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To make a regular donation - text CLAS to 70660 to pledge £3 monthly!
A quick recap of the previous week for our readers on what's been happening at a very busy Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary!
We now have a whopping 160+ entries to our Big CLAS Pet Show 2022, that brings us to a current total of £300+ raised for our animals! Let's see if we can reach £350 before the competition draws to a close next week!
With more categories available to enter, we'd love to see those numbers grow so please keep sharing your fantastic snaps of your wonderful companions.
Our competition is due to close on 31st August 2022 (Kids classes may run longer). At £2 per entry with no limit on how many times you enter, why not enter into a few different categories with a better chance of winning!
Don't have a pet? No problem we even have a kids 'design your pet class and an adults wildlife photo class!
Not a professional photographer? No problem! Photos don't have to be amazing, it's all about the pet and there is a class for them all.
Check out some of our classes below:
Ferocious Feline (cats in general)
Daring Dogs Do Action
Female Rescue Dog
Male Rescue Dog
Judges Choice
No Pet No Problem (Wildlife/Nature)
Perfect Pairs
Rescue Cat
Rescue Equine
Senior Dog
Senior Equine
Sleeping Beauties
I Do My Own Stunts
The Young Ones
All About The Hair (any animal with a hairdo, amazing hair, or just looking fab after a groom)
Any Rescue (any animal other than a cat, dog or equine)
Equine Junior Handler (Kids under 16 - handling their pony/donkey/horse either ridden, in hand or general care. Collage allowed)
Mini Me - Doppelganger Pets (looks like you or looks like another of your pets)
My Dream Pets (under 16 design/art entry)
My Little Friends (kids class)
Senior Pets (any other than a dog or equine)
Rainbow Remembered (for those who have crossed the rainbow bridge, open to all species)
Check out our facebook for daily updates!
You can enter any of our classes by clicking the button below
*Instructions for submission along with our T&C's are also available on our website* Some of our current entries below for this years Big CLAS Online Pet Show!
This weeks good news!
What’s this we see? That can’t be Missy Hope?!? The dog afraid of her own shadow actually standing up and and curious and inside the house!
Missy has been working so very hard, learning to trust, learning to play, learning to be a dog.
She’s been making friends with the resident dogs who are helping her learn just how to be a dog. She’s progressing and while it is slow it is positive.
She is very fond of stealing the other dogs toys and has built herself up a nice big nest of toys.
So we are sure she (and those she’s stolen from) would appreciate some nice toys - tug toys and rope toys are the favourites.
No tennis balls or soft toys please as they just get shredded or eaten by Tim.
**SPECIAL APPEAL - home from home!** Koji
Koji is still waiting - in the 3 months he's been looking for a home only one person applied and then didn't respond when contacted. Koji is a wonderful dog, his home cannot provide the care he needs any longer. We don't have the room for him and he's been in a home since he was 8 weeks old so it would be cruel to move him into kennels even if we did have the space. This is why we are helping home from home but he needs a home yesterday. He needs someone able to give him the time and exercise he needs. He's a lovely family dog; he just needs a person with time for him. Given his breeding he is a large strong dog and ideally we would be looking for a home with a good sized secure garden. He is an active dog but also loves lying about on the sofa and getting lots of cuddles.
He's a lovely friendly dog, good with children - and has experience of children aged 4 and above in the home. He is good with dogs both in the home and out on walks, he doesn't have much experience off lead with other dogs. Meetings and careful introductions will be required for any children or dogs in the existing home.
Please check him out on our website https://www.crosskennanlane.co.uk/dog-rehoming/koji
Upcoming Events 2022
Crosskennan's Autumn Dog Walk - 1st October 2022 @ 12:00pm In aid of Crosskennan's small animal vet bills! Taking place on the 1st October from 12pm, our sponsored walk will start off from our premises at: 26 Crosskennan Lane, Ballynoe Rd, Antrim BT41 2QY
Setting off in the scenic countryside we will be covering approximately four miles in a round trip back to the sanctuary. You can take part on your own, in a group, and dogs are of course welcome!
We hope the weather will be fair, but cool enough for our canine companions as they have struggled in previous years when the weather has been too hot.
Sponsorship
We do not have a minimum sponsorship required and every little does help. There are several ways you can raise money too! Join us on People's fundraising, Just Giving, Go Fund Me, or Facebook by setting up your own fundraising page and linking all donations to Crosskennan. Need help setting up? Just give us a shout! You can keep things old school and collect sponsorship with one of our sponsorship forms!
You can also do a mix of everything - the main thing is to let all your friends and family know what you're up to and get them to sponsor and share!
On the Day
We will confirm exact times closer to the event but we hope to have everyone meet at the Sanctuary for 12pm sharp. Once we have everyone registered we can set off. The walk is approximately 4 miles and is all on public roads (although no footpaths). The walk is a circuit taking us up and down some small inclines and through some areas of Tardee Forest.
We will finish up back at the main yard again where we will have refreshments for you to enjoy and we hope all your canine companions will join in with our Fun Dog Show!
Sign Up So we can get an idea of how many people are coming and so we can best track the various sponsorship methods we are asking people to please sign up. We can share your fundraisers too then!
If you cannot make the day you can still get involved; just get sponsored and complete in your own time at home. Do send us some photos/updates of your own progress!
REGISTER HERE to take part!
- links to our sponsorship form also available on the registration page.
25th Anniversary Gala Dinner - 5th November 2022 @ 7:00pm Maldron Hotel, Belfast International Airport, 200 Airport Rd, Crumlin, BT29 4ZY Crosskennan was founded in 1996 - in 2021 we celebrated our 25th year. Due to Covid, our planned Gala dinner had to be postponed until the following year. Our birthday is the 6th of November so it is apt for us to finish out our 25th year with a party.
The Dinner will be held at The Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport, beginning with a red carpet arrival, drinks reception followed by a three course meal, a few speeches (we will keep these brief) and closing the evening with music and dancing.
Home from home... Cat Rehoming We still have 30+ cats and kittens seeking homes at present. Aged 10 weeks to 12 years there is a cat or kitten for everyone.
This week we wanted to remind our readers of the wonderful feline friends we had: Monika Monika is a lovely older kitten approx 9 months old. She had a hard start in life. Originally caught by another rescue in their "Trap, Neuter and Return" scheme from a colony of feral cats.
It was noted that this wee kitten was heavily pregnant at this point, she was tiny and approx. 4/5 months old. She had cat flu and still managed to birth 3 kittens also with cat flu. Her kittens were beautiful and she managed to feed them for 2 weeks despite being so unwell herself. They all came into foster at this point and it was obvious that she was struggling despite getting antibiotics during her time before coming to us. At this point she was taken to the vets along with her 3 kittens. On vets advice, her kittens were hand reared as Monika had no milk left. Unfortunately despite great effort, love and care and around the clock bottle feeds, they sadly passed away.
Monika received more antibiotics / anti inflammatory meds and an antidepressant to stimulate her appetite. This did the trick and Monika began to gain strength.
Monika has been taking great comfort from Bagpuss. She hugs him whilst sleeping. She also grooms him. She is doing well now, eating well, is a real purring machine and she adores being stroked. A gentle wee girl who has always been sweet. She would suit a family with another gentle cat.
She has been through a lot of trauma in her short life and deserves to be spoilt for the rest of her days. She has been treated for fleas and worms but can not be spayed for a few months under vet advisement but she's been given the all clear to find a new home.
MUST REHOME BAGPUSS TOO! :)
PLEASE NOTE - this cat is currently not at the sanctuary and will remain in current foster home in Ballyclare until rehoming.
After being found as a stray by a kind, caring lady. Sheba was taken in alongside her kittens to be cared for back to health. Now that her kittens have all found homes of their own, it's time that Sheba was able to find the love and care she so deserves. Sheba is a good natured tortie looking for a new home with someone patient - could that person be you?
Do you like watching tv and giving head scratches? Our beautiful black tiger striped Princess could be the girl for you. Our 13 week old sibling duo are looking for a new home together. Stevie is just as playful but a bit more timid than his sister and therefore would prefer an adult household. Franny (Francine)
Not one application has been submitted for the sweetest cat ever. Could you open your home to this wonderful lady who just wants to enjoy life. Our new mum (to Stevie & Princess), Franny is very affectionate but prefers to sit beside you rather than on your knee. She purrs like a motorbike and is estimated to be around 2-3 years old. She is a very confident lady and will have no problem adapting to new environments.
Henry, Heidi, Haribo & Harper Just over 11 weeks old and having had their 1st vaccines and all clear from the vet, our four tabby siblings are all ready to find new homes.
Henry and Heidi are super friendly, confident wee kittens who love human attention and love playing with the children in their foster home. Although we'd prefer these 2 to go together we do think they would be ok separate as long as they have company.
Haribo and Harper are a little more nervous still, although happy to be worked with. At present they are still very nervous of children so they are looking for a home with adults or children over 12 years. This pair find great comfort in each other and so are only looking for a home where they can go as a pair.
Martha Our 12 year old grey tabby Martha is looking out for a home of her own where she can live out the rest of her days with some well deserved peace and pampering. Living as a stray for 10+ years, I think it's about time Martha experienced the sweet life.
Martha moved into foster and had all her checks and a little TLC. Sadly she tested positive for FIV. FIV is not a death sentence but it does limit her options moving on. She currently lives all her days in one room of her fosters house, and she is quite content although would like to explore a little more. FIV cats can enjoy a happy life and can make wonderful companions. To prevent the disease from spreading, the RSPCA recommends FIV cats must be the only cat in the household, so if you'd like to have a one-cat home, an FIV cat might suit you. Adopting an FIV-positive cat can be really rewarding. Although nobody can predict the future, many FIV cats can potentially live long, healthy and full lives, just like a non-infected cat. They also have all the usual needs of any cat, such as a nutritious diet, mental stimulation and plenty of love! Rocky, Rumour and Ripley
This gorgeous trio is Rocky, Ripley and Rumour. Rocky the female is black with a little white on her tummy. Ripley is a beautiful brown-black and Rumour is the tabby with the most beautiful markings.
They have been in foster for a few weeks after being rescued alongside their mum, Reina (also advertised on the website). The kittens are developing their personalities at the moment, mostly interested in exploring and food. If they grow up like their mum they will be very special cats.
Reina herself has been described as very zen and from the moment of her rescue she has taken to being groomed, having attention and in general living the house cat pet life like she was born into it. Quite different to her origin - being dumped at a derelict house heavily pregnant.
The kittens may grow up like mum, or they may be the complete opposite - at the present time they still haven't developed any strong personality traits. They have also had either no or very little exposure to children and dogs.
It's our preference that they find homes either in pairs or into a home with another cat present; potentially being rehomed alongside mum who is little more than a kitten herself.
All three kittens and their mum deserve someone to love them - could that be you?
Reina This gorgeous girl is Reina, a very chilled young mum who is looking forward to finding a home of her own very soon. Reina is only a kitten herself but already she's been a mum to 3 wonderful little kittens, Rocky, Rumour and Ripley
She may be happy being rehomed with other cats, or even with one of her kittens. She won't demand much, but would be very happy to accept the attention when it's given.
Approximately 5 months old now, this wee man is looking for his forever home after being a little overlooked and forgotten. His sisters have both been rehomed, and his mum is on her second litter. He's been demanding a home of his own so that's our mission this week!
Wilbert is a character; he loves all the attention so is looking for a home with either a really laid back cat or no other cats. He has no experience around children.
He is a very straight talking gentleman. Likes what he likes and demands what he can't have.
Would be the purrfect character to keep you entertained! He does enjoy a bit of attention and would love someone who can give him lots and lots!
We have a rehoming fee of £70 for cats. All our cats are neutered and if not neutered at the time of rehoming, will be required to be neutered as soon as permitted by a vet. All adoptions will only take place following meeting the cat at the sanctuary and a home check.
Unfortunately due to the large number of applications we can receive per cat we do have to state that we may not be able to contact every unsuccessful home. Adoptive homes will only be considered in NORTHERN IRELAND. We are sorry we cannot accommodate further afield but this ensures we can carry out effective home checks and you have a chance to meet the cats before adoption.
The importance of Spaying/Neutering your cat
We would also like to encourage neutering and spaying of your pets. There are so many cats on the streets without people to hep. Why would you add to the ongoing problems.
There are more and more everyday needing help and we haven't the capacity to help anymore with our waiting list already overflowing. These cats/kittens need rescued, vet care, spayed/neutered and a kind, caring home. We have 60+ cats in our care currently and costs ramp up quickly. Spaying/neutering a cat costs roughly £35 each incl. discount (depending on vet as our fosterers are based in different areas and attend different vets).
With vaccinations, flea treatments, worming and microchipping as a standard, these costs can mount up.
If you can help with the costs, please help using the donation information at the bottom of our page.
Or text CLAS Paws to 70660 to pledge £3 a month. Food, litter, milk, wormers, etc are all welcome too!
Our lovely 6 year old staffie, Koba has been on our list for over 2 months now.
Unfortunately due to his owners health, he isn't getting the same attention he is used to and they've made the difficult decision to rehome him to a family who can give him the attention he deserves.
Koba is lovely, friendly dog. Good with children and okay with other dogs although introductions will be required for any children or dogs in the home.
He is a happy boy who enjoys attention but can be left out in the dog run for periods of time.
Could you be the love and affection Koba desperately needs?
We have a number of beautiful horses and ponies who are looking for companion homes. Can you offer a home to a rescue, horse, pony or donkey?
Each one is special in their own way, all are non ridden due to age or injury but that doesn't hold them back from being incredible companions, friends and yes 'field ornaments'!
Not all are currently on site at the sanctuary but we would love to find them all new homes (or as many as we can) before the winter.
Please fill in an application form on our website; specify companion only and let us know what you are looking for. We may not have someone suitable but we have quite a selection. At present most people want ridden equines so these guys so often get overlooked.
All horses and ponies will only be rehomed after at least one meeting with the horse and following a home check.
Emily & Elijah have been working incredibly hard this past while to improve their chances of finding a home of their own.
The mother and son duo have been practicing their leading, their lifting of feet and their manners.
They would adore a family who would shower them with attention. Elijah would love a sensible (half mad) child of his own to torture (love). Emily enjoys quiet attention and often lets her son have all the attention. So, a parent child combo could be perfect for this parent and child combo! They are bigger donkeys with some specific requirements:
- An extra large stable for the two to be housed together if possible but provision for separation (2 stables) if required.
- Limited grazing / grass free turnout / track system?
We love them at the sanctuary and we will miss them when they find a home but they deserve a family who can give them all their extra time. Piggies! Freddy and Star
Freddy is a 9 month old Black Vietnamese cross and Star is a 5 year old male. Both small in size. Both Castrated and both bonded with each other. Need a home together with space for exercise. They are both much loved but their current home hasn't got the right space for them and would like them to get the best home they can. Both have been vet checked and are both healthy, although Freddy is overweight.
Please email rehoming@crosskennanlane.org.uk if you can offer the boys a home together. Please note these are pet pigs, they are used to being part of the family and the house. They used to live indoors and were housetrained but have grown too large.
You will be required to provide details of the home you can give to the pigs, including forage area, housing, etc.
Bunnies! Pongo
This is Pongo, he is looking for a new home due to housing issues. He is a lovely friendly 2-3 year old English Spot rabbit. He is neutered. He hasn't been living with other rabbits in some time so can't say for certain how he would take to being reintroduced but could be happy with another neutered male or a neutered female.
Please email rehoming@crosskennanlane.org.uk if you can offer Pongo a home.
Please do include details of your home and what you can offer Pongo.
Our latest online stories...
Behind the scenes - Sanctuary walking tours Check out our behind the scenes review of the sanctuarys walking tour that took place on Wednesday, 24th August.
Give it a read and let us know if you'd be interested in getting involved with our future guided tours/events!
Behind the scenes - Rescues Restore Have a read over what we got up to yesterday at our final mindfulness evening at Crosskennan.
Don't forget to take part in the poll - let us know if you'd like us to do some more evenings!
Adorable Jellybean - Permanent Home Needed This charming kitten is Jellybean. He was born around May 2022.
He is in a temporary home and is looking for his forever home - could you be the person for him?
For those of you who haven't already secured a ticket for our upcoming gala, a reminder that you can still purchase tickets via our website.
Make sure you're on the list for our big 25 year anniversary - we want to see all your beautiful faces there!
What's on?
Check out all of our upcoming events with CLAS!
Donation of the Week Every Friday we have decided to post an appeal for something specific that will go towards helping our wonderful animals in care.
This week we have a need for: Purina Fortiflora Granules This week it's the cats' turn and for those with sensitive and sickly tummies, they are in need of some more probiotics. We use Purina Fortiflora Granules and these cost around £21 per month for each cat using them. Currently, Thomas, an elderly cat aged 21, Minstrel who has a heart condition and Sophie who is suffering from cancer are all on these probiotics to give them a little help.
If you can contribute to caring for them, please donate using the links below or you can have the product sent to us directly here at:
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary,
26 Crosskennan Lane, Ballynoe,
Antrim,
BT41 2QY.
The most cost affective way to help our animals is with a donation towards this product by using any of our usual methods - Paypal / via Facebook / Instagram
We really appreciate your support - and there are so many other ways you can help us help animals.
We can accept Food donations, toys (no stuffed toys or tennis balls please), bedding (blankets, towels, and sheets are welcome!), and we can recycle old lego, mobile phones and used stamps!
We appreciate your support!
It's always overwhelming to us how caring our supporters are. We just want to say a huge thanks to all of you this past week who gave in one way or another.
Lacey got a groom and a new headcollar from one of our volunteers this week. A lovely treat for her to get some pampering. Doesn't she look flashy in her new headgear! Last Friday we were delighted to receive another donation of food and animal items from @sainsburys Forestside and their customers.
At the end of July we were selected as a charity partner for the store and they’ve been collecting up donations for us from their lovely customers.
Any guesses to how much the full donation costs?!
We were blown away when we were told!
For a bit of fun, take a guess in the comments below. The answer will be revealed next week on "Our Week at Crosskennan!"
We're on the lookout - can you help?
Thank you for choosing to become part of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary’s team. Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary is a registered Charity whose main aim is to provide a sanctuary for animals who have suffered abuse, neglect or have found themselves without a home. We also provide rescue, rehabilitation, training and advice to pet owners and the general public on training, welfare and general care. Through our Animal’s Helping People program we provide animal assisted therapeutic activities. Volunteers are essential for our service provision and we hope involvement with Crosskennan will offer you opportunities for your own personal development.
Our current roles on offer:
**NEW**
Description Role: Press/Media Assistant Position: Voluntary Location: Remotely Time Commitment: Flexible Reports To: Main Admin
Purpose: As a Press/Media assistant you will be required to represent the sanctuary to the media, both reactive and proactively. You will respond to enquiries from journalists, write press releases, try to interest journalists in our stories and campaigns, arrange for spokespeople to speak to the press or speak to them directly yourself, and monitor media coverage.
You will help us raise awareness of the work we do, help animals get the help they need or raise awareness of the different welfare issues the sanctuary is facing. You will assist with promoting fundraising, events and rehoming stories; helping us raise funds and find homes for the animals in our care.
Main Responsibilities: - Check for and respond to media enquiries, correspond with journalists, answer queries. - Write press releases - Phone or email journalists to try to interest them in Crosskennan’s stories, work and potential features. - Proof-read and if necessary rewrite media statements. - Meet journalists and foster good relations with the media. - Write for Crosskennan’s website and social media pages.
Preferred Skills/Qualities: - Ability to work independently without close supervision, but open to asking for help and support. - Be able to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. - Good written english is essential. - IT and web savvy. - Good interpersonal skills - Able to cope with pressure and meet deadlines - Email knowledge is essential. - Experience of media and press is preferred.
Training and Support: You will have an induction to the organisation working closely with our Main Admin
Benefits: - Ongoing personal development. - Making a real difference to the sanctuary’s work and reach. - Gaining experience within journalism/media. - Experience working both independently and with a team.
To Apply: Please send a short covering letter to volunteer@crosskennanlane.org.uk detailing your experience, fit with the role and why you want to volunteer with us.
Upon receipt of your application we will seek to arrange a short telephone/zoom interview or face-to-face meeting where we may ask for details.
Could you join us as a Maintenance Volunteer?
With over 150 animals on site annually on average, the sanctuary gets a lot of wear and tear.
This is why we need maintenance volunteers who are willing to come in and undertake DIY and associated tasks, such as sweeping the yard, strimming weeds, power washing, and cleaning the windows, doing runs to the dump etc.
Make a real difference to the lives of the animals in our care and enhance the experience for volunteers and visitors! For those who have skills and experience it is a great opportunity for us to open up some skill sharing!
This role will suit people who… enjoy variety, enjoy getting their hands dirty, like meeting people, have a friendly and helpful nature and like helping others and be part of a team.
Email volunteer@crosskenannlane.org.uk if you can help!
**We have received a high volume of applicants for roles working on-site with the horses, cats and dogs. Due to this, we require more time than normal to induct, ieach of these individuals. With all this in mind, we're working around the clock to get through the applicants and hope to get back to you all very soon!**
Don't forget our upcoming Crosskennan Charity Dinner Dance this November to celebrate 25 years of saving lives. Celebrating the people who have helped and the animals they have saved!
Help us to help them!
Please, CLICK here to Make a Donation (PAYPAL)!
Make a one off donation on our website CLICK HERE!
Or you can send a donation via bank transfer to
Sort Code: 950202
Account Number: 31184288
Account Name: CROSSKENNAN ANIMAL
If you want to get stuff delivered to us you post it directly to: Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, 26 Crosskennan Lane, Ballynoe, Antrim, BT41 2QY
Or send us an email to crosskennan@hotmail.co.uk to arrange a drop-off of donations!
Did you know you can send grocery deliveries to us too? Just let us know in advance, and you can do a ASDA, Tesco's, Sainsbury's Online delivery and get it dropped off at the sanctuary. We can make use of so much from your local supermarket, from fresh fruit and veg, to frozen peas and sweetcorn, fresh chicken, ham, liver, washing up powder/tablets, dish soap, bleach, disinfectant, toilet rolls, dog food, cat food, birdseed... The list could go on forever!