Shelter In The Storm

URGENT HELP NEEDED 

Dear friends, I'm writing to you with a worried heart. 

Things have been really tough lately. We've been doing everything we can, but our resources are nearly gone. This winter is shaping up to be the hardest we've ever faced, and to be honest—it's keeping us up at night. We're not giving up, but we need help to get through it.

Our vet bills have rocked our finances to the core, even with Molly's surgery costs covered by our incredible supporters; just last month alone, we've had the costs for treating Justin the Turkey, Audrey the goat and ongoing treatment for chronic hoof issues of Astrid, the horse. Ensuring they have the best possible lives and pass with peace, love, and dignity is a non-negotiable, but the cost of their care has been immense.

Last week, Wooliam, one of our special needs lambs, seemingly suffered a seizure and was rushed in for emergency vet care. Fortunately, he is entirely ok now. This week, we are taking Mya, an elderly goat, in to treat a worrying-looking growth. A repeat scope gave us news we were dreading—Molly, our brave and gentle mule, needs another surgery and another hospital stay. The growth in her airway is coming back, and it's growing quickly. At the same time, winter's coming, which means the grass stops growing, and we'll need to feed out even more hay. And hay prices? They're still as high as they were during the drought.

We weren't due to launch our next fundraiser for another month, but time isn't on our side. We are out of options, and we need your help now more than ever. The animals we care for depend on us, and right now, we're depending on you—our incredible supporters—to help us through this storm. 

We know that as the icy winds roll off the snowy mountains, calls to help animals only increase. In a world with so little regard for farmed animals, we will be there for them. We are committed to providing sanctuary for animals in need, but we can't do this alone; we're asking for your help. 

We need to raise $87,500 to cover our escalating vet care costs (including a second surgery and hospital stay for Molly), feed and care for all the vulnerable animals in care, and those we know will come through our gates throughout autumn and winter.

Times are tough for everyone, but even the smallest contribution can help us provide sanctuary to an animal with no other safe place to turn. Your kindness has always been the lifeblood of this sanctuary, and together, we can continue giving these beautiful beings the lives they deserve. 

With love, gratitude, and hope, Kate & James Co-founders, Little Oak Sanctuary