Catherine Woods is a psychic healer who is also associated with The Animal Foundation in Kildare. She grew up in Ringsend, now lives in Dublin’s East Wall area and devotes much time to raising funds for the foundation.

Catherine speaks with passion about her love for animals and of the great love they show to humans who treat them kindly. She particularly likes to be involved with the Kildare foundation, as they have a no-kill policy. All the animals they take in are neutered and Catherine recommends that all owners do likewise.

The DSPCA neuters a cat for €30. Dublin has a ratio of 9 rats to every human and cats help keep these numbers down. She also suggests that pet dogs, especially the females, should be neutered. Dog neutering can cost up to €80 and most vets will allow payment to be done in instalments.

The Foundation is always on the lookout for good homes for their animals and, though based in Kildare, because of Catherine’s involvement, many of their animals have found homes in the Dublin 4 area. Prospective homes are vetted by a member of the foundation to check that the dog or cat would be happy there. The Kildare foundation does not sell on their dogs but gifts them to the new home.

Catherine urges those who are considering getting a pet for the first time to remember that there are responsibilities. There is an onus on the owner to walk the dog. It is illegal for a dog to be on the street or in a public place unattended. Both dogs and cats should be wormed and neutered and the former collared and tagged. I met with Catherine’s two dogs that came from the foundation. They exuded calm and contentment. The dogs go to the beach with her to play racket and ball, running themselves into a blissful exhaustion.

In her work as a psychic healer, Catherine’s treatments may enable people to help themselves recover their health and well-being. She also administers healing to sick or injured animals for no fee. She is available to give talks on animal welfare in the schools in order to promote a better understanding of animal needs and to educate children on how to involve themselves in prevention of cruelty to animals.

The Animal Foundation (045 446995) is located at Lough Andy’s House, Kildare Town, Kildare and is open 2-4pm daily.

People wishing to offer a home to cats or dogs can come before Christmas and choose an animal. No animals are given out until after 10th January 2005. Catherine says that if you see an animal in need try to get help. The local garda have all the emergency numbers and might be able to tell you what you can do.

Catherine understands that there are many who love animals but choose not to have a pet. They can help by sponsoring a pet by donating a monthly sum of money for a year. To donate to the Foundation ask your bank to set up a standing order in favour of Kildare Animal Foundation; Account No: 51 943 527; Sort Code: 901167, Bank of Ireland (even €10 a month would mean so much).

All individual or company donations of money, dog/cat food, black sacks, bleach are welcome. The Foundation needs €1,200 per week to tick over. Catherine is contactable for consultations, school talks or queries on how to get involved in fundraising at 01 8552799. For more information look at the website on www.animalfoundation.net