There are always stray dogs at Christmas – we’ve had them tied to the gates, brought in on Christmas Day and discovered fastened to drainpipes on Boxing Day. We are the only shelter to take in strays in this area and we never turn any dog needing us away. It’s especially harrowing to deal with dogs who are so thin, cold and exhausted at this time of year, when everyone else is enjoying lots of food, warmth and festivities. The poor dogs are thrown out and left to fend for themselves no matter what the weather.
We know what a difficult time of year it is financially, especially with the credit crunch hanging over all of us and the increased cost of just about everything, but if you can spare some food for the dogs and cats it would be a tremendous relief and very much appreciated. Cats are brought in at this time of year too – mostly found huddling under sheds and hedges and starving hungry. Neighbours feed them for a while but then they are often going away at Christmas and so they bring them in.
We are always more under pressure at this time of year than any other. You can buy cat and dog food, hay for the ponies etc. online – paypal and we’ll do the rest. Or bring whatever you can spare – any kind of cat or dog food – into the sanctuary. If we’re out with dogs please leave the food in Reception – we do like to have your name and address so we can thank you and send you a Newsletter – you’ll find pen and paper on the desk.
We’re closing at 2.0 pm on Christmas Eve and will open again the day after Boxing Day – 27th at 10.0am to 3.0pm. We also close New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Many thanks from us and all the animals for your kindness and support.