🐾 Volunteer Voices: Gaynor’s Story – The Road, the Rescue, and the Reason Why

At Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, volunteering takes many forms — and some of the most important work happens far from the yard, beyond what most people ever see.

Gaynor is one of those volunteers who does it all — from caring for cats and chickens at the sanctuary to helping us rehome animals across Northern Ireland. She’s calm, compassionate, and fiercely committed to giving every animal the best possible chance.

“I’ve been volunteering at Crosskennan for about a year now. The reason I volunteer is simple: animals have always rescued me.”

🛣️ More Than Muck and Walks

While Gaynor certainly spends time walking dogs, socialising cats, and helping around the yard, a huge part of her role happens out on the road.

“I’ve had the pleasure of helping rehome everything from cats to goats… and even a few roosters!”

She regularly takes on tasks like:

• Picking up dogs from the pound

• Home checks all over Northern Ireland

• Vet runs and emergency transport

• Delivering food and supplies

• And helping us manage the administration and logistics of rehoming

“Some of my favourite parts of volunteering include doing home checks, admin, transport, walking the dogs, and socialising the cats.”

It’s the kind of work that often goes unnoticed — but without it, rescues and rehomes wouldn’t happen.

🐕 The Highs, the Heartbreaks — and the Hounds

“There have been so many highs — and some truly heartbreaking moments.”

Gaynor doesn’t sugar-coat the reality of rescue. Some days are tough.

“Some days, it’s taking a call about a dog at risk of being put to sleep. Other times, it’s seeing an animal arrive in a condition you’ll never forget.”

But what keeps her — and us — going, is knowing that healing is possible.

“Watching them heal, begin to trust and eventually thrive… that’s what makes every moment worth it.”

Two dogs she’ll never forget are Softiel and Cairo, a pair of Baladi hounds (native Egyptian street dogs) who travelled all the way from Cairo to Antrim.

“They are incredibly intelligent and resilient. Softiel took about nine months before she let me pet her — but the day she did, I’ll never forget!”

🐾 More Than Just Names

Ask Gaynor about her favourite animals and the list will pour out with a smile.

“Charlie the dog, Caelan the collie, Bowie the cat! The list goes on 😆”

“Tbh, I could probably write a book of things I love about each animal!”

Her love is real, personal, and deep — and it’s reflected in every mile driven, every form filled, and every moment spent giving animals the care and dignity they deserve.

Some days are not good days… but it’s the animals who give us a reason to keep going every day.

💚 Thank You, Gaynor

From the quiet heartbreaks to the joyful endings, your work has saved lives and strengthened this sanctuary in ways you may never fully see — but we do. And we are so grateful.

Want to Help Like Gaynor?

If you can offer your time — whether on the road, at the yard, behind the scenes, or by sponsoring an animal — we’d love to hear from you.

📧 volunteer@crosskennanlane.org.uk

🐾 Sponsor an animal for just £3/month – help from home and make a difference every day.

With love and thanks,

– The Crosskennan Team

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