When Tasha and Lena arrived at Raystede, they were terrified, in pain, and broken from neglect. Their physical condition was just as heart-breaking - they had painful infections in their feet, bald patches, flea infestations and were very smelly.
We could see they both had milk in their teats, so we guessed that they’d been used for breeding and gave birth just weeks before they were dumped.
We decided to rehabilitate them in a double kennel so they could keep one another company. As their confidence grew, the team were happy to report that they were relaxing and starting to enjoy cuddles.
When Tasha and Lena arrived at Raystede, they were terrified, in pain, and broken from neglect. Their physical condition was just as heart-breaking - they had painful infections in their feet, bald patches, flea infestations and were very smelly.
We could see they both had milk in their teats, so we guessed that they’d been used for breeding and gave birth just weeks before they were dumped.
We decided to rehabilitate them in a double kennel so they could keep one another company. As their confidence grew, the team were happy to report that they were relaxing and starting to enjoy cuddles.
Now, Tasha and Lena are well on their way to healing. They’re both desperate to be loved and show their affection - Tasha has a soft toy she carries around all the time, which we believe is a substitute for her puppies.
We want Tasha and Lena to be rehomed together, and we know their new family will need patience as they grow to love their home and overcome their trauma.
Our Kennels Team will be there every step of the way to help them enjoy life together.
But we need your help...
Every day we meet vulnerable animals in desperate need of your help - animals like our woodland kittens Bramble, Ash, Fern, Foxglove, and Bluebell.
A dog walker heard faint cries for help coming from inside a box left in the heart of Abbot’s Wood. To her surprise, she discovered a litter of tiny kittens, desperate for food. She took them home and, knowing they needed care and attention, called us.
We immediately arranged for our vet to check them over, weigh them and give them worming paste. They were so small, we guessed they were around just 4-5 weeks old. Tiny kittens still need milk at night.
Kim, from our Cattery Team, volunteered to foster them for the first week so she could syringe feed them. But as soon as they were released into her home, they tucked straight into wet food and a few were able to lap up milk from a bowl.
Kim also noticed they were partially litter-trained. We quickly realised that they were more like 5-6 weeks old. This was good news. Kim finished litter training and they went to another foster home until old enough to have their vaccines. Now, micro-chipped and neutered, they are safe and thriving with loving new owners!
Raystede is a temporary home to the most vulnerable of animals. From the big to the small, we give shelter to elderly dogs, abandoned kittens, unloved horses and escaped rabbits, to name but a few. Our centre is their sanctuary whilst we find their forever homes.
But winters are getting harder. Rising energy bills and more and more animals needing our support mean we’re in a perfect storm. Vulnerable animals are at risk of being left out in the cold. So we need your support.
At a most basic level, keeping their shelters warm on long and cold winter nights is vital for their survival and well-being. With your kind donations, we can help them to thrive by providing warm blankets and bedding as the temperatures drop.
Our animals deserve warmth and safety, and your gift today could make sure our animals stay out of the cold this Christmas.
