Ollie’s Best Christmas Ever December 23, 2009
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , 2 commentsAssistant Manager John McCartney writes:
Hi folks,
I felt I had to post these photos to let our supporters know why we are so grateful for your continued support.
11-month-old Ollie was brought to us from the dog warden on Tuesday the 8th. I had been told on the phone that he had been a victim of a dispute between neighbours, and had been attacked by someone who threw acid over him. That did not prepare me for what stood in front of me that morning when the dog warden removed Ollie’s coat (a coat he had bought himself, as he was so moved by Ollie’s injuries).
Not only was I surprised by the horrific injuries Ollie had suffered; somehow this poor wee dog still showed so much affection to humans. As I knelt down on one knee, he put his paws on my shoulder and licked my face. I am not afraid to admit to tears.
Happily, since then Ollie has found a new owner in a another good friend of the sanctuary who was visiting that day, and went home on the 11th. Without people like yourselves, the likes of Ollie would have nowhere to turn. Thanks to all of you, and a Happy Christmas from Ollie and friends.
Ambassador of Hope November 5, 2009
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentIt is with our sincere apologies that we belatedly acknowledge a wonderful gift. Time and circumstance lead us to overlook the most charitable of donations from an incredible young lady, and for that we apologise.
Shannon Clarke, who turned eleven years of age in early summer of this year, asked nothing for herself. Instead, she accepted donations on behalf of the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary residents; raising a staggering £320.00! Such generosity in this marvellous young lady deserves to be applauded and recognised. A beautiful ambassador for the neediest members of our society, Shannon is a shining example of why the Sanctuary exists. As we approach Christmas in these dark days of recession it is kind-hearted individuals such as Miss Shannon Clarke who give us hope. From all the dogs and cats in our care: a huge thank-you, Shannon.
Discover the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary… May 8, 2009
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentWe received a very interesting email recently concerning a certain dog you may have seen recently:
Hi, we got a wee brown puppy from you almost 10 years ago; she was born in the Sanctuary to a Springer. Trassey recently turned 10 (she got a plush singing birthday cake, a liver & garlic birthday cake and a squeaky pig). She was adopted as a puppy from Mid Antrim and has brought us nothing but joy, she’s still a beauty at her age and often gets stopped on walkies for admiration..she actually expects it! She now lives with her little brother (a rescue border collie; Dexter) in the countryside. She recently appeared in a NI Tourist Board advertisement on TV throughout the UK, and has been seen by approx 16 million people.
All rescue dogs deserve adoring homes, they’re homeless through no fault of their own, and enhance your life more than you could imagine. I would urge everyone not to support breeding and selling of little lives, but to give a home to a doggie from a sanctuary. End the shame of Northern Irelands’ rates of animal cruelty and abandonment. You’ll wonder why you didn’t rehome a dog years ago! They could go on to be tv stars!
Becky and ‘Trassey’ Glenn
You can see the advert mentioned by Becky here (it’s number “02″ on the film player).
In Memory of a Beloved Daughter February 6, 2009
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , 3 comments
We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the friends and family, and especially parents, of Elyce Lewsey, who was tragically killed in a car crash last October.
Elyce was a great animal lover, so her parents have made the incredibly thoughtful gesture of making a donation to the Sanctuary in her name. We would like to express our gratitude, and again our deep sympathy.
We are very pleased to be donating this money to the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary in memory of our dear daughter, Elyce Lewsey, who was killed on the Stonyford Road on the 31st of October 2008, the result of a tragic accident. Elyce loved animals and we used to say that she liked animals more than people!
Elyce took a great interest in the Animal Sanctuary and we are certain that she would be extremely happy that this donation is going to such a worthy cause.We would like to thank everyone who donated for their kindness.
Mr. S. W. and Mrs. C. V. Lewsey
The Dark Days of Winter December 27, 2008
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentIt is always heart warming to witness the outstanding kindness and generosity of strangers. With Christmas comes a time of year which can often bring out the best in people and one such kind soul is Rosemary Brady.
Having only visited the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary for the first time in November, Rosemary took it upon herself to sell raffle tickets and organise her own ballot to support the residents in our care. Every prize was collected by her and hundreds of tickets sold.
By the time of the draw Rosemary had raised hundreds of pounds and made a lot of people very happy by letting them know of their win! We would like to extend our gratitude to Rosemary Brady for everything she has achieved. Her selfless contribution will benefit the neediest during the dark days of winter.
Rosemary Brady, Top Left
A Love of Water December 27, 2008
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentDear All,
Attached are a few pictures of Ripley, now aged 9 and a half months. We adopted her as a two month old puppy, then named Missy, back in April and have been loving her ever since!
It turns out she loves walking, adores the water and likes nothing more than a good play with other dogs. She’s sweet, friendly, bright and mischievous!
The whole family have been blessed by her. She now acts as a big sister to a relative’s puppy (you can see him in one of the photographs) and the two are now firm friends.
God Bless you all this Christmas
Best Friends! September 4, 2008
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a comment
We can see the wonderful friendship between a boy and his dog from this picture; however, not all boys would be willing to save their pocket money and donate it to the Animal Sanctuary. Also, not all parents would be willing to see the money raised, and double it from their own pockets. This, we’re honoured to say, is exactly what the Davidsons have done, making the Sanctuary £309.00 better of!
We were so touched by this act of kindness we asked for a photograph of Alex with Pippin, in order to tell the story of his generosity. Below is the beautiful letter we received in reply.
Please find attached a photo of our son, Alex and our Kerry-Blue Terrier, who we renamed Pippin (known as Kerry whilst staying with you). You have our permission to use this photo for your next edition of the newsletter and on the website.
With Pippin being dark and quite hairy (although she had a haircut a few weeks ago), it’s difficult to capture her expressions, however, I hope this photo reflects her as being a much loved and spoilt little princess! As a family we still can’t believe our luck that we found such a good natured dog, bearing in mind that Kerry Blues are supposed to be quite aggressive. Since we re-homed her in November 2006 we have never regretted it, she immediately became an integral part of our family. It doesn’t bear thinking about that if it was not for the Sanctuary she would have been put to sleep at Lisburn Pound. It is for this reason that we continue to support all the work you do there. Aside from making donations we also foster Amy the Staffie and only for the fact that Pippin is a bit jealous and Amy doesn’t like other dogs, we would dearly have loved to have re-homed her.
Keep up the good work. Give our best to Margaret and Shane. We’ll see you all soon.
Best Wishes,
Bobby, Sandra, Alex and Pippin Davidson
Josie November 9, 2006
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a comment
Here’s nice letter we received today from someone who adopted a dog from us. If you have a story about an animal you have adopted or fostered from Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary, why not let us know about it?
This is ‘Josie’, we got her from the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary at the end of December, 8 years ago. She was then an 8 week old pup that had been born in the home. She is a very loveable dog, great with children and other animals. She also goes to obedience classes where she is very good, but I don’t have the nerve to do competitions: we just enjoy the work, and she has her silver badge for the ‘Good Citizen Well Behaved Dog’. She has worked for 7 years as a ‘Pets as Therapy Dog’, going into old people’s homes and hospitals. She has also visited a Barnardos Day nursery but, most of all, she’s a very well loved pet.
Daisy McKeown
