Donkeys at the fundraising event.
Yesterday I was face painting [yes, again!] at an event in Formby pinewoods, trying to raise money and awareness for the street dogs and cats of Sri Lanka.
Animal SOS Sri Lanka, a UK registered charity, was founded on the vision of Kim Cooling who, after witnessing the appalling plight of the animals there, particularly the strays, decided to take action to help them.
There are thousands of stray animals in Sri Lanka suffering from horrific injuries, malnutrition and disease. Dogs and cats with fractured spines, severed limbs, and maggot infested wounds. There are pups and kittens on festering rubbish dumps, animals slowly dying of tick fever, womb infections and bleeding tumours, all suffering in agony, until they die. With the risk and associated fear of rabies, strays are often demonised, leading to terrible cruelty at the hands of humans.
Yesterday’s fund-raiser was the first of it’s kind and will now become an annual event, hopefully becoming bigger and better each year. It was a huge success and, amazingly, the sun shone all day, as hundreds flocked to enjoy the fun and activities. It was a wonderful setting and I really enjoyed being surrounded by pine trees and hundreds of happy dogs.
Tidying up.
I was in the middle of painting a child’s face when a dog suddenly leapt on my back, nearly knocking me over. It was Annie, Hubs had brought the dogs along and they had an absolute ball, they just love being around other dogs.
I made just over £80 which wasn’t too bad, as every penny goes such a long way towards helping these tortured creatures.
Back at my own rescue, things are becoming increasingly busy with dozens of tiny hedgehogs pouring through the doors. I’ve never known so many young hedgehogs come in at this time of the year. I think the endless rain has something to do with it.
This hedgehog is blind and races around all day long. Shortly after arriving at the rescue it gave birth to three hoglets. Usually, when in captivity, the mother hog will often kill and eat the young due to being stressed, but it this case all three survived and are now ready to be released. The blind hog will be released in a walled garden and receive subsidised feeding.
We’ve also had lots of juvenile birds in over the last few weeks, many needing hand feeding. We’re horribly short of space at the moment and seem to have animals everywhere. The shifts are becoming longer and longer. This wood pigeon chick has poxy virus which causes it’s head to spin around in the most alarming manner, it looks dreadful but this bird is actually getting better by the day. We’ll have to hand feed it until the virus clears up, which will take a few more weeks. Poxy virus is very contagious to other pigeons so we keep this little guy in the hedgehog house.
This rabbit was abandoned outside the rescue a few months ago. It was in a terrible state with the most awful infection running down it’s back. It was also painfully thin. It’s made a wonderful recovery though, and is about to be re-homed. Rabbits are one of the most neglected pets in Britain as they are often bought for children and then become more or less forgotten about in tiny hutches in gardens.
We’ve had lots of abandoned rabbits and hamsters this summer. Most are pregnant when they arrive which means we end up with dozens of them.
These ducks came in as tiny ducklings who all turned into drakes, not a single female amongst them which was rather odd. They’ll be released soon, probably next week when we’re sure they’re fully waterproof!
These guys came in three weeks ago and are growing well. You wouldn’t believe that I had just mucked them out would you? Ducklings trash their quarters instantly!
Here’s some of our pigeons and doves who like to stop by, say hello and get a quick feed!
And finally….. can you spot the tiny frog on the orange apple? Blink and you’ll miss it. The garden is now teeming with hundreds of teeny, tiny frogs! The’re about half the size of my little finger nail. Amazing!
Thanks Flighty, I really enjoy your blog too, all subscribed now so hoping for lots of gardening tips.xxx
It’s always sad to read about animal cruelty and suffering where ever it happens, and I applaud everyone like yourself who helps however they can.
I’ve enjoyed looking round this blog and have now added it to my lawn loungers list. Flighty xx
Thanks Cari, I didn’t do much but everyone working together does bring the money in. It is so sad to see the condition of the animals over there, truly heartbreaking. xxx
That is an amazing thing you did and do for those animals. It’s heartbreaking, but thanks for sharing the photos, they were great! Bravo!
Oh goodness that tiny little frog is so cute – I really had to peer in to find it! Good to hear that people are making an effort to raise money for the sri lankan street animals! xx
Lol, the frog is tiny, I’m really into watching them at the moment.
Yes, it’s great that money is being raised for the Sri Lankan animals, their plight is pityful.xxxx
I think it’s brilliant that this is going to be an annual thing – and the pic of the pups is gorgeous, they’re getting so big. Those donkeys are gorgeous too! xxx
Thanks Scarletr, the Sri Lankan animals need all the help they can get.
I’m always surprised how quickly dogs grow up!
The donkeys were absolutely gorgeous. Such gentle creatures, I couldn’t stop stroking them.xxxxx
Thanks Johno. Hopefully the event will get bigger each year and more profitable.xxx
A delightful set of pictures. Pleased to hear the day was successful.
What a sterling job you’re doing ~ well done you ~x~
Thanks Mrs! xxxxx
The situation in Sri Lanka sounds hideous. I am pleased to hear that a charity is attempting to deal with these issues.
I am very fond of donkeys, so nice to see a few pictures of them.
I enjoyed looking at the pictures of the animals in your rescue. Good to see them recovering.
I was shocked to hear of the plight of the Sri Lankan animals too, it’s hard to see images of such suffering.
The donkeys were absolutely gorgeous, I had a good stroke! Lovely creatures.
It’s always good to see an animal recover and go back to the wild or be re-homed.xxx
This was a very sweet thing, you did. The pictures are charming. And it’s such a pleasure to get to know the animals through your photos. I can well imagine the excitement of your dogs, when they found you face painting in a strange place. This was a fine visit for me too.
Ahh thanks Shimon, hopefully we should be able to raise funds on a regular basis now for the Sri Lankan animals. The stories I heard were horrifying.
Lol, the dogs were really excited to stumble across me in the pinewoods, and young dogs know how to show pleasure. xxxxx
This way, you see white doves visit you voluntarily. they’re not much interested in their fellow grey neighbours.
Good animal pics again. Are you forgiven for your trespasses into large old implements, yet? I guess the odd one will become a temporary home to something in due course.
I’ts lovely seeing the doves each day, especially when it’s misty in the winter, then it’s quite magical. These birds were all brought in injured and have recovered and been released. We make sure they get a little seed each day.
Lol, yes I think I’m forgiven now, Hubs is even getting rather attached to the old implements, especially the stocks. xxxxx
Excellent post D! Very worthy ‘Cause’…..I love these pictures….Really good. I DID spot the tiny frog…..;) Hugs!
Thanks Elliott. My goodness, you have the eyes of a hawk!!!xxxxx
Thanks Gilly, the ducks are such a hoot, such busy quacky, bustling creatures. When I open the door to muck out the ducklings they pour out in waves, mad as a box of frogs they are.xxxxx
Such a celebration of animal life! Brilliant photos – I especially love the one of the ducks.