Acorn News News, views and more from Oak Tree
Spring/Summer 2020
About Us... Working for our community; caring for animals; making a difference. Oak Tree has been helping animals for over 110 years. We are passionate about animal welfare and believe that every animal matters, helping hundreds of animals every year. In 2019, with your support, we were able to help 2060 animals and their owners in our region.
als in Our mission is to help companion animhom e
able need. Finding them a safe and comfort and their erst und to ity and helping the commun on. cati needs, through support and edu
We find dogs, cats and horses loving new homes, rescuing and rehabilitating them to give them the best chance of a bright future. Rehoming is intrinsically reactive, something has gone wrong. Our proactive community approach seeks to find solutions for pet owners, wherever practical and appropriate, keeping pets in loving homes and avoiding unnecessary stress and heartache. We work alongside our partners at the foodbank, social services, housing associations and other local organisations to help vulnerable pet owners who desperately need our help. We run community clinics and training classes to offer welfare advice and support, and we work with schools and community groups to educate the next generation of pet owners. But we couldn’t do anything without you, our amazing supporters. We need to raise over £2,100 every day to carry out our services to help the animals and owners in our region, and our work has been shaped and built on the generosity of our community. Your support is vital to the charity.
Thank you. www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk
Welcome to another exciting edition of Acorn News. 2019 was an amazing year for our charity. Not only did we celebrate our 110th birthday but, with your help, we were also able to help 2060 animals in need, and their owners, in our region. Thank you! In 2020, we have already seen many animals needing our help, some injured, some abandoned, some just needing new homes due to their owners’ changes in circumstances. Every animal needs our individual care from our experienced staff and volunteers to ensure they have a bright future. Every animal has a story that touches our hearts and we are privileged to be able to find solutions to improve their lives. Pet owners often need our help too; those who find themselves overwhelmed, in unexpected financial difficulty, facing eviction, homeless, fleeing domestic violence, bereaved or just in a heartbreaking situation where they are struggling to look after their pet.
At Oak Tree we understand how important the pet-owner relationship is, the importance of companionship, and the health and well-being benefits that pet ownership can bring to both animal and human. We continue to work hard to help keep pets and owners together wherever appropriate and possible to reduce stress to animals and owners. Every year brings challenges for our charity. Demand for our help continues to increase and it is important that we respond to the needs of our community as they arise. Therefore, we continue to adapt our services to ensure that we are able to use our limited resources to make the most impact in our region. As our supporters and volunteers, YOU make the real difference allowing us to change lives and provide support. Every pound, item or hour of your time helps us to continue our vital work. Thank you so much for everything you do. You are truly amazing. Caroline
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? At the end of October 2019, the Charity took in four dogs from a smallholding as the owner could no longer look after them. These dogs had only ever known kennel life and had lived a very sheltered existence. Zara and Phoebe were surprisingly confident and it didn’t take them long to settle. However, both Suzie and Ruby were very scared. With individual attention and care from our team, Suzie began to gain confidence after about one week but it took Ruby a couple of months just to be able to leave the kennel block.
ZARA
PHOEBE
Unfortunately, shortly after coming to us, Zara was diagnosed with bone cancer. Her medical prognosis was poor so she was placed in a foster home to let her end her days in comfort. She was a wonderfully happy soul, right up until she passed away, surrounded with love. Phoebe and Suzie are doing brilliantly in their new homes and Ruby has recently left Oak Tree to join her new family. Her heartwarming story was captured in a video - head to our YouTube channel if you would like to see it!
SUZIE
If you are able to offer an animal a home please call
01228 560082 and speak to our team
RUBY
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
HAGGIS
On the 25th of January this year, we received a call from Cumbria Police asking us for assistance in rehoming an elderly cat. Sadly, the owner had passed away and there were no family or friends who could offer her cat a home. As this handsome boy came to us on Burns night, and had the bearing of a chieftain, we named him Haggis. Haggis was very quiet for the first few days. With lots of gentle encouragement and plenty of love, he started to come out of his shell. Within a week, Haggis was strutting around and generally being a huge purr-monster, always on the hunt for affection! It only took Haggis 11 days to find his new home (which is very fast for an older cat). Haggis is now king of his own castle and we wish him a long and happy life!
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Gent came to Oak Tree after his previous owner reached out to us for help. Their farrier struggled to get near Gent’s feet and, in the end, refused to continue with his foot trims, leaving Gent with very overgrown feet. After several phone calls with the previous owner, and after visiting Gent, we agreed to take him in, along with two Shetland ponies. Initially, Gent was sedated so that our vet could carry out essential farrier work to enable him to travel to Oak Tree Farm. Once Gent was on site, we spent time with him building up his confidence with regard to picking up his feet. The first time our farrier came out to see Gent, Gent was sedated, allowing our farrier to assess Gent’s feet without stressing him. Working alongside our farrier, Gent became easy to work with and his feet were soon corrected! Gent was soon rehomed and is now very happy in his home pastures with his new owners commentating “We feel very lucky to have been entrusted with Gent and hope he has many happy years with us”.
Meet Our New
Volunteer Coordinator
Hi My name is Angel, I’m absolutely delighted to be working for Oak Tree Animals’ Charity. I live in Carlisle with my husband Paul, Ernie, my German Shepherd, Stanley, and Molly, my two cats. I grew up surrounded by animals from albino rats to Chinese crested dogs. My family home was like a zoo. I’ve worked in pubs and hotels for twenty years recruiting people, training them and finding ways to get the best out of people. So when the opportunity to work at Oak Tree as the Volunteer Coordinator came about, I jumped at the chance. I had been volunteering myself, helping in the kennels and walking the dogs. I love everything about working here. The people, the animals and especially the volunteers. I am really looking forward to getting stuck into my role; speaking to people and local business about the ways they can get involved with Oak Tree Animals’ Charity and help us give these animals the life they deserve.
If you would like to find out about volunteering here at Oak Tree please visit our website www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk or email volunteer@oaktreeanimals.org.uk for further information.
TRAINING WITH
OAK TREE Whilst our classes have been postponed due to the Covid-19 situation, training onsite is still in full force. Check out our social media pages to see updates and more action shots of our dogs. Our Consultancy Team uses evidence-based, positive methods which help your dog to learn and for the relationship between you and your dog to grow. Games-based training helps keep things fun and easily integrated into your daily life. Our classes are open to dogs of all abilities and ages in the community – and the dogs at Oak Tree love it too!
1:1 sessions: Private sessions are available to support dogs that are unable to cope in a class environment or just need that individual help. If you would like further information on any of our training sessions, or to book a place, please email training@oaktreeanimals.org.uk.
Due to the Covid-19, our Tearoom and Charity Shops are currently closed. Please continue to monitor our website and Facebook page for updates. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
The Tearoom
OPEN DAILY 10AM - 4PM
HOMEMADE SWEET & SAVOURY TREATS AWAIT A big welcome to our two new staff members Katherine and Tracy. Katherine has won many awards for her baking at local country fairs across the region. “I spent many an hour baking with my Mum and Granny and have learned many baking skills.” You’ll find Katherine most days in the Tearoom baking scones and her award-winning gingerbread.
As a home baker with a passion for cats, Tracy was delighted to join us. “Having just started working in the Tearoom, I realise just how dedicated the staff are and it’s a lovely place to work”.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
KESWICK SHOP
Keswick Charity Shop is one year old! Keswick staff and volunteers celebrated in style on Sunday, 1st March. Customers, Volunteers and Staff enjoyed delicious cakes and biscuits supplied by our amazing Tearoom! With fantastic donations from designer shoes to televisions, both Carlisle and Keswick shops have a wide range of ladies and men’s clothing and an eclectic collection of bric-a-brac, shoes, toys and accessories. Come and help this wonderful charity support more animals in their care and in the community. Oak Tree Animals’ Charity Shop, Bell Close, Keswick, is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10.00am - 4.00pm. Carlisle Charity Shop in The Lanes is open Tuesday - Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Pet Support for those self-isolating Food WCF are offering a click and collect service. Pets at Home offer delivery on all brands (be aware of delayed delivery due to demand). Podgy Paws offer delivery on all food within a 15 mile radius of Keswick.
Vet Care If your pet has an emergency, please contact your vet by phone. They will advise you what to do next. Many vets are prioritising primary vaccinations and first year boosters. Annual adult boosters are currently on hold. Speak with your own vet for their current policy. Neutering: Priority will be given for welfare and population control cases. If you have an unneutered cat, keep them indoors where appropriate (and their welfare would not suffer) to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Flea and worming treatments are available for collection or delivery. Speak with your local vet for further information.
If you can't walk your dog Self-isolation can be hard on your pets as they won’t be used to staying indoors for such extended periods of time. Without their usual exercise many dogs will need alternative ways to channel their energy, visit www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk
T H A N K YO U S Huge thanks to Carol Fish from Cartmell Shepherd for braving an abseil to raise money A huge thank you to The Crown Hotel, Wetheral for hosting a quiz night and for all the support they give to us in so many other ways, including donating amazing prizes! Many thanks to Paul Laidlaw for giving up his time to host a valuation day A massive shout out to Eden Vets, Paragon Veterinary Group, The Green Vets, Skelton and Coomara vets for all their support throughout the year Huge thanks to all our supporters who donated knitted blankets, gifts and food for our animals Thank you to Gretna Gateway Outlet Village for hosting their Christmas Grotto and Santa Paws event A big thank you to parents and children of Caldew Lea School in Carlisle for all their generous pet food donations Thank you so much to Pets Love Scruffs who very kindly donated a box of their fluffy and warm Snuggle Blankets for our animals Thank you so much to all the shoppers at Central Avenue, Harraby Co-op who helped raise a magnificent £1,882.74 for Oak Tree Animals’ Charity! Massive thank you to all our wonderful supporters who provided home baked treats, toys and Christmas gifts for our animals during the festive season A huge thank you to all our fundraisers who raised money in their own individual ways including the brave fire and glass walkers! Thank you to Cumbria Marquees, FacePlant Foods, Ste’s Cheesecakes, Pippa’s Catering and Lakes Horsebox Bar for supporting us during our 110th birthday events Thank you to Maryport Lions for hosting our Casino Night and making a generous donation A heartfelt thank you to Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa who provided the main prize in our 2019 Christmas Grand Draw Thank you to all the people who responded to our Christmas appeal A big thank you to Faye Nemeth at Phase Purple Agility for allowing us to use her facilities for training purposes Thank you to The Lancrigg in Grasmere for their support and for the cat food donations A huge thank you to Carlisle Refrigeration for their very generous monthly donation Big thanks to Keltic Rose Photography for providing his services and for taking beautiful photographs of our resident cats and dogs A big thank you to all our supporters who regularly donate via the lottery, animal sponsorship, standing order or Virgin Money Giving Very big thanks to Penrith Building Society for their generous donation to help us purchase Canine Hoopers equipment
SKYE SKYE AND AND THE THE KITTENS KITTENS
When a litter of six very young kittens was handed in to the Charity, our Intake Team Leader, Caroline, took responsibility for hand-rearing these tiny orphans 24 hours a day. Unexpectedly, they found a warm, furry and cuddly mother called Skye, Caroline’s Border Collie, who cared for them as though they were her own young. Having had two litters herself, and previously a surrogate mother to other species, including orphaned lambs, she was an obvious choice to fulfil some of the duties that a mother cat would instinctively do. Caroline said: “Skye was a natural, she soon had their coats shining and fluffy and she was super diligent, not only ensuring they toileted after every meal, but cleaning up thoroughly afterwards! She’s also very calm and tolerates being used as a kitty climbing frame well.” As the mother cat was feral she was safely neutered and returned
to the area from which she came. The kittens were very quickly rehomed when they were old enough. We would really benefit from having additional fosterers to take care of our more vulnerable intakes who can find the kennel or cattery environment stressful. If you are interested please email volunteer@oaktreeanimals.org.uk or call 01228 560082.
EDUCATIONAL FUN AND GAMES Due to the current Government restrictions, you can find our latest events in the ‘What’s On’ section of our website, or follow us on Facebook. Please monitor our pages for up to date information. Our Education Team are on hand to get adults and kids involved in fun activities and events all about animals. Our following events are moving online for everyone to safely join in:
BioBlitz 4th - 8th May 2020 inclusive. Fun ‘Bugtastic’ activities will be delivered on our Facebook page every day for 5 days - fun for all the family!
Speaking to Animals 30th May | 1st August | 24th October These fun events involve lots of games, crafts and learning about communicating with animals. Plus look out for our Creative Kids craft sessions throughout the year as soon as we can safely reopen. We can’t wait to see you soon!
How you can help: We rely entirely on our supporters to fund our work and we try to find innovative ways for people to contribute to our cause. There are lots of ways you can get involved:
Pay a visit to the Tearoom / Tack Shack / Bric-a-Brac / Jigsaw & Book Cave / Playground / Blackburn Woods at Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields and come to our events!
Browse Oak Tree’s Charity Shop in the Lanes (near Debenhams) or in Keswick (Bell Close) Volunteer
Become a fosterer
Hold your very own fundraiser
Make a donation
Sponsor a resident animal
Remember us in your Will
Join our lottery
Sign up to our regular E-news
Donate items for the shops Consider adopting an animal
Spread the word – tell someone you know about Oak Tree!
All money raised goes towards helping animals in need. Please help if you can – we can achieve so much more together! Keep an eye out for upcoming events by visiting our website www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk, and follow us on social media.
£2,250 RAISED Last year, we were extremely lucky to have had some amazing individual fundraisers raising money for Oak Tree, one of them being a very impressive Charity Drive. An amazing day was had by all taking part, riding, helping or watching, and a massive £2,250 was raised. There was a wonderful raffle on the day, and everyone who took part paid an entry fee. Just to make things even better, two of Oak Tree’s former residents, William and Frodo, were proud participants! The event was well supported by locals and it was awesome to see so many like-minded people together enjoying their horses. Thank you to everyone involved, especially The Greyhound at Cotehill for providing free hot chips to everybody taking part and a big thank you to key organiser, Judith, a member of our Equine Team. If you have a great idea to raise money, please get in touch with the Fundraising Team at fundraising@oaktreeanimals.org.uk.
EVENTS STILL TO COME IN 2020
Sept.
August
July
These events may be subject to change. Please check our website and social media pages for up to date information
Saturday, 11th July, 11.00am-4.00pm Summer Fair
Join us for a fantastic day of summer fun! Meet some of our dogs and ponies, enjoy games, stalls, our Fun Dog Show and Masterdog, and a range of activities in Orchard Yard. What’s not to like! A day out to be enjoyed by all the family. Come along between 11.00am and 4.00pm for a lovely day to support local animals in need.
Bank Holiday Monday, 31st August Canine Residents Reunion 2020
Oak Tree’s Small Animal Team will again be hosting a day for previous canine residents and their new families. It will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to catch up and share stories. There will be plenty of dog-focussed games and activities and members of the Team will be available to chat, listen, and - of course - to indulge in cuddles with their former charges.
Saturday, 12th September Hammonds Pond Dog Event
Oak Tree’s partnership with Friends of Hammonds Pond is all about the amazing bond between dogs and their owners. For the second year running this will be celebrated with a fun and festive event in this wonderful, dog-friendly park.
Sunday, 4th October Fundraising Challenge, Fire Walking
October
World Animal Day is an outstanding opportunity to combine your love for animals with an exciting adventure. Help raise much needed funds to help animals in need, by walking on fire. Keep an eye on our website for more information.
26-30th October, every afternoon Halloweek!
During this half-term week, our Education Room will be a wonderfully scary maze, where children can play halloweeny games and create ghouly crafts.
Friday, 30th October, from 5.00pm Fright Night
December
Nov.
The traditional Oak Tree event, where staff and volunteers work together to frighten the living daylights out of visitors in a most entertaining way. With some very special visitors expected, this year promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Sunday, 8th November Remembrance Event
Every year we come together on this special occasion to commemorate animals and humans who fought so bravely and sacrificed their lives in wars.
Saturday, 5th December, 11.00am-4.00pm Christmas Fair
An excellent opportunity to get ready for the festive season in Oak Tree style, with over 30 craft and gift stalls in the marquee our wonderful shops in Orchard Yard, where you will also find Santa’s Grotto and Kids Zone. Games and activities in our main building, and of course our famous Oak Tree Cake Stall. The Tearoom will be serving gorgeous food and drinks throughout the day. Don’t forget to get your Grand Draw tickets! The Prize Draw will be around 3:00pm.
Community Support In 2019, our ‘A Helping Paw’ project helped 21 pets from homelessness and domestic abuse cases (double what we anticipated) around Cumbria by providing temporary fostering while owners got back on their feet. In the last 12 months we have supported pets whose:
owners were living in cars
owners were fleeing from dangerous relationships
owners were living on the streets
And they all have their stories to tell. Their pets have been a constant companion through the bad times. ‘They saved their life’ Victim Support says: ‘Pets were a huge barrier to those wanting to access support, not so the case anymore…...’ ‘My client was in a difficult situation and she needed to move urgently, she was reassured that her cats would be well looked after. This was dealt with quickly & efficiently. Without this service my client would have stayed in an unsafe situation’.
Want to help? Become a foster carer! It was a fantastic experience fostering, I would urge anyone who can help, to give it a try. You get lots of support, all is catered for by Oak Tree. Tom and Isabel Hurst
To access support from ‘A Helping Paw’ or to find out more about becoming a fosterer to support this service, please email community@ oaktreeanimals.org.uk.
PIP Pip is our one-in-a-million girl looking for her one-in-amillion home. This quiet, refined lady is secretly a super-affectionate genius looking for a home that understands her complex needs. Brains and beauty make her the perfect combination; Pip is looking for owners that are able to keep up with her, mentally and physically. The bright lights of the city are not for Pip who needs a rural home away from roads, as even the background noise of traffic can scare her and ruin her time out in the sunshine. Without preparation in place for Pip (a mixture of calm training, positive activities, appropriate diet and the right home environment) she will struggle to cope in surroundings that are not right for her. Pip requires a very specific type of home, but we are hoping that someone out there will be a match for her unique needs. Find out more about this lovely girl by visiting the rehoming pages on our website – www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk.
PUPPY & KITTEN FARMS Adding a new furry addition to your family should be an exciting time but sadly, puppy and kitten farms are in every corner of the UK and it is not always obvious how best to avoid them.
HERE WE LOOK AT SOME TOP TIPS Always see parents and living quarters before you buy. The puppy or kitten should be at least 8 weeks old before you take them home. They should also: • be microchipped • be flea and worm treated • have had their first vaccination (a veterinary certificate should be provided) If you suspect somewhere of being a puppy or kitten farm, report them to the RSPCA and/or local police.
Avoid purchasing an animal from a puppy/kitten farm to “rescue” them. The farm will continue to breed and you will be supporting the industry. Reporting the crime is best. If you decide to purchase a puppy or kitten from a breeder and would like more information about how to find the right puppy for you, please email community@oaktreeanimals.org. uk. Alternatively, if you would like to adopt an animal, visit our website www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk.
On Monday 6th April we were delighted to hear of the new legislation “Lucy’s Law” being passed by the Government and we now hope to see the end of third party puppy and kitten sales across England. As the new law states, if you are looking to adopt a puppy or kitten you must go directly to a registered breeder or a rescue centre, both of which must be registered. To learn more about “Lucy’s Law” contact our team or alternatively, visit: www.gov.uk/government/news/lucys-lawspells-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-puppy-farming.
PA R T N E R S H I P S We want to encourage organisations who like what we deliver as a charity, to consider working in partnership with us. • Volunteering: there are always things we need help with on site • Take on a sponsored corporate team challenge (or get a team together for our sponsored Fire Walk on October 4th) • Take part in our £50 Paw Challenge • Help us to raise awareness of our work by displaying a poster • Donate a raffle prize for one of our Fairs • Nominate us for your Charity of the Year • Display collection tins in your place of work • Encourage your colleagues to consider donating via Payroll Giving We can offer a few things in return for your commitment: • Advertising and promotion opportunities in newsletters, other written materials, website, social media and at events • Networking opportunities with fellow partners of Oak Tree • Workplace talks to explain partnership opportunities to employees • A very reasonably priced venue for staff training and development days Oak Tree Farm offers a great opportunity to get away from the usual office environment and distractions that often go with that territory. You could hold your meeting on-site and combine it with lunch in our Tearoom, or request a buffet lunch. We are of course happy to provide a tour and talk about our work here at Oak Tree Farm to fit in and around your visit. Please call the team on 01228 560082 to find out more or to book.
Leave Your Legacy We are enormously grateful to anyone choosing to leave us a gift in their Will. Legacies helped us create our home at Oak Tree Farm. Legacies allow us to be able to provide ongoing support to hundreds of animals and owners in need. Legacies enable us to sustainable as a charity.
remain
Quite simply, they continue to allow us to help the animals who need us. Please consider leaving a gift in your Will today. More than 50% of the work carried out by Oak Tree is only possible because of money left to us by people after their death. Every single legacy we receive is of incredible value to the charity, irrespective of the amount. To request a legacy information pack, or to discuss the possibility of leaving Oak Tree a gift in your Will, please email legacy@oaktreeanimals.org.uk or telephone 01228 560082.
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THANK YOU
mu ch mo re Tog eth er we can ach iev e so
Oak Tree Animals’ Charity, Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields, Carlisle, CA4 8JA We are now open 7 days a week 10.00am – 4.00pm
Telephone: 01228 560082 Email: info@oaktreeanimals.org.uk Website: www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk General Manager: Caroline Johnson Fundraising and Communications Manager: Sarah Batty Oak Tree Animals’ Charity is a Registered Charity – Number 1169511 / SC048389. Copyright OTAC 2019. All articles and photographs remain the property of Oak Tree Animals’ Charity and may not be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the Charity. Company Limited by Guarantee 10404912 Registered in England and Wales.