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    Shine The Spotlight on... Athos



    INTRODUCING...  Adorable Athos!

    Young, fun and cuddley ... and looking for a home.

    For more information, please scroll down to the rehoming section.

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    We Care About the Mental & Physical Wellbeing

    of Animals and People

     

    - about the hospice & mission statement

    - PJAH news - with TOTO

    - animals for adoption

    - sponsorship and shop

    - join the team & help the animals

    - rehomed dog tails

    - photos & videos

     

     

    Penny Jones Animal Hospice

  • About the Hospice

    Bringing animals and people together to enrich lives with a common goal & a 'PJ Hug' of friendship

    An Introduction

    The hospice is an animal sanctuary which rescues abused and neglected animals. It relies on donations from the kind-hearted public and every single donation makes a huge difference. Every penny raised is spent on what is needed to keep the animals safe, healthy and well fed - vet bills, food, sanctuary maintenance costs and animal rescue. It is run by Elizabeth Mcdonagh with help from family & friends and there is a large team of amazing volunteers who help behind the scenes and with the fundraising activities.

    Elizabeth’s love of animals and rescue began in 1996 at Stonehouse Animal Sanctuary, where the animals she cared for were pets, homeless or needed nursing with lots of tender loving care.

    Since then, Elizabeth has worked tirelessly to provide a home, a place of safety and love to more than 1,000 animals that she has rescued over the years. She works with them, gives them comfort, warmth, love and security. Many of the animals have suffered such horrific abuse and beatings, and are so traumatized, that they cannot be re-homed. However, they will spend the rest of their lives at the 4 acre sanctuary under the dedicated care of Elizabeth. Other animals arrive broken in body or spirit but Elizabeth works her magic on them and, in an amazingly short time, she puts them at ease and they start to trust again. Some animals heal and gain enough confidence to then be re-homed. When space is available, the sanctuary also offers rescue places to older and less abled animals that would otherwise be put to sleep. Many of these type of dogs find homes with older or less abled people who are looking for companionship but are often turned away by other charities.

    The sanctuary is like a very large garden full of pets. The cats have chalets and, those that want to, can roam the fields, barns and garden. The dogs have large compounds with open kennels within, aswell as access to spacious paddocks and on or off lead exercise in the fields. The horses, donkeys, goats, sheep and pigs all enjoy the grazing fields, field shelters and barns. The aviaries are a place of twittering contentment and the poultry walk in cages, along with all the animals at Penny Jones Animal Hospice are happy and content with freedom, space, food and love.

    Penny Jones

    The sanctuary was named after a wonderful lady called Penny Jones. Penny was a dog owner who became terminally ill and appealed for someone to look after her two beloved border collies when she needed to move to a hospice herself. Knowing that her much loved pets would be safe and cared for with Elizabeth, Penny began responding positively to the treatment she was receiving and she lived for another year. During that year, Elizabeth was able to take the dogs to visit her and, when well enough, Penny could visit them at Elizabeth's home and spend valuable time with them.

    Elizabeth recognised the need for permanent homes for the pets of other terminally ill people who, like Penny, faced additional distress over future provision for their animals - and that became the start of the sanctuary.

    The Animals

    Many injured, abused and sick animals come into the sanctuary from within the UK and, more recently, from abroad too. Many are both mentally and physically scarred; some have been abandoned and left for dead; others are neglected and abused or, sadly, owners have passed away or have themselves moved into a hospice, leaving pets confused and frightened.

     

    With so many animals to care for, the hospice has formed a good working relationship with the local vets (Eden Vets) who understand the distress that many of the animals arrive in. Some of the animals have horrific injuries and untreated fractures which require surgery. Together, working as a team with the vets, we work hard to ensure that the animals are in the best of health, both mentally and physically. Many people have come to recognise Elizabeth as she makes regular trips to the vets in the old hospice Hugmobile (van!) which is usually fully laden with animals, animal feed - or both! At any time, there are at least 100 animals to be cared for, including aviaries of rescued birds and poultry. Every single animal gets a second chance, no matter what baggage they arrive with. Whether they bite or crawl into a corner & shake with fear, require physiotherapy or surgery, or are so unwell that they need hand feeding - they are ALL given time, love and patience and they learn that they are safe from abuse and can live happily ever after.

     

    Following the rehabilitation and care of the animals, some pets, (mostly dogs) are later re-homed. Many of the animals are in their senior years of life but these find perfect homes amongst people who are frequently (but not always) senior citizens themselves. Many charities will not allow animals to be adopted by senior citizens or people with disabilities - however, here at Penny Jones Animal Hospice, Elizabeth recognises the importance of bringing all types of people and animals together, no matter their age or difficulties. Together, many very special relationships are formed, sharing love, warmth and companionship.

     

    The all embracing 'PJ Hug'

    The Penny Jones Animal Hospice has a whole team of willing volunteers working behind the scenes, doing so many things - fundraising, shop work, newsletter writing, website & social media administration, rescuers (including overseas rescuers), photographers, bakers, home checkers for animals for adoption - and so much more. So very many wonderful and caring people, all working together with one common goal.

     

    Being part of the Penny Jones Animal Hospice team inspires the volunteers (many of whom are retired) and offers a new meaning and purpose to the next chapter of their lives. People who have adopted an animal from the PJAH can interact with the Penny Jones Animal Hospice Friends Facebook page as little or as much as they wish. The spirit of Penny Jones is infectious and is rapidly spread through the successful Facebook pages and this website. People whose lives are in someway touched by the Penny Jones Animal Hospice, benefit from friendship, support, warmth and laughter - the "PJ Hug".

     

    If you feel you could help the Hospice in any way with time, talent, sponsorship or with items for us to sell at our Carlisle shop or at one of our fundraising events, please get in touch.

    Open Days

    The Penny Jones Animal Hospice is open to the public twice a year for the Open Days, usually held in June and October each year. Visitors are invited to come and meet the animals and to also visit Hethersgill Parish Hall nearby where a table-top sale is held to raise much needed funds.

     

    How to contact us

    Email -

    pennyjonesanimalhospice@hotmail.co.uk

    or

    Send a message through the Penny Jones Animal Hospice Facebook page

    or

    the “contact us” page on this website

    or you can try to call Elizabeth on her mobile although the signal is always poor at the hospice so it may be better to send a text with your contact details and a brief message. Please do not leave a voice message as we are not able to pick them up due to the poor signal. Thank you.

    Telephone or Text Elizabeth Mcdonagh : 07554 532867


    The Penny Jones Animal Hospice charity shop in Carlisle can be reached on a dedicated phone number: 07749926427

  • OUR MISSION

    We stand up for the most helpless of animals - those who are abused and neglected, or whose owners are too ill to look after them. We aim to rehome when we can. The rest roam around safely, freely and enjoy the retirement and love they deserve.

  • PJAH NEWS with TOTO

    Through the voice of Toto, the 3 legged Ambassadog of PJAH, you can read his blog & learn about the comings and goings of life at the hospice. Please remember to click "Read more ..." on each post to expand it. Get ahead of other readers by subscribing to the blog so that you receive the updates as they are published and see the introductions for dogs looking for homes. Videos are posted on our Facebook page as Toto hasn't yet figured out how to post them on here! The Facebook page is updated daily whereas this website is updated less frequently.

  • Animals for Adoption

    Adopting a dog through PJAH

     

    When you adopt a PJ dog, we ask for a minimum £100 donation towards rescuing another dog (each dog costs us around £250). All PJ dogs are micro chipped and registered to PJAH with Animal Tracker on arrival at the hospice (https://www.animaltracker.co.uk). All new adopters are home checked and are required to sign an adoption contract.

     

    We try our best to ensure the dog you adopt is a fantastic match for you - however, it is in everyone's best interests that the dog is returned within the first two weeks if you feel the dog is not the right one for you. If there are behaviour / settling issues, we will aim to offer support where practicable, giving advice based on our own experiences while your dog adapts to a new home. We offer lifetime backup to our dogs and will do our very best to help you if your circumstances change and you are no longer able to care for your PJ dog.

     

    Please note! We do not usually put our dogs into foster homes. We would not agree to one of our dogs being shared between two households. Generally, we do not re-home our dogs to homes with young children (there is the occasional exception!) or to homes out of the area (as we would not be able to provide adequate rescue back-up). Our dogs are not cat tested unless it is stated specifically on the individual post.

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    (The dogs above are not necessarily ones that are currently available for adoption).

    The hospice was set up as a sanctuary and not as a rehoming centre - however, we do often have a small number of dogs looking for forever homes. Brief details of the dogs that will benefit most from a home will be posted here - please do not assume that these are the only dogs looking for a home. Some of our more complex dogs are not advertised, but are available to experienced, specialist homes - please just ask. In addition sometimes it takes a little while for new dogs to be publicised as often it takes time for our volunteers to catch up. If you are able to, please follow the Penny Jones Animal Hospice Facebook page where our latest arrivals are posted, some of whom may well be available for adoption after assessment.

     

    Please, just contact us if you are looking to adopt a companion. Your companion may be waiting at the hospice, just for you....


    NOTE. All our imported dogs are tested for foreign diseases, including Brucella Canis. This is not a legal requirement and tests are not always 100% reliable - but we consider testing prior to importation to be 'best practice'.


    Some vet practices are now asking for a negative B. Canis test result prior to accepting a 'foreign' dog for treatment and will want to conduct their own testing. Boarding kennels are also starting to ask for results.

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    THOR 

    Uncomplicated, undemanding, needing large outdoor space

    Thor came to us as an emergency placement after he failed to settle in a house with other dogs.

    Thor is a large shepherd type dog who thrives in an outdoor lifestyle and would suit a smallholding or farm - or somewhere he can spend a lot of time outside with no pressures or expectations placed on him. He loves his freedom and gets on well with the dogs he has met here. He also LOVES his bed and will happily settle down and snooze.

     

    Thor is a wonderful gentle boy with plenty to give to an adopter. He wants a quiet home with room to plod about when he feels like it and a warm cozy bed.

     

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    RICKY

    Fun, active and happy

    RICKY is goofy, confident, energetic, and prefers his friends to be active too so that he has someone to play with. He is a bit too bouncy for old and little dogs but he shares his kennel space with other dogs, both male and female. Ricky is young at heart and probably 7-ish and approx 25kg - and needs a living space where he can use his energy. He loves to run and play and would fit in well with an active human - maybe he would make a great running partner?! Ricky is clever and he needs to exercise his brain aswell as his body - if left to his own devices, he is likely to get bored and get into bad habits to occupy himself. 


    Ricky is walked two or three a day and he loves it - and would welcome more! He is a happy boy and will settle and play with his chosen friends, and settle down to sleep after a nice walk.


    Ricky loves his food and growls at dogs that get too close when he's eating - he would certainly snap, and scrap, if he thought his food was going to be taken away from him and would most likely steal any food left around that is accessible to him.  Any adopter needs to just take the easy approach and just ensure that Ricky can eat his own food in peace and avoid leaving temptation in his way  - and turn his love of food into an advantage as being a foodie is fantastic for reward (food!) based training!


    When out on road/lead walks Ricky chatters and gets quite excited, wanting to see and sniff everything. He's young at heart and enthusiastic but will also settle into a walk and enjoy it. When Ricky sees farm animals or a cat, he likes to stop and watch - we assume he would chase if he was off lead (like most dogs would do if given the opportunity). Ricky has not been off lead in a public space with us but he does love his time in the PJ fields where he can run safely and enjoy his lead-free time.


    Ricky loves 'his' people but, like with other dogs too, can give a mixed response to strangers - sometimes he ignores them, sometimes he is over friendly, and sometimes he gives a grumbling growl. He seeks attention from 'his' people with whines and chatters and thrives on cuddles, love and attention.


    As with all dogs moving to a new home, please remember


    GTT - Give Them Time

    KiS - Keep it Simple


    Given time, love, gentle and consistent nurturing, Ricky will be the most wonderful friend to have in your home.

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    CATS

    PLEASE MESSAGE US

    Just occasionally, we get asked to help a cat to find a new home. If you are looking for a cat to adopt, please get in touch as we might be able to help.

    (Please note that the cats in the photo above are cats we have helped but are not necessarily available for adoption.)

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    NICK

    Always happy and friendly

    Nick spent his early years living in a shelter for dogs in Greece.
    He is a sociable boy who likes other dogs and loves people - but he does not like cats. He would like a home where someone is around much of the day and he would like a garden to mooch in, as well as going on exciting twice daily walks. He is as sleek and smooth coated as his photo shows and is a medium sized, well mannered lad of about 25kg.

    Nick is intelligent, eager to please and loves to interact with people. His long whip of a tail sways and wags happily. He is a thinker and a do-er and he would hate being left all day with nothing to do and would likely get bored and into mischief.

    We have had a long journey with Nick and he has now settled into a sensible calm adult who is polite, fantastic on a lead and would make somebody a great sociable companion.

    Nick loves his food. This makes him easy to train but also means that he is likely to pinch food left accessible to him ina home, and would take food from another dog as well as guard his own. This does not need to be a problem as Nick just needs space and respecting while he eats and finishes his food (he would react if anyone tried to lift his food bowl before he was ready). However, because of this, we think Nick would be best as the only dog in a home and cannot be homed with children.

    Nick has suffered previous trauma which has caused some permanent internal damage. This does not currently cause him any problems whatsoever and is no reason why Nick shouldn't be adopted. Full details will be discussed with any prospective adopters.
    This handsome middle aged boy really deserves a home to call his own and we hope that someone will read this and get in touch for this lovely boy. The 'right' adopter will reap the rewards and find themselves with a loving and loyal companion.
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    ATHOS

    A happy, enthusiastic bundle of laughter!

    My goodness this lad, Athos is gorgeous! He's happy, bouncy, cheeky and affectionate, with the biggest smile and the waggiest tail!

     

    Athos loves life and is a young dog (4 or 5 maybe) with bursts of excited energy! He is able to calm himself, briefly, before zipping off on another mission as he is such a busy busy boy!

     

    He is a stocky collie sized boy, with a thick beautiful coat, cute freckles on his nose, and a short stumpy tail that wags faster than any I've ever seen - it probably matches his thoughts which seem to whiz from one thing to the next!

     

    Athos loves people and he literally wraps his paws/arms around you and holds on tight. He is endearing and heart warming and pulls at the heart strings, all at the same time! He really appreciates being stroked and fussed over and he goes into a trance like state while he soaks up all the attention - and then he zips off again!

     

    Athos needs an adopter who is home most of the time as, although he is content to curl up and sleep, he also needs activity and would hate to be left alone all day - he would also like his forever home to have a garden. He is a little choosey over his dog friends but he loves to run and chase with one of our other dogs here, so he could potentially be rehomed with another dog too.

     

    Athos is playful, and confident with a short attention span, meaning he is one of those dogs who might suddenly 'go deaf' when he finds something more interesting than his human. He gets on well with most other dogs but hasn't been cat tested. I can imagine he will cause his adopter to laugh loads, cuddle lots, play frequently and be challenged occasionally. He's great on a lead - although I wouldn't trust him to have any recall as he is far too interested in exploring! He's a brilliant boy & I'm pretty smitten with him - just as anyone who meets him will be too.

     

     

     

     

    https://pennyjonesanimalhospice.mystrikingly.com/blog/an-adoption-guide

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    BLACKJACK

    Ignores cats!

    Blackjack is smart, friendly and relishes attention. He is sleek labrador sized, aged about 8, with a wonderful question mark tail!

    He is great on a lead, better with a harness rather than a collar, and enjoys off lead time in a fully secure paddock. He LOVES humans and soaks up every bit of attention offered.

    Blackjack ignored our cats and seems friendly with all the dogs around him. He's just an all round happy, intelligent, calm and gentle boy who we would love to see in a home.

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    HONEY

    Young, happy and carefree

    Honey is a young happy girl, aged about 2. She is full of life and her enthusiasm and excitement shines brightly and is infectious! She will make anyone smile as she is a bouncy delight who is young enough and keen enough to learn from her human.

     

    Honey has a silky coat and pearly white teeth that shine through her smile. She is good on a lead (as good as any young dog) and wants to be with people. Honey would best be rehomed where there is anoher dog as this is what she is used to.#

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    HOPE

    Bounces with happiness!

    Hope arrived with Honey and they are firm friends. Hope has a calming influence on Honey but she loves, and deserves, just as much attention as Honey.

     

    Her passport states she is only young but we think she is older, middle aged. She is great on a lead but may not want to be walked for miles as she has a historic injury to her hips but we do no currently know the extent of the condition. Currently, you probably wouldn't notice to much and she needs chilling-out time as she adapts to her new life.

     

     

     

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    12 June 2020 - PJAH NEWS – as told by TOTO the Ambasadog WELCOMING A NEW DOG INTO YOUR HOME

    I wanted to explain something to you about when I was stuck in the shelter abroad. You see, I was lucky because it was a nice place where the rescuers looked after me because I was found injured on the streets. The rescue team got to know me because I was so poorly and needed lots of care. But what they don’t know about me, is what my life was like before I was rescued.

    Now that I live at the hospice, I know what it is like to have a comfortable warm bed, shelter from the rain, toys, food treats, cuddles, friends and more cuddles. I now know what it is like to be loved and to feel safe. I have been through so much but it has made me wise and it means I can help all the new animals who come to live here. That’s why I’m a great Ambassadog.

    If any of you nice people adopt one of my friends, don’t forget that you don’t know what has happened in their past lives. Some dogs arrive at a gallop and are ready for everything life has to offer, others need a slow little tootle to adapt.

    Here are a few tips about those friends that need to tootle, rather than gallop.

    • All of us deserve love and a forever home – sometimes with a sofa, sometimes just a space to relax and feel safe.
    • All of us deserve our own special human family.
    • All of us will reward you 10-fold with our love and devotion to our new family.
    • All of us would like to become your best friend and the friend you can rely on.
    • All of us will make you laugh and might sometimes make you cry too.
    • All of us deserve TIME to adapt, TIME to learn and TIME to become the dog we should be.
    • With time, you will learn what fantastic loyal, devoted and appreciative companions we are.

    BUT PLEASE REMEMBER

    • Many of us haven’t ever had a fancy dog bed before – we are more used to sleeping on hard concrete, a wooden pallet, a shallow hollow in the dirt or a pile of discarded rubbish.
    • Some of us might have been poisoned in our past lives and, as survivors, we might be suspicious of food that we aren’t familiar with. 
    • Many of us are used to scavenging for our food.  When we are fed regularly, some of us enjoy our food so much that we can’t stop eating and we get a little bit round. 
    • Some of us think ALL food belongs to us and we become determined to get at it, no matter what it is or where it is.
    • Sometimes we forget that the next meal isn’t far away and then, when it comes, we get a bit possessive over the food dish and might turn a bit ‘gremlin’.
    • A great many of us will have seen our friends being hurt and killed by humans.  Some of us are haunted by our memories and we might have nightmares.  
    • Some of us have learnt to bark and act aggressively when startled (that’s how we managed to survive the competition on the streets and shelters) so treat us gently and talk to us.
    • Some of us may try to escape just because we are frightened and don’t know what is going to happen to us – we are in survival mode.   Your secure garden may not be as secure as you think for a determined dog.  Think UNDER, think OVER, think THROUGH. 
    • Some of us prefer a harness to a collar because the collar reminds us of when we were treated badly by humans and had the dog catching pole around our neck.
    • Consider leaving the collar/harness and lead on for the first few days as a trailing lead is easier to get hold of if you need to, rather than grabbing an already frightened dog.
    • Some of us might be safer if you keep us on a lead in the garden until we are more settled.
    • FORGIVE US if we pee or poop where we aren’t supposed to.  We need time, patience and kind words rather than anger and shouting.
    • Some of us become frightened if we leave the security of our home. 
    • Some of us take many months to learn to play with a toy or roll over for a tummy rub.
    • Some of us need both a harness and a lead when going out on a walk so that we can’t escape.  Sometimes, we actually feel more secure with a harness/lead, than without one - and that’s because we walk close to you and, if spooked, we can’t run away.  We don’t all HAVE to have off lead exercise, especially if you have a nice garden at home for us to play in.  We would rather be safe with you - than escape and be lost and frightened without you.
    • Some of us get spooked by the most unexpected things; some of us have never seen a television or heard a washing machine – or walked on sand – or paddled in water – or been taken for a walk before.
    • Some of us are frightened by large open spaces or scared to go through a gate or a door.
    • Some of us are frightened when we are left on our own.
    • Some of us are terrified of strangers or children because they threw stones at us and shouted at us to make us go away.

    BUT - G.T.T.

    GIVE THEM TIME

     

    Give us time and we will adapt. Give us time and you will reap the rewards.

  • ONLINE SHOP

    The Hospice relies on donations to pay for all the ongoing costs for the animals. We are a Registered Charity - no 1172147. There is, on average, over 100 animals in our care at any one time who have constant needs. Some people choose to support us by a regular monthly payment or by making one off donations or legacies. Some people donate by giving us items that are no longer needed, but items that we can use at the sanctuary or can sell at our shop or table top sales. Occasionally we have items for sale through our online shop, and you can find those items here, including donating to our Save Another Susie scheme - SAS - (details below) and our Preventing Unwanted Puppies/Kittens scheme - PUP

     

    Our email address is pennyjonesanimalhospice@hotmail.co.uk if anyone wishes to contact us

    If anyone would like to donate to help care for the animals you can do this by:

    Paypal: pennyjonesanimalhospice@hotmail.co.uk or

    Penny Jones Animal Hospice,Rigghead Cottage,Hethersgill,CARLISLE, Cumbria CA6 6HH

    Our bank details are : Penny Jones Animal Hospice, Virgin Bank , Sort Code 82-11-07, Account No: 70532875

     

    We have a charity shop in Carlisle and are always grateful for donations of good quality items for resale - Bric a brac, clothing, dvds, cds, books, electrical items etc.

    Shop enquiries can be made on 07749926427

     

    If you have any queries, then please visit the Contact Us page for details. Please click on the photo below to see a small selection of items available through this website.

  • Events and Fundraising

    Fundraising - Donating - SAS - Special Notices - Events

    We are constantly trying to find new ways to raise money to help our animals, to keep the sanctuary running and the bills paid. Please consider supporting us in any way that you can - food donations, a monthly direct debit of £1 or more, animal sponsorship, maybe your own personal fundraiser for the animals. The Carlisle shop is open and accepting donations suitable for re sale through the shop. Please call, message or email for more information.

    THANK YOU.


    Shop: 07749926427

    Hospice: 07554 532867 

     

    EVENTS

     

    OPEN DAY & TABLE TOP SALE

    Usually held twice a year at the hospice & local village hall, Hethersgill, Carlisle

    NEXT OPEN DAY

    WILL BE IN 2024

     

     

    HOUGHTON VILLAGE HALL TABLE TOP SALES

    Held 2 - 3 times a year. Tables available to sell items to raise funds for PJ and tables available to sell items of your own. Tables get booked up fast so keep an eye on anouncements and get in touch quickly!

     

    NEXT HOUGHTON SALE

    CHRISTMAS FAIR: SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2023 11am-3pm

    Tables £10 payable on booking, or free if selling for PJ. To book a table, either contact Heather Banks directly, or send us a message to forward to her. Thank you.

     

     

    ONLINE CHARITY AUCTIONS

    Held regularly throughout the year. Please search out the 'Penny Jones Animal Hospice Auctions and Fundraising' group on Facebook for more information.

     

    CARLISLE CHARITY SHOP

    Unit 3, Earls Lane, Carlisle

    Shop: 07749926427

    A welcoming and friendly shop (with a regularly changing and delightful window display) is situated in Carlisle town with plenty of good quality items for sale.

    Donations welcome and can be dropped off during open hours.

     

    Shop: 07749926427

     

    Please check for opening times via the PJAH shop Facebook page

    'Penny Jones Animal Hospice Charity Shop'

    We try to keep to the same opening hours weekly but these are subject to volunteer availability.

    Shop volunteers often sought - enquiries welcome within the shop or via messenger or e-mail.  

    https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=penny%20jones%20animal%20hospice%20charity%20shop

     

     

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    SAVE ANOTHER SUZIE

     

     

    Toto, in his blog April 2020, says

     

    I didn’t know Suzie, but mum often speaks of her and her memory is alive with the hospice “Save Another Suzie (SAS) scheme. Let me tell you what mum has told me.

    Suzie made a dramatic and ever lasting impression when she arrived in March 2013 at the age of 14. It wasn’t just her looks and unusual eyes (one blue & one brown) that made an impression, it was her aggression! She livened up the car journey by continuously trying to bite the other dog that had been picked up at the same time but both were, thankfully, contained in separate crates.

    Suzie was a terrier x collie and both breed characteristics were strong in her. She was brave and determined like a terrier, and intelligent & energetic like a collie. She was loyal & affectionate with my mum but she bit strangers and other dogs.

    As always, “Give them Time” (GTT) and Suzie settled down & was lucky enough to be offered a forever sofa home. However, she had formed such a strong bond with my mum that she howled and howled for days in her new home! The lovely family tried their best to GTT but Suzie had other ideas – escape. Sure enough, she ran away and was later found making her own way back to the hospice. After that, mum said Suzie could stay at the hospice and she went on to become the PJ Ambassadog where she learnt to meet and greet every human or cat arrival at the hospice with a smile – but woe betide any dogs that came her way!

     

    The Save Another Suzie scheme was set up in memory of the wonderful little Suzie to raise money to help other dogs who are suffering in horrendous conditions abroad. For a donation of £50, you will receive a certificate and photo of the rescued dog that your money has helped save and you can follow them on their journey from a living hell to a new life. The donation will go towards the travel costs and all the necessary medical treatment and paperwork required to bring a fit and healthy dog over to the UK. We need £250 for the transport of each dog (5 x SAS).

     

    Please consider giving a donation to this fantastic scheme and be the person to help save a dogs life. Perhaps you could make this a wonderful caring gift for a special person and then sit and watch what a difference your donation can make to Save Another Suzie. Please contact us if you would like to contribute or select Save Another Suzie from the sponshorship & shop section of this website. Thank you.

     

    Email: pennyjonesanimalhospice@hotmail.co.uk or use the contact form below.

     

     

    The Stars and Moon

    (Dumfries High Street)

    is now a drop off point for unwanted items and donations for PJAH.

    Please contact Linda Saunders Meek who runs the cafe to arrange an appointment to ensure somebody is available to accept your donation.

     

    Linda Saunders Meek 07932 993650

     

     

     

    LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

     

    Leaving a gift to Penny Jones Animal Hospice in your will can be an easy and cost effective way of supporting all the animals that we help each year.

    The safest way to ensure that your estate goes exactly where you want it to go when you are no longer here, is to make certain that you have a well written and clearly worded will and that somebody you trust can help with to make sure your wishes are carried out. There are a great many solicitors who would be able to help with this.

     

    Too often, the small charities are overlooked and yet these are the very organisations that do the most, working tirelessly at at the heart of their local community with a team of willing volunteers.

     

    We rely on the generosity of donatios to fund our services. Gifts in wills help us to finance the high running costs of the sanctuary.

     

    Leaving a gift in your will to Penny Jones Animal Hospice, however large or small, will help us to continue helping the needy animals in our care.

     

    If you are currently making a will, just inform your solicitor that you wish to include us. If you have already made a will but would like to include us, your solicitor will easily be able to make a written attachment (called a "codicil") to the instructions you have already given.

    We are so very grateful for every single donation, be it large, small, monetary or goods. Every single penny helps us to care for our animals and it all adds up.

     

    Thank you for considering us in your will.

     

     

     

  • Rehomed Dog Tails

    Stories written by owners who have adopted a dog from Penny Jones Animal Hospice

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    My Pet Mouse by Elizabeth McDonagh

     

    It was early November 2015 and I had a phone call from a stranger asking if I would like a lot of collars, leads, bedding etc for my dogs as, if not, it was going to go to Romania although, as we were local, we had first chance.

     

    I asked the question "Why Romania?"

    And the answer changed my life "Because the dogs in the shelters need them"

     

    I was curious as to why, and which shelters - and more questions opened up a world I didn`t know existed. I was given references on the internet to look up about the shelters, and that day was the start of a way of rescue I couldn`t imagine.

     

    I was introduced to two ladies in Romania who work tirelessly to help the stray dogs in shelters where time stood still. The first little dog I came upon was called "a poor little maus" and she had suffered from a broken back 5 months previous and couldn`t walk on her back legs - she held them up in the air in front of her. She was living in a crate in the shelter as other dogs (200 +) would kill her. Her bed was an old cloth jacket. She was terrified and tried to bite anyone who went close to her and she peed herself with fear. This poor little maus was only 9 months old and would stay in that crate until someone could help her and adopt her, but clearly her chances were slim.

     

    I never slept that night with this little dog in my mind and next morning I knew what I had to do. I called the poor little maus "Mouse" and paid the due veterinary costs and the transport fee and in mid December 2015, my Mouse set off on an epic journey across Europe. Meanwhile, I was ill with stress wondering what on earth I had done! Could I help her? Would she ever be tamed? Would she even survive?

     

    Half way through the epic journey from Romania to the UK, the German officials arrested the transport team and held them for a few days as, at that time, they didn't like disabled pets. I was terrified that little Mouse would never arrive.

     

    But, eventually, my Mouse did arrive. She was petrified and was sitting on her bum with her back legs stretched out in front of her. She managed to run to escape from me, using the strength in her front legs to balance and propel herself forwards, with her back legs suspended in the air under and in front of her.

     

    I kept her in the cat chalet which was small and warm enough for a young smaller dog. I could barely touch her as she tried to bite me, and she weed and pood with fear - but, on the second day, I caught her. Even though it broke my heart to catch and hold her as she struggled and tried to bite me, I instinctively knew I had to do it. I carried her outside to the garden and sat on a chair, talking gently all the time, using a language and words that she had no idea of what they meant. Then the most wonderful thing happened. Mouse was held tight on my knee when Bill, one of my resident cats, jumped up and sat on us both. He purred and purred and I stroked him the best I could. Mouse changed in that instant and from that day she blossomed into my wonderful happy, cheeky companion.

     

    It took quite a few weeks of me supporting her body with an old cardigan and helping her to use her legs again but she made it. I always say other animals help traumatised animals more than we ever can.

     

    So from first reading about Mouse and adopting her, a whole new world was opened to me and, since then, over 200 dogs have followed so far (March 2020).

     

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    Mouse February 2020

     

     

     

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    Harry’s Story as told by Rahji [Harry]

     

    I must go and search for my family. Where have they gone? I’m so hungry and my legs so painful on these hard Macedonian streets.

     

    Oh hello - nice humans with food – Yes I’ll come with you. Am I staying in this place with food and a bed and lots of company? Ok cool. I’ll have a rest and now my belly is full I feel much better.

    How many sleeps have I had in this place? I am not sure but it is getting boring now.

     

    Hey you! Black hairy dog. Do you want to be a free spirit again? Blondy - you want to as well! Yes - bring your best friends and follow me. Listen – we get through the fence here and then run run run. Come on don’t loiter. Oh – friendly humans with food again. What do you mean – you want to go back in! Oh ok I’m hungry again too.

     

    Now I am on a long journey inside a smelly hard box. I will put up with it for now. On and on and on. So tired! Oh I am being lifted out and passed onto a human with long yellow hair only on her head. How strange. A nice new bed and food. Cool. Now its dark I will get over this little gate and then climb over this fence and sleep safely under this metal box. Who is that boy human shouting at me and the nice human with yellow hair is taking me to a different bed with a taller fence. Oh well I will stay here then.

     

    It’s a lovely sunny day and I am off to live my new forever family and it is such fun – I am so happy.

     

    Now we are visiting humans in white coats. Life can be very strange. Ouch that hurt. Why did she stick something sharp in my leg? Never mind – I feel all happy and relaxed and very sleepy. I had a very long sleep in this place and now I can go home. Hello family but I think you need to carry me now. Mrs Human is a weakling. Why can’t she carry me over her shoulder on our little walks like He-Man does? It is very comfortable. I love having servants. I am so lucky to have servants for all my 6 operations and I am so happy that now I can run fast again – even though something seems to be missing. Now I can play rough again and go on holidays and sleep on the humans bed every night. I am so happy and I love everybody.

     

    Thank you supporters, from the bottom of my big heart, for saving my life and giving me a life.

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    Harry

     

     

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    Teddy by Pamela Andrews

     

    If there's one thing life has taught me is that life keeps going even when you wish the ground would open up and take you - and that is because even at your lowest point there's always a little heart and sad eyes that need you.

     

    I watched Dolly and Sugar from a distance and went to see Smokie when I believed they had found their places already - boy am I glad I did because this boy is such a good lad and we are a blessed family to have him here - our Teddy Boo!

     

    Lots of people watched out for him and helped him come to us and knowing he's loved by many and laying at our fire safe and well is a miracle beyond words.

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    Teddy

     

     

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    Sara by Linda McMinn

     
    My name is Sara and I came from Romania in 2019. I was ready for a forever home but when Debbie was getting me ready she noticed a large lump on my belly. It hadn't been noticed before because my hair was so long, but I did suit it! I had to have an operation to remove the lump. Everything went well and when I got to my new home a lovely garden awaited me. Unfortunately Sunny, the other rescue dog would not share the garden with me so I had to go back to kennels. But not to worry because Linda took an instant liking to me and said I could stay with them; and no other dogs there either - Wow that's a bonus!
     
    So I came to stay with Linda & Jim on 23/3/2019. It's brill, I'm so spoilt! I have my own private garden and I don't like to go for walks, or the noise of cars. Mum took me to get my hair trimmed a wee while after I arrived and I looked really nice but I was a bit traumatised after it so the hairdresser comes to the house now. I only go to the vets if it's really necessary because I am not liking the car much (I'm a bit of a madam really, but they love me).
     
    Unfortunately I had to go to the vet on Friday, av got another 2 little lumps & a big lump so av to have an operation on 26/2/2020. Vet say's, av got breast cancer. Mam & dad suspect av not had such a good life in Romania & they think I deserve another chance so they are going to pay for the op, we'll know soon the out come of the operation!......
    ...... Well av now had the op all went well the large lump and one of the small one's have been sent for analysis - boy am I going to get spoiled tonight!.....
     
    The results are back and it's not good. I have the most aggressive form of mammary cancer, and although the vet thinks he got it all out, the cells might have spread. There's only about 27% of us dogs that survive this one after a year, but am going to fight as hard as I can. I am not giving up my duvet & heated bedroom!
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    Sara

     

     

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    The Dog from Turkey - Harry's Story by Julie Little

     

    Hi there, I am Harrys new Mum and the hardest thing will be keeping Harrys story to 400 words (failed miserably), my brave boy has been through so much! Anyway, here goes, my attempt to do him justice.

     

    We will never know the full extent of the horrors that Harry faced but I have pieced the bits together that I know of his life in Turkey. Harry was found by the side of the road, approximately 5½ years ago, in a dreadful state and brought to a local rescue shelter. He had been poisoned and was not expected to survive. Harry also had an obvious problem with his mouth that looked deformed.

     

    Life in the Turkish shelter was hard. Over 450 dogs cared for with little help and little funding. Harry was kept on a metal chain “for his own safety” by his rough wooden kennel. Harry was intermittently unwell although details are very patchy.

    Days, weeks, years were long and nights longer…. But staff and volunteers at the shelter loved him as he was a big gentle boy who loved people. They thought no one would want this odd looking drooly boy and expected him to spend the rest of his life there.

     

    Around 1 yr ago Harry was sponsored and was taken to the vets for some dental treatment. It was then that it was discovered that Harrys odd looking face was the result of fractures to his jaw! Harry was posted on the Turkish shelters website for dogs needing rehoming. This is when I first saw him and he looked a poorly sad boy. I didn’t know it then but he had started to steal my heart. And, by a stroke of luck, the wonderful Elizabeth at PJAH spotted Harry and offered him a place at the hospice. The Turkish rehoming site put out an appeal for someone to do a home check for Harry and I volunteered. I had never heard of the Penny Jones Animal Hospice but discovered I lived only about 10 miles away and went to meet Elizabeth. I was bowled over by the care, dedication and work that Elizabeth did at PJAH.

     

    After a very long wait of several months and then a long 5 day journey over Europe, Harry arrived at the beginning of October 2019. He had been well cared for on the journey, but it had taken a lot out of him. Harry was obviously unwell and collapsed when Elizabeth took him to stretch his legs. By a huge will of strength Elizabeth managed to pick Harry up and carry him back to his bed. If you ever meet Harry, you will understand that this is no mean feat! The emergency vet was called and Harry was given antibiotics for a severe chest infection.

     

    Harry had only been at PJAH for a couple of days when I went to meet him. The result was almost inevitable and it was love at first sight. As Harry was so poorly, we agreed he would be better in a home environment than at the PJAH and I willingly fostered him with a view to adopting him in the future. For a dog that was ? 7-9yrs old and had never been in house before, Harry immediately made himself at home and, after a quick wander round, he headed straight for the sofa! Welcome Home Harry!

     

    That night Harry didn’t appear to be able to sleep. Every time he tried to close his eyes and sleep he lifted his head up and panted. We, (Hubby & me), took it in turns and sat up all night to reassure him and to monitor him. The next night was the same and his breathing and secretions were worse. At midnight we brought Harry to see the emergency vet. The vet was wonderful, and we were at the surgery for over an hour. He had developed pneumonia and was very poorly. The vet thoroughly examined Harry and discovered he had holes in the roof of his mouth – oral nasal fistulas. The vet thought these were the reason Harry could not sleep and when he relaxed he stopped using his usual compensation measures and a negative pressure would form, meaning he could not breathe. Harry had an adorable nose twitch, but I was horrified to discover this was due to a fracture across his snout. His bottom jaw was also wobbly and obviously fractured.

     

    My heart nearly broke. I could not stop crying for this dog who had had untreated fractures for over 5 years, and holes in the roof of his mouth that meant that he could not eat safely without risking pneumonia, a painful chronic sinus infection, and could not breathe when asleep. How many years had Harry been without sleep?!

     

    Several vet trips and sleepless nights later and Harry had his 1st surgery and x rays 2wks later. The full extent of Harrys problems was now apparent - Harry had multiple oral fistulas consistent with his lower teeth being driven up into his top jaw. The largest fistula was at the back and was a massive 5cm x 2cm. X rays confirmed multiple upper and lower jaw fractures in a pattern not consistent with a road traffic accident. I can only begin to imagine what abuse Harry endured -someone had clearly wanted him dead. Why? We will never know but Harry is a survivor. During this 1st surgery the smaller oral fistulas were closed using tissue from his gums. A 2nd surgery a few weeks later to attempt to repair the larger 5cm x 2cm fistula was more difficult and complex. Unfortunately this failed and the tissue graft did not take.

     

    Meanwhile, Harry was a star. Despite the pain and discomfort, he remained his gentle stoic self. He was enjoying gentle walks and was slowly building up his muscles and stamina. He was learning to live a different life and bonding with us and my other 2 dogs. His personality seemed to be developing by the day. A stubborn streak was becoming obvious that makes me smile and admire him all the more.

     

    Picture this – Harry wearing his coat out for a stroll. We go through the gate across a field, but Harry continues to walk in his predetermined line so walks under the barbed wire fence instead. His coat gets hooked on the wire. I rush to free him, but Harry keeps walking! I frantically try unhooking his coat, but Harry just keeps going. Rip…!! Harry does not even look round and keeps on going at the same steady slow but determined pace. This is how Harry has survived and I think it is a brilliant strategy. Whatever life throws at you – Be Like Harry and Carry On Regardless!

     

    A 3rd surgery before Christmas, to again attempt the repair of the large fistula, was made using a mesh graft to plug the hole. This was a very long complex procedure and Harry really struggled afterwards. About a month after this the mesh started to fail, was infected and was coming away. Harry was in obvious discomfort and antibiotics were not helping. But this boy was still wagging his tail and he was not ready to give up! Very hard decisions had to be made and we were given some difficult choices by the vets. After many tears and long discussions with Elizabeth, I was even more determined not to give up on Harry. He was not ready to give up and we could not let him down!

     

    A 4th surgery was performed to remove as much as possible of the infected mesh graft. Some was too deep and remains. Harry is now left with an open fistula albeit smaller than he started with. The effect was immediate – the next day he was brighter and appeared in less pain.

     

    Harry now has a nebuliser to help manage his secretions and chronic sinus infection. After a lot of experimentation, we have found the best feeding technique and food for him. He is hand feed and it is an art, but it seems to be working.

    He loves his food, has put on weight, and the problem now is telling him “No more” . He is sleeping for longer periods and although his breathing at night is still noisy, he doesn’t struggle as much. His drooling is less and anyway what is a bit of drool between friends!

     

    Harry is a happy loveable bear of a dog and he is now learning to play and to be a dog! He has brought us so much and is teaching us such a lot. I am a better person for having Harry in my life and I am so looking forward to sharing the summer with him.

     

    When times get tough - Be Like Harry and Carry On Regardless!

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    Harry - March 2020

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    Sunny (& Sashi)

    The following is an article written by Colin Betts. It is an astute account of his observations of the differences between British and 'foreign' rescue dogs. Anyone who adopts a dog from us will be able to relate to this article.

     

     

    The Difference between British and “Foreign” Rescue Dogs by Colin Betts

     

    There have been 15 dogs in this life – all but one, an ageing UK or Romanian rescue. They have much in common but also some important differences – mostly regarding environmental factors on the streets of Eastern Europe, where hunger, fear, cruelty and suffering happen every day of their short lives.

     

    Two extremes have been Sunny and Sara, from Romania. Sunny stayed outside for the 6 months before the end, free to roam, run away or chase other animals. Sunny spent most of his days guarding the track to the house but never strayed as far as the road, half a mile away. He lived in a cosy shed in the garden, popping in and out for meals, but never getting trapped indoors. By contrast, Linda’s Sara hates to leave the kitchen, lounge and garden. She regards the neighbours as threats and barks at them and will tolerate only certain people on her territory.

     

    And yet both these elderly refugee pups craved and needed security (once their biological needs were met) in their own way. The absence of predators, canine and human, will be a great relief. To survive on the streets they’ve had to work at night as well as all day, scavenging for food, dodging lethal traffic, running from the dog catchers and their dreadful kill shelters. And the smaller, weaker dogs would have done barking duties, sounding as fierce as they could to deter other packs. And at night they’d bark while the leaders slept.

     

    After a spell in living hell (public shelter) they endure days in a van before being able to relax at last at Penny Jones Animal Hospice, or a foster home, until they are ready for some kind of family life. But PJAH saves older dogs, disabled or blind dogs, ones that may not have so very long left to live, which makes every moment more precious and it is how it works for us.

     

    At any rate, we can expect our refugees to bring along a whole bunch of history, trauma, baggage and veterinary issues. He or she may be very happy to have a bed, couple of bowls and a cuddly toy - but they arrive without instructions, and we have to watch, listen and learn about their pasts and various problems. It’s both a steep and lengthy learning curve that will engender compassion, empathy and selfless love. And the rewards to all concerned will be heart warming.

     

    These dogs have another bridge to cross before they can fully appreciate their forever home - fear of being caught and sent back from this heaven, to the pain and darkness of a living hell. A few weeks ago they couldn’t dream of a new life like this; it was beyond their hopes or even imagination. No wonder they are afraid it was all a beautiful dream. This will take time but, like all else, must pass. But it cannot be rushed. At first they need their own safe place and territory. Adventurous walks and outings can wait until they can depend on home, bed and bowl, bit of a brush and a cuddle.

    Too many pets (rescued or not) may have to hold their bodily functions back for long periods which cannot be good for them. If they get a regular walk, it will be short and in a park or place devoid of grazing, browsing and self medicating potential. The grass will be sprayed with all sorts of chemical rubbish and they won’t find herbs and wild plants in such locations. A small garden left to grow a little will do them more good than a dose of herbicide or pesticide.

     

    The dogs will let us know how they feel about the car, rides, visiting people, other dogs and animals. Their behaviour will have been dictated by the hard times they’ve had, and we can deduce a lot from their reactions. And then we can make sure that happy things keep happening and sad ones rarely darken our door.

     

    Even so, they may be afraid of certain people (e.g. men in hats) or objects, such as vacuum cleaners or broomsticks. Sashi had a ruckus with a pheasant once and has never forgiven the species - even the popping of Rice Crispies ‘rattles his cage!’

     

    As well as a secure and safe, forever home, they will enjoy freedom from noise and stress as much as is possible. They will already have a lot to take in and learn from. Some will require house–training but this is rare, and Golden Oldies learn fast. You certainly can teach an old dog new tricks! With love, affection and compassion, miracles can happen. And the rewards will be profound and enduring.

     

    Of course, British rescue dogs will share many, or at least some, of these considerations. They too may have been neglected, abused or worse. Sashi spent his first 6 months with us preferring to live out in the barns and bushes, until one day deciding to join the pack. When they are ready, they will relax and be a happy teddy bear, enjoying the puppyhood they never knew before.

     

    But something special can happen with these poor old and unwanted pups in a really short time. Sunny was riddled with cancer when he came but never showed discomfort – only joy and fun in the sun. He was always in a hurry, rarely let anyone stroke him, and yet more friends visited Sunny than me.

     

    The value of the PJAH support network and social media are priceless. We can obtain and share information, ideas, tips, sympathy and empathetic joy with people who know what we are talking about.

     

    Above all, when they leave us, our PJAH friends remember our pups and their stories and help us by talking about them. Our refugee rescues have friends on line and in real life, which can be a real comfort to us.

     

    Start with bed, bowls, cuddly toy, food, sleep, peace and quiet, and a space of their own where they can relax and not have to move. After that, they can almost pass as “ordinary” dogs but will always retain a certain reservation or shyness that makes them a bit different, and a bit special.

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    Sunny 2019

  • FUNDRAISING SUCCESS!

    FUNDS WERE SOUGHT TO CONTINUE REPAIRS AFTER TWO STORMS RIP THROUGH THE SANCTUARY IN THE WINTER OF 2021

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    STORM ARWEN 26/27 November 2021

    The usual quiet and tranquil setting of Penny Jones Animal Hospice was torn apart when Storm Arwen ripped through. The destruction caused was heartbreaking as the feed barn was torn apart and the whole of the large animal winter feed and bedding supplies were destroyed. Two dog kennels that were awaiting the arrival of new residents were also flattened.

    Clearing up in the wake of the storm is soul destroying when years of hard work are gone in an instant - and nobody could have guessed that Storm Barra would contribute to the agony.

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    STORM BARRA 7 December 2021

    Already weakened structures (from Storm Arwen) gave in when Storm Barra roared through and the sight presented to Elizabeth Mcdonagh the following morning was deeply shocking. Two donkeys were trapped beneath the chaos and Elizabeth feared the worse. Thankfully, farming neighbours were quick to help and, miraculously, both donkeys were rescued and walked away unhurt.

     

    Now, Penny Jones Animal Hospice is left with the huge task of finding the money to replace the buildings and the winter feed/bedding supplies, and also to the repair other damaged buildings - initial estimates run into tens of thousands of £.

     

    PJAH completely relies on donations from the public to keep the animals safe and fed - this is a desperately urgent situation.

     

    PLEASE HELP! Please don't scroll by & say you will donate later - please do it now. Thank you.

     

    UPDATE. Thank you for the donations to date - we are delighted that the building repairs can at least start! It is going to be a long haul but at least we can now get the builders in & hopefully they will make a start in January 2022.

     

    UPDATE 15 APRIL. The repairs and building work is under way and we hope that some of the work will be finished in time for our open day in June 2022. It won't be finished, but at least it is work in progress! THANK YOU!

     

    UPDATE 28 MAY. The work continues and is expected to take quite a bit longer yet. But the project is really coming together and we can finally think more positively and look forward with hope & lots of smiles. Thank you. 😁

     

    UPDATE 21 JUNE. The work is ongoing. The builders are slowly getting the new kennels & pig sty's built before turning their attention to the feed store. The months are marching on and we hope the builders will get everything complete before the Autumn.

     

    UPDATE 2 JULY. The block work kennels and animal shelters have been built. The new wooden kennels have been delivered and are awaiting installation. Feed store next...

     

    UPDATE 9 SEPTEMBER. The wooden kennels are installed and in use. We still await the contractors to build the feed store...

     

    UPDATE JANUARY 2023

    Finally, the storm damage is finally repaired and completed! Phew! THANK YOU VERY MUCH! We couldn't have done it without your amazing help.

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    DONATIONS

    Donations are always welcome for our ongoing general improvements and can be made as follows:

     

    Cheque to Penny Jones Animal Hospice, Rigghead Cottage, Hethersgill, Cumbria, CA6 6HH

     

    PayPal to pennyjonesanimalhospice@hotmail.co.uk

    (PLEASE LEAVE COMMENT BOX BLANK)

     

    Bank transfer to Penny Jones Animal Hospice, Account 70532875 Sort Code 82-11-07


    THANK YOU!

  • Photos & Videos

    Take a stroll (scroll) down and meet all the wonderful animals that need sponsors and keep scrolling to watch them having fun!!

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    Jethro - 18 months old!

    Jethro is now a big boy. We rescued his mum, Lucy, around eighteen months ago, without knowing Jethro would soon appear on the scene. As Lucy grew wider, we waited in anticipation. This is now, but look at the video below - see how small he was (except for his ears)!

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    Peppa the Pig!

    Peppa is a bundle of mischief! She loves having her back scratched and for you to chase her then off she goes, grunting excitedly!

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    Bugy

    Bugy was financed by a lady who wasn't in good health so couldn't look after a dog but wanted to save a Romanian dog from the horrendous shelter.

    He had been in this hell-hole forever and was scared of life. Pure fear made him aggressive so no-one could get near him or he would bite.

    The look on his face said he was scared but all he really wanted was to be loved, and he is, very much so.

    His confidence has grown and now he has become cheeky and playful and loves all his playmates.

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    Kalif

    Kalif was one of a litter of puppies born and living on the streets until one day he and his brother were hit by a car, the driver drove off leaving them for dead.

    Two women found them but Kalif's brother had died so they took Kalif home and offered him food and water but he was too badly injured to eat, his back legs were extremely swollen and he could not move so they took him to the clinic.

    His x-rays revealed multiple fractures of both his hips and legs.

    They operated on him but because his back legs were now so deformed his chances of being re-homed were very slim so his future was bleak.

    He now lives with us and is a very happy, boisterous, cheeky boy with his past well behind him.

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    Lassie

    This lovely, little girl is Lassie. She is about 6 years old and was born in Wales.For the first 3 years of her life she was kept locked in a barn so the whole of her puppy hood was spent running round in circles inside a building.

    Eventually she was rehomed but, as she had never interacted with anyone or any thing, she was nervous and frightened which made her aggressive.

    Sadly she was unwanted and ended up at a behaviourist for a month but in all that time the behaviourist could not touch her.

    A friend who works with Border Collies took her but after 6 months classed her as unhomeable.

    She is here now to chill out and spend the rest of her days playing happily with her friends running in the fields.

    Lassie can have as long she needs to come around - after her terrible start in chance she deserves a chance.

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    Millie

    Millie was one of five dogs rescued from unmentionable torture in Ireland at the beginning of 2014.

    They were in such a bad state that 2 had to be put to sleep, one was rehomed separately and the other two came here. They were so terrified that, when approached they would freeze in terror.

    Both weighed only about 12kg. Mille had been bred from and was going to be put to sleep at her previous rescue.

    Very sadly, one died but Millie has now made friends with the resident collies and loves to play with them.

    She is so very much loved but will bite strangers so she will live out her life here with those she loves, trusts and feels happy with.

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    Mouse

    Mouse was 7 months old when a woman found her, she had disabled back legs and could not move.

    She was taken straight to the hos[ital where they x-rayed her and found that her spine had been broken about 3 or 4 month previously.

    Poor Mouse could not walk, no one knows how she had survived all that time without being able to move.

    She was terrified, racked with pain, peed herself with fear and tried to bite everyone that came near.

    She was looked after in the clinic for a week.

    When she came to us it took a while to gain her trust and help her to become the happy little girl she is now. Running about (in her own fashion) with all her friends.

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    Mura

    Mura is about 8 years old and came from the enclosure in the public shelter in Romania.

    Her eye was so very badly injured that she had to go to the clinic but they could not save it and it had to be removed.

    She was now classed as 'disabled' so her chances of finding a loving home were just about nil.

    She is very sweet and tolerates other dogs well but is still so very scared.

    When she arrived here she was slightly aggressive but now she enjoys running in the fields, lots of cuddles and playing with her friends.

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    Nadia

    When Nadia was a young puppy she lived on a farm in Ireland. Unfortunately a tractor ran over her front legs, breaking them both.

    Because she was unable to move about properly she was thrown into a barn and left, in horrendous pain, to mend without either a vets examination or medication.

    The bones in her legs eventually knitted together but were very twisted, making her unable to walk, so they put her into a pound.

    No-one wanted her with her disability so she was passed from pound to pound until she eventually ended up in the UK. She did not deserve to be passed on any more so I went and brought her here.

    She has had her left leg operated on and had plates inserted as it was 20 degrees out ( her right one was 48 degrees out!)

    Now, after intensive treatment she runs, digs and enjoys catching up on the puppyhood she never had.

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    Rosie

    Rosie was rescued in from Romania. For the last few years she has been chained up 'for her own good!'.

    In the last 8 years she has suffered many terrible things including a huge trauma to her head, which now has a dent in it. She also has a bent neck, one ear duct is calcified, she is blind in one eye and, unfortunately she has been left slightly brain damaged.

    Rosie is so scared of everything she didn't dare move at all.

    She couldn't be left to live in this miserable existance for the rest of her life.

    Now the chains and pain have gone and she is enjoying her freedom running down the fields with her new friends.

     

     

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    Jerry

    Jerry was left on the door step in a cardboard box with a note on it stating that they had found him as a stray and didn't know what else to do with him.

    He was suffering severe pain in his eyes. One eye had to be removed and he is blind in the other one, but it hasn't slowed him down any. He's full of fun and cheeky.

     

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    Rudie

    The little black dog in the picture is Rudie, Him and Jerry are very best friends.

    Rudie was 7 months old when he was found by the SSPCA. He was so weak and poorly he could hardly stand and was was terrified of everything. Luckily he met Jerry and they became inseparable.

     

    Daisy, Percy and Freddy

    Daisy loves to make friends! (or she thinks it's time they had a bath!)

     

    Stari

    Stari loves to be able to walk around at will and then snuggle up in his warm comfy bed with the pigs (so much better than the stony ground of the cemetery). RIP beautiful boy, you knew love and freedom.

     

    Ben and Lucy

    Ben lived on the same streets as little LUCY who came here a few months ago and just managed to catch the end of their meeting up. They get on so well. BEN is a beautiful boy and enjoys his cuddles. He gets on well with all my dogs and is absolutely no trouble at all

     

    Donkey Parade

    The donkeys are all enjoying a treat of carrots, donated by a supporter

     

    Mother Hen

    Oh the never-ending rain - relentless and then look what arrived in our polytunnel? Poor mum has 15 babies to keep warm and dry !!!!!

     

    Enya

    ENYA is our youngest donkey foal and in the minute I turned my back she had pulled over a bag of shavings and had a good roll.

     

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    GOATS

    We do not just look after dogs and cats. We also have goats! Dylan and Rory are golden Guernsey male goats. We have Polly who is an older lady and also Brian and his family of pygmies in another paddock!

     

  • Contact Us

    Please contact us if you have any queries. 

    Rigghead Cottage, Hethersgill, Cumbria, CA6 6HH
    By appointment