We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Our four legged friends certainly did!
Christmas isn't always an easy time to be in kennels, away from your family and with no home to call your own, however at Holly Hedge we try to make it as comfortable and caring as we can. As in previous years, staff member Louise hand wrapped hundreds of presents, stuffed stockings for every resident and on Christmas Eve hung the little bags of goodies on every kennel and cat pen door. We also issued hundreds of donated shoe boxes, filled with goodies, treats, food and toys.
Christmas morning saw our team of dedicated staff, hand them out to lots of excited dogs and cats. The barks of joy could be heard around the Sanctuary as squeaky toys and balls were frantically unwrapped and bells were swiped from one side of the pen to another. It's always a joyous occasion which everyone loves. This year's shoe box appeal has been amazing, this wonderful collection of items will help us survive throughout the year ensuring every animal gets new toys, lovely treats and nice bedding. Thank you so so much to everyone that collected and donated.
Later on Christmas Day, many of our wonderful volunteers arrived at the Sanctuary to help walk and cat cuddle and make sure everyone got plenty of company throughout the day and at lunchtime we were blessed to see supporter Adrianne Parkhouse and her family arrive with tray after tray of cooked chicken, roast potatoes, parsnip mash, sprouts and carrots and even dog friendly gravy! The feast was allocated out and every cat and dog ate like a king (I’m sure the staff were a little envious at this point!)
The Christmas festivities continued over the week and an increase in visitors to the site has also seen some wonderful reserves with many of our dogs and cats now ready to go home.
We would like to take this opportunity to give a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time to help us over the Christmas period, and those who come week after week, rain or shine to help ensure our animals get the best care we can provide, we couldn’t do it without you!
Of course now Christmas is over the hard work continues, 2018 has already begun with many new arrivals, many needing veterinary care but the rising costs to the Sanctuary means we struggle to meet our annual running costs, currently over 600k per year... on average it costs us £22 per animal per day to care for, and without your continued support to fundraise for us and donate where you can, we wouldn't be able to continue the work we do. We are always looking for ideas and ways to raise funds, so please contact us at fundraising@hollyhedge.org.uk if you would like to help.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
GRAND BALL 2018
Saturday 24th February
The Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel
Fancy a Fabulous Night Out?
December? Wall-to-wall celebrations! January? A bit blue. February? Time for some more glitz and glamour! So put on your glad-rags, let your hair down and dance yourself silly at our Grand Charity Ball.
Whether you come as a couple, in a group with colleagues, family or friends, or single ready to mingle, make it a night to remember and help to raise funds for Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary. Tables are likely to be in numbers of 8-10 so if booking a group of people, you can all share a table. In fact book for 10 and the tenth person goes free! Now there's an incentive!
Strut your stuff in the stylish surroundings of The Mercure Bristol Grand in central Bristol – one of the city’s oldest and most iconic hotels. The fun begins at 7pm and includes a delicious three-course meal, crazy raffles and games and fabulous entertainment from live band ‘Jet Pack Jesus’ and a DJ ‘til 1am.
A fantastic, black-tie, dress to impress evening is guaranteed for the £45 per person ticket price – and it’s all in such a good cause! Holly Hedge relies on donations in order to care for animals that have been abandoned, unwanted and some that have even suffered neglect and abuse. So by having a fun-filled evening, you’ll be helping our four-legged friends.
The hotel has a reduced rate for those wishing to stay over and a code will be required to book this, so please contact us for details. There are many other hotels within a short walking distance from the venue, including Premier Inns and Travelodge, as well as Holiday Inn, Hilton and Radison to name a few.
So let's do our bit for animals in need by dressing up, dining out and dancing ‘til we drop!
Some of you may have seen the ITV news story about Ted, The Miracle Dog who is currently residing at Holly Hedge.
This poor emaciated Collie Huski mix came to us after he was found collapsed in a field. Luckily a passer-by spotted him lying there, clearly exhausted and unable to get to his feet.
On arrival at the vets, they found he was covered in faeces and urine and seriously malnourished ,weighing just 11 kilos. As he almost certainly hadn’t had access to food for some time, he was dangerously weak and with so much muscle wastage, he was struggling to stand up. Ted was soaked in urine and faeces, indicating that he had possibly been locked in a shed, garage or crate, possibly even trapped somewhere.
Thank goodness he is now receiving treatment and lots of TLC with us at Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary, but he has an extremely long way to go before we can get him back to a healthy condition.
Shocking cases like Ted’s just shouldn’t ever happen; how did he end up in a field waiting to die? Thank goodness he was found in time as he may not have survived another night lying out in the freezing cold…. is there someone who should have been responsible for him or has he been left and neglected, locked away out of sight with no one to care for him? He is not microchipped or neutered and this amazing dog is so loving and loyal to people in spite of all the heartache and trauma he has clearly been through, he still trusts the humans who care for him.
Following his arrival and the extensive veterinary care he needed, we set up a special appeal for him to help pay for his rehabilitation and we are so pleased to say that thanks to our wonderful supporters we hit his Just Giving target! Thank you to each and everyone of you!
Ted has still got a little way to go but he has put on 10 kilos since arriving! We are delighted to say he is now ready for rehoming. He does need a special home with lots of company, someone home most of the time especially as he is being fed numerous meals a day, plenty of long walks, no cats, and children over 10 yrs as we have no prior history for him. He needs more socialisation before he could live with another dog as he is wary of some but not others. He is so friendly and affectionate he'll make a wonderful family dog. As we expect a lot of interest please email info@hollyhedge.org.ukfor a form or drop in to the sanctuary to fill one in at reception where each home will then be assessed to find the best match for both Ted and family.
Diesel originally came to us due to a relationship split and being left for long periods of time. Sadly he has been at the kennels for almost a year and this lovable old boy is desperate to find his forever home. He is 11 years old and a joy to be around. He is absolutely fabulous and don’t let his size put you off as he is a gentle giant! He just loves being around people and equally loves snoozing the afternoon away on his sofa. He loves his walks in the country and would prefer a more rural home as he does find other dogs quite stressful to be around. Due to his size, he will need a strong owner and someone who can dedicate time to him in his twilight years. He is great with kids, but due to his size could knock over smaller children, so we feel a home with adults or teenagers would be best. Please help find this beautiful handsome dog find the home he deserves. If you would like to find out more about fostering or adopting Diesel please contact us at Holly Hedge.
CAT RESIDENT OF THE MONTH - VEOLIA & BIFFA
This delightful pair were tragically dumped by our bins at the sanctuary. Luckily a volunteer arriving at the site saw the cat carriers and although presumed they were being thrown away, suddenly noticed two little faces peering out. Once settled in, we started to notice unusual movement issues which could be medical or behavioural. Although they both seem in full health, as we have no history for them, we have been unable to fully diagnose this problem, even after lots of tests. Based on this we would be looking for a special home with lots of company to monitor them. They are both
incredibly friendly and love attention so would need someone that is home a lot of the time and preferably an adults only home or older sensible children. We would also request that they have access to a secure outdoor space, where they are unlikely to wander far.
If you would like to find out more about Veolia & Biffa and other lovely felines in our care then please contact us today!
Become a Holly Hedge Paw Pal
Our aim at Holly Hedge is to find all the animals that we take into our care their fur-ever homes. Whilst they stay with us, you could help us to help them by becoming their Paw Pal.
What does it mean to be a Paw Pal?
Paw Pals give from £5 a month to help look after the animals in our care whilst we find their fur-ever homes. As our aim is to rehome the animals, it is likely that you may be a Paw Pal to multiple animals – how wonderful is that!
Your monthly sponsorship will help pay for their needs at Holly Hedge – like regular nutritious meals, veterinary care, a warm bed, and toys to keep them happy and entertained. It will also help us keep them vaccinated, wormed, micro chipped, neutered and to pay towards any other medical treatment that may be needed. In addition to this, your sponsorship can help provide tailor made training and behaviour support for those animals who need it. All of this will help them find those fur-ever homes they long for and deserve, and you can help make it happen!
As a Paw pal you will receive our monthly e-newsletter, a certificate and monthly updates from your chosen pet.
When the happy day arrives, we will also tell you when your pet has found a new home, with details on the next pet your sponsorship is helping to rehome.
Each year we help hundreds of pets find new homes and by becoming a Holly Hedge Paw Pal you will be helping even further.
A Gift that keeps on Giving
Maybe you, or someone you know has always wanted to adopt a cat or a dog, but circumstances have meant that it has not been possible…
Then the Holly Hedge Paw Pal scheme may be perfect for you! You can get that warm feeling in your tummy knowing that you are supporting your chosen animal whilst they wait for their fur-ever home. When your chosen Paw Pal is rehomed we will let you know, and let you know who your new Paw Pal will be.
A pet should not be a gift, but a Holly Hedge Paw Pal can be! The Holly Hedge Paw Pal scheme is a wonderful gift for those animal lovers in your life.
Become a Paw Pal
Email fundraising@hollyhedge.org.uk and let us know the following information: what amount would you like to donate, (minimum of £5) your name and address. We will then send you your Paw Pal certificate and you can feel good knowing that your gift has made a difference to the lives of the animals in our care.
Buy a Paw Pal as a Gift
Email fundraising@hollyhedge.org.uk and let us know the following information: what amount would you like to donate, (minimum of £5) the recipient’s name and address. We will then send your Paw Pal gift to your friend, family or loved one, and you can feel good knowing that your gift has made a difference to the lives of the animals in our care.
Our wonderful 2018 Holly Hedge Calendar is still on sale BUT NOW ONLY £3 Order your lovely A4 size now via our online shop, by popping in to the sanctuary or Clevedon shop, emailing usor calling the sanctuary.
A massive Thank You to the lovely people at www.gifthome.co.uk who have donated some beautiful items for our Holly Hedge shop and have also offered their customers 10% off of their purchase & 10% will be donated to Holly Hedge
Please use HH10+10 voucher code at check out. Please get shopping for some wonderful things and not only get a bargain, but also support us when you shop x
Dry January
This January make it your New Years resolution to turn down the tipple and give up alcohol for the entire month whilst also raising much needed funds for Holly Hedge.
Perhaps it's not alcohol you want to give up..how about chocolate, meat or the use of animal products? The possibilities are endless!
Please email us for more information or to receive a fundraising pack.
A HUGE thank you!
We would like to say a HUGE heartfelt thank you to all of the staff, volunteers and supporters that have helped us over the last month and particularly over the holiday period.
Everyone who donated shoe boxes and large donations of food, bedding and toys to see us through the year!
We are so thankful for your kindness and support to our sanctuary.
If you would like more information on ways you can support us please email us
Diesel originally came to us due to a relationship split and being left for long periods of time. Sadly he has been at the kennels for almost a year and this lovable old boy is desperate to find his forever home. He is 11 years old and a joy to be around. He is absolutely fabulous and don’t let his size put you off as he is a gentle giant! He just loves being around people and equally loves snoozing the afternoon away on his sofa. He loves his walks in the country and would prefer a more rural home as he does find other dogs quite stressful to be around. Due to his size, he will need a strong owner and someone who can dedicate time to him in his twilight years. He is great with kids, but due to his size could knock over smaller children, so we feel a home with adults or teenagers would be best. Please help find this beautiful handsome dog find the home he deserves. If you would like to find out more about fostering or adopting Diesel please contact us at Holly Hedge.
This delightful pair were tragically dumped by our bins at the sanctuary. Luckily a volunteer arriving at the site saw the cat carriers and although presumed they were being thrown away, suddenly noticed two little faces peering out. Once settled in, we started to notice unusual movement issues which could be medical or behavioural. Although they both seem in full health, as we have no history for them, we have been unable to fully diagnose this problem, even after lots of tests. Based on this we would be looking for a special home with lots of company to monitor them. They are both
