Willows acts as a lifeline for vulnerable people
The Odd Couple
NESTLING among rolling green fields in the north-east of Scotland lies a sanctuary that has the health and wellbeing of around 500 animals at the heart of all it does.
Its aim is to offer a safe haven for all the animals in its care, many of which have been poorly treated or neglected.
Willows Animal Sanctuary was first founded on a 54-acre plot in New
Pitsligo back in 1999, and over the years the charity has helped countless animals live out a healthy, happy retirement – something the team can be proud of in this, their twenty-first year.
Taking care of all their creature comforts is a dedicated staff of 11, helped by several muchvalued volunteers.
From rabbits to reptiles, pigs to ponies, the residents come in all shapes and sizes.
They even have llama and sheep, one of which is a little confused.
“Angel the sheep thinks she’s a dog.” Jenny Gray, the general manager, laughs.
“She loves nothing more than going out for walkies on a lead, and if you scratch her chin she wags her tail with delight.
“There is a real sense of calm about her.
“She is a real asset to our Animal Assisted Therapy programme, as she loves working with people.
“Lots of different animals can be used for AAT,”
Jenny explains.
“So we started training Angel to show people just how intelligent sheep are, and she has taken to it really well.”
Angel has come a long way since arriving at the sanctuary back in 2015, having been neglected.
She responded well to veterinary treatment and was carefully nursed back to health.
Now staff and visitors alike just love her personality, even if she does behave like a dog!
The fact that she’s now giving back within her AAT role is testament to the care and love that Angel receives at Willows.
“AAT can be something as simple as just being in the same room or space as an animal, petting them or brushing and feeding them.
“The animals chosen must be calm, friendly and comfortable around humans,” Jenny explains.
“Our programme is tailormade for the individual and this can range from grooming cats through to learning about horse management or learning DIY skills and basic horticulture.
“Goals are different for everyone – mostly, we are supporting people back into education and then on to employment.
“They gain a sense of usefulness from being able to take care of the animals and don’t feel judged in the same way as they may do around people.
“We work with those who have severe and enduring mental health issues, or those with brain damage.
“Since starting the programme we have identified other client groups who would benefit from using our service, such as homeless people, so we have expanded our services.
“Willows acts as a lifeline for vulnerable people.
“We work very closely with employment officers, social workers and back-towork programmes.
“This helps us to maintain the high standard of service that we provide.”
While Angel has shown herself to be a natural at
Willows Animal Sanctuary does more than help our furry friends, as Yvonne McKenzie discovers.
helping put people at ease, ease so, too, are the residents of the cat therapy café, located at the sanctuary.
They also have a cat hotel, complete with little bunk beds where the felines can enjoy a catnap when they feel like it!
“Willows specialises in taking in cats who are not house trained or those with psychological problems,” Jenny explains.
“At the moment we have around sixty-five.
“Many have suffered hardships or were simply unwanted. Some, however, have had loving families that experienced a change in circumstances and were forced to give up their pets.
“Our cat hotel is a special place where all our residents are completely free to roam as they please and can often be seen wandering through our barns and fields.
“There’s also a dedicated cat hospital and hospice for any needing medical treatment, check-ups or for those who just need a little TLC.
“Every cat is neutered, vaccinated, wormed and is checked regularly by our staff and vets. They receive
Angel is not alone in raising a smile when it comes to a characterful personality. Another couple brimming with personality are Kiddo the ex-racehorse and Finnegan the donkey, who are the best of buddies.
“They can often be found racing around the paddock together,” Jenny says. “Finnegan and Kiddo hit it off as soon as they met. They love to graze together and Kiddo always whinnies a greeting as soon as he sees Finnegan.” lots of fuss from our staff, volunteers and visitors, too.
“Most of our residents are here for life, but if we get an animal in that is suitable and would benefit from a home, then in that circumstance we would rehome.
“We specialise in caring for elderly or more vulnerable animals.
“The best thing about my job is being able to rescue and restore animals to full health,” Jenny admits. “It’s absolutely amazing and heartwarming to see them go from strength to strength and blossom into their full potential.
“That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Willows Animal Sanctuary, Lambhill, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh AB43 6NY. Telephone 01771 653112 or visit www.willowsanimals.com.