
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- There's more from Ffion, the staff - and volunteers later in the series.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- We'll also hear the stories - of those animals...
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- ..who have overcome - an array of difficulties.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- It makes the work of the staff - all the more worthwhile.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Let's hear the story - of Marley the poodle.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- This is Marley the poodle.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- Marley's medical needs proved to be - too much for his owner.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- His serious condition saw him - lose the use of his back legs.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- His owners had given up...
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- ..but his life was turned around - by a very special person.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- Elsbeth, a friend of Marley's family - has the story.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- Helen and her sister - have ties with Llys Nini.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- Both are volunteers - and do a lot with the animals.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- Two years ago, Helen adopted Marley.
0:07:38 > 0:07:44- He has a curvature of the spine - but this doesn't stop him.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- As you can see, he has a wheelchair - that was built by Helen's father.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- He's happy as long as he has a ball - in his mouth.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- It takes a special person - to have a dog like Marley.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- Marley is lucky to have Helen - but Helen is also lucky to have him.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- He's such a character - and everybody loves him.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- The family is wonderful and Helen - opens her home to care for animals.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17- The family loves dogs.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- I can't think of a better family - to have Marley.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- Marley is an inspiration to us all.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34- The centre is fortunate - to receive a lot of support...
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- ..from kind people - such as Catrin Alun.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- The centre is very close - to your heart.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- There's a strong family connection.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- Yes, and I first came here - in 1975...
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- ..when I met my late husband, Sion.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- His family farmed on the land and - we would come here every holiday.
0:08:57 > 0:09:03- I've driven a tractor - and ridden horses on these fields.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- This is the new building...
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- ..that sits on foundations - from the Middle Ages.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- The previous building - dated back to the Middle Ages.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- That building is no longer here and - nobody thought to get it registered.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- The old fireplace - had a stone staircase behind it.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- The bedroom was above the cowshed.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- When the RSPCA first came here...
0:09:32 > 0:09:37- ..the family and my late - mother-in-law had mixed feelings.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- She wasn't sure if she wanted the - site to be developed in that way.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- If she was here today, she would - be encouraged by their work.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- The strong family ties continue.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- Your son, Steffan - features in this series...
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- ..and his wife also works here.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Yes, Eleanor is involved - in the environmental aspects.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- She works on the land that was - tended by Steffan's grandfather.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- The circle is complete.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- I've spent some time here and will - struggle to leave without a dog.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- You share the same feelings - when visiting the cats.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- I can't go and see the animals - without being tempted.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- I can't visit too often - as I want to take them all home.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- How many cats do you have?
0:10:26 > 0:10:27- How many cats do you have?- - Seven.
0:10:28 > 0:10:29- Thank you, Catrin.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- I think Steffan - has found a friend for you.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- No.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- Yes, this is the perfect cat.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- This is Idris.
0:10:41 > 0:10:47- Idris is two and has come from - another centre to find a new home.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- Black cats aren't very popular - these days.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- When I was younger, - black cats were a sign of good luck.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- Idris has never lived in a house.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- I'm here to find Idris a home.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Idris has two positive features.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- His name is great for a comedian...
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- ..and black is a great colour - for a cat.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- We shouldn't judge cats - by their colour.
0:11:17 > 0:11:23- # I never said the words
0:11:23 > 0:11:29- # I never hid on your shoulders
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- # I just shook your hand
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- # And put my words in my hand
0:11:37 > 0:11:44- # And looked into your eyes #
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- We'll meet more of Starsky's friends - later in the programme.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- After the break...
0:11:52 > 0:11:58- ..we'll meet two special huskies and - some more residents of Llys Nini.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- Joe Allen - will also be paying a visit.
0:12:05 > 0:12:05- .
0:12:10 > 0:12:10- Subtitles
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- Welcome back.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21- I have a fact for you.
0:12:21 > 0:12:27- Some 7,589 animals were rescued - by the RSPCA last year...
0:12:27 > 0:12:32- ..and 2,760 of those - were helped by Llys Nini.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- All year, the centre is full of - animals searching for a new home.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- They are here for various reasons, - such as neglect, cruelty and abuse.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Starsky was one of three puppies...
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- ..found in a box - on the side of the road.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- His brothers were rehomed quickly.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- It was more difficult for Starsky - due to his leg injury.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- Debbie, who works at Llys Nini, - took a shine to Starsky.
0:13:03 > 0:13:09- He's very happy in his new home and - loves coming to work with Debbie.
0:13:09 > 0:13:15- Their background and condition make - it harder to rehome some animals.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Let's hear Ollie and Che's story.
0:13:23 > 0:13:29- I first met Ollie and Che when I was - a volunteer dog walker at Llys Nini.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- This is the cage - where I first saw them.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- They were big dogs and - I was worried that they were nasty.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- I didn't know much about the breed.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- It was difficult to imagine - who would adopt the dogs.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- They had medical needs...
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- ..and most people - walked passed their cage.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- The pair were subject - to serious neglect.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- They were discovered in - a narrow cage in a small kitchen...
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- ..and in an unacceptable state.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- They were rescued by the police...
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- ..and transferred to the care - of an RSPCA inspector...
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- ..before being moved to Llys Nini.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- They hadn't been exercised...
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- ..which meant that their muscles - and spines were very weak.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- The huskies were here - for almost a year.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- I remember that the staff - were worried.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Their health deteriorated - and they were depressed.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- I started walking the dogs - on a regular basis.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- I fell in love with them as soon as - I looked into their blue eyes!
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- They were excited to see me too.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- I remember taking them home - on the first day...
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- ..and seeing their reaction - to being in a long garden...
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- ..for the first time in many years.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- I also remember taking them to - Aberavon Beach for the first time.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- It was the first time - for them to see the sea.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- It was both shocking - but sweet at the same time.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- When the snow came that winter...
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- ..I'll never forget seeing - their reaction to the snow.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- They ran around in circles.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- It was a pleasure to see them - experience so many things.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- We lost Ollie within a year - of the rehoming...
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- ..but he lived like a king.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- He was a very ill dog, - but happy at the same time.
0:15:36 > 0:15:42- After we lost Ollie, Che was lonely - and struggled with being alone...
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- ..so we adopted a friend for him.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- Nel is a chocolate Labrador - who was also from Llys Nini.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Soon after, - Che passed away in his sleep.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- They were both elderly dogs and - we knew they wouldn't live for long.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- It's important to adopt elderly dogs - and not only puppies.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- The experience I had - was unforgettable.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- Running a centre like Llys Nini - is quite challenging.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- The charities who maintain - the centre work closely together.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- But how does this arrangement - succeed?
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- The RSPCA - works as one independent charity.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- There are also - 14 independent branches.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- We all work together as one family.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- Llys Nini is run by a small group - of trustees who are volunteers...
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- ..who tend to everything.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- The centre is not funded - by the RSPCA...
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- ..so we have to raise - over 1 million a year...
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- ..which is a massive amount.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- We do this via our charity shops...
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- ..by hosting local events - and through marketing.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- The main aim of Llys Nini - is to offer resources...
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- ..for the welfare of the animals.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- We also support the work - of the RSPCA inspectors.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- About 80% of the animals...
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- ..come directly - from the RSPCA inspectors.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- We have a close relationship - with the inspectors.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- The inspectors work independently...
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- ..but the West Wales inspectors - have an office at Llys Nini.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39- We rehome around 600 animals - every year.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- We also have a low-cost - veterinary surgery...
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- ..that treats 700 animals.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- We also help people - on a low income...
0:17:53 > 0:17:58- ..to neuter and microchip - their cats.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- Llys Nini relies heavily - on the generosity of the public.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12- We met two of the centre's biggest - supporters on their recent visit.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- Lacey and I have supported - the Llys Nini centre for many years.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- Animals will always be important - in our lives as a couple.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33- We have dogs, geese, - ponies and chickens.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- I was raised locally, - so Llys Nini is close to my heart.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- I'd come here a lot and when we - return to the area, I still do.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- When we're in the area, we enjoy - coming back to see the animals...
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- ..to walk around - and see how they're doing.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- We also support the work - of the centre throughout the year.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- I've sold our clothes and those of - our friends and family on eBay...
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- ..and we've arranged a number - of events to raise more money.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- When we got married...
0:19:08 > 0:19:14- ..we asked our guests to resist - the urge to buy us gifts...
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- ..but to donate the money - to Llys Nini.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- Our guests were generous - and we raised over 3,000.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- We're delighted to be ambassadors - for Llys Nini.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- It's an honour and privilege...
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- ..and I hope we can continue - to raise money for Llys Nini.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- As you saw earlier, - this dog is a bit of a footballer.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- His name is Mac and he's played - football against Joe Allen!
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- I don't know much about football, - but I guess it was Wales v Scotland.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52- Is that right?
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- Mac first came to the centre - with his sister...
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- ..after their owner had died.
0:19:59 > 0:20:05- In this different environment, Mac - and his sister didn't get along...
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- ..so they were separated - and Mac's sister has been rehomed.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- Sadly, Mac is still here and - is waiting for the right owner.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- We hope his likeable character...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..will help him to find - the right owner in the end.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Och aye!
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- # I'm still holding on
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- # And think back
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- # But I've lost the chance
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- # And it will never come back #
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- Gemma Black is an inspector - with the RSPCA.
0:20:52 > 0:20:58- She works in South-East Wales - but occasionally visits Llys Nini.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- I started working for the RSPCA - in 2007.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- I've lived in Pembrokeshire - and Coventry...
0:21:06 > 0:21:11- ..but these days, I'm an RSPCA - inspector just outside of Wales.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- This van is like my office.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15- I practically live in it.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- I never know what I'm going - to come across each day...
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- ..so I have a variety of things - in here.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- There are cages - for dogs, cats and birds.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- Towels are very useful - and we carry newspapers.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- There's also sorts of things - including a net.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- It's stuck at the moment!
0:21:36 > 0:21:42- This is great when you're dealing - with birds or aggressive cats.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- You never know what you'll encounter - so we carry all these things.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- The trick is to remember - where you've put it!
0:21:51 > 0:21:56- If you find an animal - and suspect that it is in trouble...
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- ..or needs a vet...
0:21:59 > 0:22:00- ..then you can contact us.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- You can contact us if you think - an animal is being mistreated...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- ..or if it's being neglected.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- If you find an animal in trouble...
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- ..these are the emergency - contact details for the RSPCA.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- We're nearing the end - of the programme...
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- ..but there's time - for one more story.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- It's over to Steff at the cattery.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- This is Merc.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- He was named after a Mercedes...
0:22:35 > 0:22:41- ..because Merc was found - under the bonnet of a Mercedes.
0:22:41 > 0:22:47- As you can see, he's a happy cat but - there's a lesson to be learned here.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- Cats like warm spaces - so check under your car bonnets.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- Simply slap your bonnet - or open it...
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- ..to see if your cat - is hiding inside.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- These days, Merc is healthy...
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- ..and has been rehomed.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- That's it for this week.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- For more information, - visit our social media sites.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20- It's likely that the animals in this - series will all be rehomed by now...
0:23:20 > 0:23:26- ..but there are still hundreds of - animals searching for a new home.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- Make sure you visit - your nearest shelter.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- Until next time, from Llys Nini...
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- Until next time, from Llys Nini...- - ..the home for animals...
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- Goodbye!
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:56 > 0:23:56- .