I established Wee Critters Small Animal Rescue in order to help rehabilitate and rehome abandoned and unwanted small pets in the North of Scotland. So far all fosters have been kept in our house, between the living room and my bedroom. Space, however, is very limited and I am frequently unable to take in any more animals.This means frequently turning down requests for help.

My aim is to erect a purpose-built shed in our garden, which will provide practical space for rescue residents undergoing rehabilitation, in preparation for being rehomed. As well as being able to take in more small animals, the space will be safe and secure from other family pets, mainly dogs, and provide a professional environment for people to hand over and receive pets. Currently having to do this in my bedroom is far from ideal, especially given that the visitors are strangers.

My hope is to build a 6 x 12 ft shed with space for multiple animal enclosures, supply storage and an out-of-cage play space. This could house, at any one time, up to 30 small animals. The whole shed will need to be insulated to ensure that it stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Ventilation is also incredibly important so the shed will have a large door and opening windows. If our budget allows, I would ideally supply the shed with electricity for lighting and a ticking over of heat in the winter. We will also attach an aviary and outdoor run to the side, allowing the exercise of larger small animals, and the rehabilitation of birds before release.

I can't do this alone. Your donations will help make this happen. Thank you.

For more information on what we do, please visit our Facebook page. I also regularly share pictures of my own pets and current fosters on Instagram. Give these a follow so I can keep you updated on the shed progress!

Pictured above is Nox, rehomed in May with his two brothers, Lumos and Nimbus. These three came to me as very nervous boys, unsure of people after being stuck in a glass tank for three months. Despite being nippy at first they quickly came around and their gentle personalities appeared. They now live in a lovely home with a new ratty friend and all the love and care that they deserve.

This is Stuart Black, a Blackbird chick hand-reared from just a few days old, the only survivor of a cat attack. He has since fully recovered and 'flown the nest'. Hopefully we'll see him again one day. But for now, farewell Stuart.

These two boys are Rufus and Ringo. Although I don't know much about their background, they came to me unkept, overweight and biting, but are now well on the road to being happy and healthy patties. They should be ready for rehoming at the end of July, or sooner if the right home comes along.