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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 need your vote!
Belfast International Airport are holding another of their #LoveToGiveBack charity initiatives.
Love To Give Back allows Belfast International Airport to reach more charities in the local community and even better, you, the public get to vote for your favourite using their poll. We've been chosen as one of their 3 charities to win up to £1250!
To take part, please use the link to the poll below - not need to sign up or enter any details. Just click and make your vote!
We're currently in 2nd place!!
Help put us on the top spot?
Freshers Fair!
We want to say a thanks to @qubelfast for letting us be a part of their freshers fair on Wednesday last week. We didn’t get any photos of our own stand because we were rushed off our feet all day!
So brilliant to get a chance to meet and speak with so many students of all ages, experiences and interests!
We lost count around the 223rd person we spoke to and had over 180 sign ups for more information about getting involved with the sanctuary while they are studying.
We will be posting more information about how to get more involved with crosskennan in the next couple of weeks - and this doesn’t just apply to students
Crosskennan's Autumn Dog Walk 1st October 2022 In aid of Crosskennan's small animal vet bills!
Thank you to everyone who braved the weather om Saturday and came down to the sanctuary - four legs and two!
Was great to see you all and big thanks to Mark from @barkeliciousbakes for calling down with the stand - our volunteers pets are all getting a little spoilt tonight!
Cyril, Tilly and Lady Tilly all kept a good eye on the proceedings.
Ozzie joined in with the walk alongside previous crosskennan rescues Sven and Padfoot.
In the photos we also had Nip the border collie, Roxy the Rottweiler, Pepper the chihuahua, and Holly the German shepherd pup - as well a few others we didn’t get photos of! Thank you all for coming along and if you have any photos from the walk do share!
Upcoming Events 2022
25th Anniversary Gala Dinner - 5th November 2022 @ 7:00pm
Maldron Hotel, Belfast International Airport, 200 Airport Rd, Crumlin, BT29 4ZY
Getting closer now! Less than a month to go until we swap the welly boots for the heels (or at least a shoe not covered in mud and hopefully clothes without pet hair!)
We are looking forward to letting our hair down and right now our main aim is to confirm numbers and dietary requirements!
We need to be able to confirm dietary requirements for the hotel and the numbers for the meal etc ASAP so please do book today.
This event is a celebration and a fundraiser - a chance for one evening to let our hair down and escape those stresses. 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. We are trying to confirm numbers for the hotel and while many of you have said you are coming along you may not have bought your tickets yet. We would appreciate if you could buy tickets sooner rather than later so we can get a better idea of numbers.
We need to be able to confirm dietary requirements for the hotel and the numbers for the meal etc so please do book today.
We would love to have as many people attend as we can to help raise funds but also to share the moment with them. We would appreciate if you would share the event not just with friends and family, but colleagues, clients, customers. We aren't asking you all to come along (although would be lovely if you all could) but just to help us spread the word about the event.
We have a A4 poster that can be printed out if anyone is able to display it. It has a QR code for the booking page on our website. Here is a link to download the poster for printing - https://drive.google.com/.../1u13Jly6uLNlupdT3Cs8.../view...
If we can sell 10 more tickets that will cover our supplements bill for an entire month!
**URGENT APPEAL - Foster/Adoption!**
Do you recognise? Can you foster?
Foster/adopt considered.
This boy was found in the nutts corner area - he is safe at the moment but he can’t stay where he is. He is nervous but has been around the finders children and other 3 dogs and is good with all.
He’s not microchipped.
He has been howling when left alone overnight so please bear this in mind.
He will need someone able to provide time and TLC.
If that person is you please email rehoming@crosskennanlane.org.uk
Obviously if an owner doesn’t come forward he will need a permanent home. So far no one has claimed him in the area.
We need to get him into foster asap!
Please do get in touch if you can help. Please email rehoming@crosskennanlane.org.uk
Urgent Help Needed - Maintenance!
We urgently need someone to assess the safety and make necessary repairs/potentially replace one of our field shelters. This came down during the night and we are now down an entire shelter for our horses until it’s repaired. Paid work, but it is urgent.
If you know anyone who can help, please get in touch!
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:
**NEW** Tom & Dick Tom is approximately 4 months old. He is fully vaccinated and is getting neutered next week. Tom can be very shy and would need to be homed with his brother Dick as they are very bonded and rely on each other for confidence and support. Both are ok with other cats but have no experience of dogs. So ideally looking to be rehomed in a dog free home and no very young children. They will need to have there own space to go to until they get used to their new surroundings and if they feel the need for time out. Would need to be kept indoors until settled but then could have safe outdoor access. They are both lovely boys who would thrive in the right home.
Dick is approximately 4 months old. He has been fully vaccinated and will be neutered next week. Dick is a shy boy and relies very much on his brother Tom so they would have to be rehomed together. He is ok with other cats but has no experience of dogs so ideally would need to be rehomed in a dog free house and with no very small children as he is quite nervous. They would need a space of their own to go to for time out until they get to know their new surroundings. Will need to be kept indoors until settled but then could have safe outdoor access.
**NEW** Bean, Ash. Charlie & Bunce These beautiful kittens, born in August 2022, require a permanent home. Due to their background and close bond, they would need to be rehomed together in pairs.
Charlie is a black, male, medium to long haired kitten, with a small patch of white on his chest. He has a calm personality and is usually found curled up asleep, if not playing with the other kittens.
Bean is a black, female, short haired kitten. She is less shy than Bunce and loves the ball tower toys and the toy mice. Once she gets used to you, she will also approach you for attention.
Bunce is black, male and short haired. He is a little shy at first but very playful and will come over the second he realises you have treats.
Ash is a male tabby. He is always first to arrive for food and likes to hang around the food bowl. He is very friendly and once he knows you, he will start to come over and purr when you enter the room.
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?
Stevie is a lot more confident than when we first advertised him looking for a home. He is demanding and is growing up to be very confident, talkative and playful. He likes good scratches but enjoys food the most. Like all kittens he is full of energy and loves playing with anything. He is especially fond of empty toilet rolls.
He is litter trained. Has been flea treated and wormed.
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 and Ripley
This gorgeous duo is Rocky and Ripley. Rocky the female is black with a little white on her tummy. Ripley is a beautiful brown-black.
They have been in foster for just over two months now after being rescued alongside their mum, Reina and brother Rumour (also advertised on the website). Rocky (f) and Ripley (m). Two little kittens who after a hard start in life are all about the fun and exploring. They're into everything. They enjoy being stroked and will seek out their foster carer's company. They like to snuggle together and where you find one you'll usually find the other.
These two are looking for a home together. They deserve someone to love them - could that be you?
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.
Reina was caught with her kittens after living rough for a while. She's a very quiet cat, watching what goes on around her. Equally she loves nothing better than a good head scratch and tummy rub. She'll wrap herself around her foster carers legs at feeding time. She's very vocal chirping when she's upset or hungry. She can be an anxious cat and experience some fur loss when she came into foster care. It's all growing back now.
Rumour like his mum is a quiet cat, a bit more wary of human company than his siblings. He's enjoys a good snooze and finding new boxes to play with. He's learning to be OK with a head scratch. Like his mum he can be vocal at tea time!
Here Reina is, sunning herself waiting for her purrrrr-fect home.
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 3 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?
***NEW***
Soya
New home needed - 4 year old, great dog who adores kids, fully house trained and just looking for a home where she can get the care she needs. Unfortunately current home aren't able to provide the exercise and attention she needs.
If you'd like to put your name forward, please contact us at:
rehoming@crosskennanlane.org.uk
Shadow is a one year old lurcher looking for a new home. She loves napping on the sofa (or anywhere she can get to), long walks with a good run, meeting people and other dogs, eating food and getting cuddles.
She is looking for a new home due to the other dog in the home not accepting her and it's not fair on either. Ideally would like to get her a new home as soon as we can so she can get off living her new life.
PLEASE NOTE - HOME FROM HOME - this dog is currently not at the sanctuary and will remain in its current home until rehoming. All meetings will take place either at the dog's home or in the Armagh area.
This is Honey, she's a 4 year old, a border collie - American Bulldog cross. She's been in her home since puppyhood and it's a very upsetting rehoming which comes after a lot of changes in Honey's home which have made life stressful for her. She briefly went to a new home after being advertised that didn't work out and she is back with her original home and will be taking her time meeting any potential homes.
She is a kind-natured dog and has grown up with kids and cats. She’s a very active dog but for the last while she hasn't got the same attention and exercise. She needs a home able to provide a good amount of exercise and stimulation. She is a strong dog and will pull on the lead, so someone who can cope with this or work on her retraining is a must.
She loves her home comforts and as mentioned has lived with cats her whole life - she is much more enamored with the cat than the cat is with her. She doesn't have much experience with dogs, and while we won't completely rule out homes with another dog, introductions would need to be done slowly. She’s a very playful dog with loads of energy.
PLEASE NOTE - HOME FROM HOME - this dog is currently not at the sanctuary and will remain in current home until rehoming. All meetings will take place either at the dogs home, or in the area.
Check out all dogs seeking homes here
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
'Belfast Pigs'
These pigs were found at the start of September 2022 with still no luck of finding their owner. We know there is a high probability they have been dumped but we want to ensure they do not have a home out there looking for them.
If you do recognise them please let us know - please remember proof of ownership will be required!
Email office@crosskennanlane.org.uk
Our latest online stories...
Siblings Bean, Ash, Charlie & Bunce These beautiful kittens, born in August 2022, require a permanent home. Could they find that with you?
A quick recap of the previous week for our readers on what's been happening at a very busy Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary!
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.
Another big thanks to the three staff from @ocorianlife who braved the weather today to come up and help out. A full Clean of one of our store areas and sort of all supplements and supplies for the winter!
They then finished up the day with giving Susie, Lydia and Lucas a lovely groom in the barn!
Thank you so much Adrianna, Kathy and Tyler! You really can’t know how much of a help you were today!
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: MudControl Slabs (again!) For our donation day this week we are reminding people if they can - please help us out with the Mudcontrol slabs!
For £7.50 you can buy us a slab! 4 slabs cover a full square metre.
We have had 75 slabs donated so far! Which will go directly into our bottom paddock which is already becoming a flooded mud mess!
We have just under 4 weeks to go until the end of the campaign!
Buy for us here! https://www.mudcontrol.co.uk/charity-donation
You can also help us directly with the Vet bills with direct donations to our vets - the main being Clare Vets in Ballyclare and Cedargrove Vets in Belfast. You can help pay off part of our bills or put some credit on our account!
You can of course also donate online to help -
Paypal
People's Fundraising
Just Giving
Our Own Website
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!
Did you know you can help raise money every time you sell on eBay? If you are a frequent seller on eBay, did you know that items that benefit charity may sell faster? By donating 10%+ your item will feature a charity ribbon and may even feature in the "Charity Shop"
On top of all that, you reduce your seller fees and can enjoy tax free savings! Want to learn more about this scheme? Click below to find out more...
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** Job Title: Yard Team Member Accountable to: Sanctuary Manager Hours: TBC Based at: Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary - Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT41 2QY Type of Employment: Part time - inclusive of weekend shifts About the job: This is very physical work, from mucking out, handling horses and ponies, grooming, feeding, health checks etc.
We are only a small team but we are caring for over 40 equines currently as well as many smaller animals, including dogs, cats, hens, ducks, etc.
You will have to work with both the staff team and the volunteers and report to the Sanctuary Manager.
All of our animals are rescued and many have behavioural problems left over from previous homes; anyone applying ideally needs to have experience working with equines at a minimum.
"I love being around the animals and seeing their different personalities and small achievements of getting them to trust you, or coming to you when they are called. You try and do all you can to make their day better. Seeing a horse go from a terrified wreck to loving and trustful is a an honour to witness. Sharing the journey with them as they move from being a pony you can't even look at to one that runs to greet you in the morning and calls across the yard when you have food. It's the small things sometimes too, like finding that perfect spot where they love to be scratched."
- Current Staff Member
Please read more HERE and complete an application form - email a copy of the application form to our office - office@crosskennanlane.org.uk
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!
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