At Holly Hedge we live, breathe, eat and sleep rescue. Whether a dog or cat comes to us as a beloved pet whose owner has passed away, or they were living on the streets, they are each treated as the special individual they are. We offer them Sanctuary from harm, and a promise that they will have much brighter futures. We give them food, warmth, love and do our utmost to show them they can trust people. The day they leave us for their forever homes is what we strive for, we believe every animal deserves a loving home.

This year has pushed us beyond what we thought we could ever be capable of. This year so far we have rehomed over 340 cats, and over 120 dogs, and we are still receiving emergency calls almost every day.

Hardening our hearts and turning away animals in need is not an option we would consider. But whilst our reserves dwindle and there is still no emergency funding available to shelters from the Government, to continue we can only rely on kindness and support from our community. Our vet bills currently average £12-£15,000 each month, which we are unable to sustain long term. So we ask, if you believe in our work, and would like us to be here for years to come, please give whatever you can.

We are facing increasing Covid-19 cases across the country, we are facing the winter season when general symptoms are known to worsen, and as bills rise and new puppies and kittens are bought as gifts, we are facing an increasing number of dogs and cats who need our help. It is no exaggeration to say that our little team is exhausted. The pressure has been relentless; but we know that each new day safe and cared for is a lifeline for our rescues, and we keep going for them.

We will always do whatever it takes, and we're not going to let our rescues down. We're resourceful, we wouldn't have made it to where we are today if we weren't careful with every penny our kind, compassionate supporters had gifted us. But what really worries us is that there soon won't be the money needed to pay for the care we give.

The harsh reality is that we have experienced an unprecedented loss in income this year and, with continuing government restrictions in place, and no emergency grant in sight for the animal welfare sector, we desperately need hope. Our adoption fee is low compared to many, and rarely covers the cost each animal incurs whilst in our care. Hundreds of emergency funding grants have excluded the animal welfare sector, so there is no one to ask except you, our dear friends.

Like Santa makes his list, we are working on our Christmas rota, preparing for a cold, long journey and hoping to give the most wonderful gift there is; kindness. We'll be on call, ready to rescue, whatever the weather. On Christmas Day itself we will be making sure our rescues get to experience the excitement and joy they deserve, and staffing our 24/7 emergency service, so that no animal is left out in the cold.

There is not a day, or a minute that we are not ready to be there for rescues and our community. That's why we're asking you if you could please make a donation today. We are hoping that, in these extraordinary times, we can call on your friendship and kindness to help get us through. We want to be there for as many dogs and cats as we can, for as long as they need us.

On behalf of all of us at Holly Hedge, we thank you for your support, wish you good health, and a very Merry Christmas xx