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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 120+ entries to our Big CLAS Pet Show 2022, that brings us to a current total of £240+ raised for our animals!
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!
**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
Rescues Restore - 24th August 2022 @ 6:40pm
TICKETS AVAILABLE - BOOKING ESSENTIAL! We are having a couple short mindfulness sessions at the sanctuary. We have already hosted 2 sessions on the 17th and are looking forward to a final session on the 24th August. This session is due to last approx. 40mins; including a brief introduction to the animals joining us followed by 20-30mins of mindfulness meditation.
We are asking for a minimum of £5 per person per session and all funds go to caring for the animals.
Sessions will be weather permitting taking place in the main garden of the sanctuary, the Barn and our Cat Cabin. Unfortunately, we cannot confirm what animals will be joining us until the session itself.
REGISTER HERE
to take part!
Behind the Scenes - Walking Tour - 24th August 2022 @ 1:30pm Come along for a walking tour of the sanctuary to meet some of our animals and see some of the work that is going on on-site.
A guided walking tour of the sanctuary; giving you a chance to see around and meet some of the animals and also raising a little money towards their care.
We are asking for a minimum donation of £5 per person.
Tickets are limited.
REGISTER HERE to take part!
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.
REGISTER HERE
to take part!
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.
Rescues Restore
Sadie having a moment of meditation at last nights rescues restore event. A few short sessions of mindfulness meditation interspaced with cats and chickens and finishing up the evening with meeting some of our horses and donkeys.
We have one more session organised next Wednesday evening - and you can book on our website.
We cannot confirm which animals will be joining until the session itself.
Hope all who attended last night had a good time and left feeling relaxed and a little restored.
Home from home...
Good news! Check out the end result from a happy rehoming! Our tabby trio settling comfortably into their new homes. The brothers managed to find a home together whilst their sister found a home just down the road!
Looking for homes! 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?
Bambam & Ollie
Seeking a home together, these 12 week old brothers are on the hunt for their forever home.
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? Ben
This is Ben, he's a 9 year old jack Russel terrier in need of a new home due to change of home circumstances. Ben is a lovely well rounded little dog, he's very affectionate and loves cuddles and being petted. He can be timid of new people but once he gets to know you he becomes your best friend.
He loves his soft toys and loves playing fetch. He is good around children, housetrained, good with other dogs and in general is such a lovely dog. He has never had any experience with cats so looking for a home without resident cats ideally.
Please apply if you can offer Ben a home.
PLEASE NOTE - 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 GreenIsland area.
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.
Our latest online stories...
Read through our informative infographic, detailing all the various costs involved with rescuing a cat.
Can you hazard a guess at the total figure?
What's on?
Check out all of our upcoming events with CLAS!
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.
Earlier this year we were awarded a grant towards our vet, food and boarding bills by the @Pets At Home Foundation. In total £13,413. Which we put to use for helping with the vet costs for some of our emergency cases this year, as well as helping cover our feed bills. Helping animals like Rue and Biscoff - the two sisters who survived after the rest of their family died due to an unknown illness. Helping Missy the collie dog when she was first brought to our attention and fears were raised over potential lameness or fractures. Helping Laurel the pony who on return to us this year needed a full assessment and got a full lameness test at Tullyraine and x-rays to find out exactly what she needed from us. And of course feeding too! Thank you Pets at Home and the Pets At Home Foundation
Massive THANK YOU to Gabriel Gmb Power Washing for installing our new hose in the barn yesterday. We contacted Gabriel to attach our hose reel to the wall offering to pay and he kindly came up and did the work for free. We are so grateful, and so are the horses and ponies who can now enjoy a nice cooling spritz in this hot weather and we can keep the dust at bay in there for their chests. Very professional, clean and tidy service we recommend. Thanks again!
We had a wonderful volunteer group up yesterday helping us all day with scraping off the top of the barn paddock for a new surface. This paddock has been causing issues due to the surface breaking down and many of the horses and ponies having dust related coughs as a result. Including Hercules who has had to banned from the barn during the day when the dust is at its worst in the heat of the day.
We’ve been watering down the paddocks but as our front paddock is used most and used as a main route to and from the barn watering down wasn’t cutting it. The group worked very hard under the watchful supervision of the horses and ponies. Some others from the group worked with our cats in the cabin, giving their beds and area a good clean and in general making friends. All bags were checked on departure for any feline (or equine) stowaways.
Thank you so much for your time and all your hard work!
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!**
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: Botanica Multipurpose Spray & Anti-itch Cream This weeks donation is specific to our ponies! We have some sweet itch ponies who would love some new sprays and creams. We can currently buy the spray for £15 a bottle. We hope to buy 4 bottles to make use of free postage and so we can refill the stores. This usually equates to 1 bottle per sweet itch pony.
A tub of anti-itch cream is £33.80. This will last us a good length of time as only certain ponies need it.
In total, we need to raise a minimum of £48.80 to cover one spray and one tub.
Can you help?
You can also get some sprays/creams sent direct to the ponies. Tinny, Lady, Forza and Beth would really appreciate it.
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!
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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