It Takes a Community to Keep Going

We know how hard things are right now. The cost of living has hit us all — and for us here at the sanctuary, it's a daily challenge to stay open, stay hopeful, and keep every animal safe.

Right now, it takes around £800 a day just to meet our most basic running costs. That’s not for expansion, extras, or future plans — it’s just to keep the animals fed, warm, healthy, and secure.

That includes:

• Feed, hay, bedding, and supplements

• Medications, vet visits, farrier and dental care

• Emergency callouts and transport

• Heating, water, lighting and electricity

• Repairs, fencing, and field maintenance

  
  

We’re sharing this not to ask for sympathy — but to be honest. Because without our community, we can’t do it. And it truly takes a community to keep going.

These costs are real — because the animals’ needs are real.

We care for animals like Bobby, an older dog with chronic skin issues, digestive sensitivities, and behavioural needs that make rehoming extremely difficult. He needs consistency, structure, and a calm environment — and we’re committed to providing that for as long as he needs it.

There’s Sid, a lovely black-and-white cat who needed an emergency tail amputation this month. He’s recovering well — but it was a sudden, urgent case that couldn’t wait.

Then there’s Brock and Blaine, our beloved senior Shetlands, now 28 and 29 years old. They need more warmth, more supplements, more support than ever before — and we’re doing everything we can to give them the dignified care they deserve.

These are just a few of the lives behind the numbers. Every animal here has a story, a past, and a future we're working hard to protect.

What we’re doing to keep going

We’re not just asking for donations — we’re inviting people in. We’ve created a calendar of events and activities where supporters of all ages can meet the animals, relax, learn, connect, and see first-hand where their support goes.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Pony Pal Days – gentle, hands-on time with our ponies

• Cat Coffee Sessions – calming visits with our feline friends

• Public tours and grooming sessions

• Team Building Days and group experiences

• One-to-one sessions supporting emotional wellbeing

• Seasonal fundraisers, raffles, ballots, and more

You can explore everything at

🌐 www.crosskennanlane.co.uk/whats-on

And if something appeals to you but the time doesn’t suit, let us know — we’re happy to adjust where we can.

How you can help

If you’ve got time, energy, £3, or just a network of friends — you can be part of this.

• 🐾 Sponsor an animal – £3/day feeds a dog, cat or horse

• 💛 Set up a regular donation – even £5/month makes a lasting difference

• 🎟️ Join in raffles, ballots, and sponsor-a-session campaigns

• 📢 Share our posts, tag friends, spread the word

• 📬 Invite groups, schools or workplaces to visit or get involved

• 💌 Reach out with any ideas or offers of help: office@crosskennanlane.org.uk

Because together, we carry the sanctuary.

Whether you’ve sponsored, shared a post, turned up to an event or simply told someone about us — thank you. The sanctuary doesn’t survive on money alone. It survives on belief, community, and compassion.

It takes a community to keep going. And we’re so grateful that you’re part of ours.

📧 office@crosskennanlane.org.uk

🌐 www.crosskennanlane.co.uk/whats-on

Here is just a little of what you can book now!

🗓️ What’s On at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary

• 🐱🎂 Dulcie, Dillis & Daisy’s Birthday Bash – 22 May

• ☕🐱 Coffee with Cats – 31 May (11:30am & 1:30pm), 14 June (11:30am & 1:30pm)

• 🚶‍♀️🐴 Walk With Us – Help Feed a Friend – 3, 4, 7, 14, 18 June & 2 July

• 🧼🐴 Grooming Marvellous – 7 June

• 🐴🧺 Pony Picnic – International Picnic Day – 18 June

• 🚗🛍️ Car Boot & Barn Sale – 28 June

• 🐴👧 Pony Pals Summer Sessions – 5 July