Help keep our animals warm this winter time

WHERE has the past year gone? It seems to have flown by and we can’t quite believe that it is only one week until our Christmas Market at Benton North Farm.

We had such a fantastic night last year and so did everyone who came along to join in with the festivities. Our market will be open from 4pm until 9pm on Thursday, November 29.

Due to the market taking place, we won’t be open from 1pm as normal and will be opening at 4pm instead.

Our Christmas Market will see a whole host of fantastic vendors selling things like sweet treats, cakes, candles, wreaths and perfect gifts for the big day.

Of course, we will also have a stall full of our shelter merchandise from hoodies and T-shirts to trolley keys and wristbands and we will have a great selection of gifts for your furry friends too, so make sure you pop down.

Entry is only £1 for adults and you will receive a complimentary raffle tickets and glass of mulled wine on arrival. Kids go free and of course dogs are welcome too.

Both the days and nights are getting incredibly cold here on the farm meaning our heating is on more and more. Last year, our heating bills totalled a huge £26,311.04 and they are set to rise again this year.

We are appealing for your help to keep our kennels and pens warm and cosy for our animals. Outside of our Benton reception we have a board with our target on and every person who donates to our campaign will have their name added to the board.

It costs us £185.28 to heat one kennel or pen so for people or businesses who donate that amount, we will display your name or business name and logo on a kennel or pen for the whole year.

This campaign will be crucial in helping us to get through the winter as our total running costs are in excess of £1.2million per year. As well as the heating costs mentioned above, we are currently spending over £15,000 each month on veterinary bills alone due to the number of animals coming into our arrivals centre in need of treatment.

All of our funding comes from donations from kind people like yourselves, and legacies which really do keep us running.

For information on making a donation or legacies, please contact us on 0191 215 0435, email info@dogandcatshelter.com or write to us by post.

Turbo, dog number 72, is approximately two years old and arrived with us in June. He is a loving boy who enjoys having lots of cuddles and being given plenty of attention.

He was quite shy on arrival; however, he has been working with our staff to build his confidence and to show him how to be a dog. Turbo has made great progress since he has been with us, he likes to come over to you and have a sniff before he gives you his love.

Turbo loves to play, especially with soft toys and he loves to play games which test him both physically and mentally. After lots of play and a few good walks he enjoys coming to you for a cuddle. He is looking for a home without young children and with owners who have time and patience for him to continuing his training and building his confidence.

Isla, cat number 354, is approximately nine months old and she arrived with us in November 2018. She is a young and fun girl who will always come to greet you as soon as she knows you’re there.

She will purr away while rubbing her face against you to get your attention. Isla is a very playful cat who loves her toys and she will happily make a toy out of anything! Due to her playful nature, she will need a lot of stimulation and an owner to match her energy. We are looking for an adult-only home for Isla, as we know she was previously unsettled around children.