Christmas down on Pine Farm

A look at how the Animals in Need charity marks Christmas – and how you can help them to celebrate…

Depending when you are reading this, advent is either fast approaching, or upon us, writes Sammy Jones…

You can’t visit a store without being screamed at about December 25, and how you need to be ready for it, but it’s also a source of anxiety for many.

With the cost of everything rising (but not being mirrored by salaries), times are tough.

And if you are feeling it in your pockets, you are less likely to be donating elsewhere, right?

Charities like Animals in Need, Little Irchester’s haven for unwanted animals, bear the brunt. As regular readers will already know, every day is a struggle to feed the 100s of mouths in their care – from hogs who have had close shaves with vehicles, to dogs who have only ever shown their owners love and affection before being discarded.

Not all pets are callously dumped; many are the victims of circumstance, but however they arrive in the care of Animals in Need, at best they are confused.

At worst? Seeing any animal that has given up on life is truly haunting for the volunteers tasked with trying to piece those poor animals back together.

Anything that helps to put a smile across those furry chins, and turn the whiskers upwards is a good thing, and so while Christmas is one of the charity’s busiest times of the year, it is also one of their best.
Every year they invite supporters, businesses and residents in the area to contribute a little something to help the furries feel some of the festivities.

“We are asking people to make up a goodie bag or a Christmas box with food, treats, toys and a blanket or a towel,” explained manager Annie Marriott, “Animals all experience the same feelings as us, and while they mightn’t know exactly what Christmas is, they do know when things are good – and anyone who has seen a pup pounce on a squeaky toy, or watched a cat playing endlessly with a toy mouse, knows the joy toys bring.

“Here at Animals in Need, all animals are equal, and so we’re asking for gifts for any of the animals that live here, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats, chickens and birds,” Annie said.

Gifts don’t need to be expensive, and you could turn the shoebox activity into a fun one for the kids – choosing one or two little items as part of your weekly shopping trip.

This year, rather than contributing to the pile of unwanted naff that is bought for the office Secret Santa (be honest, how many of you enjoy this?!) why not all agree to fill a box with good things for one of the charity’s residents?

Or donate a box in lieu of that awkward-to-buy-for friend or relative who always insists, ‘I don’t need anything.’
You get a warm glow knowing that you’ve made a difference to those in need, and you’ve not even had to get your hands dirty in the process!

Visit the Animals in Need website
animals-in-need.org

Dinner? Not before teatime!

If you are stressing about sorting the family roast on Christmas Day, spare a thought for Annie and her staff and volunteers at Pine Farm – Christmas starts for them the same as any other day; Cleaning out pens and litter trays, washing out (and then refilling) dozens and dozens of food bowls, walking the animals and giving lots of reassurance to those creatures spending the day in their care.

“Christmas Day is the same as any other in many respects,” Annie said, “We are always so grateful to those people who give up precious time to help us, before beginning their family time.

“We couldn’t deliver all that we do, without them. Christmas Day does have added benefits though – and seeing our animals receiving their presents is truly heartwarming. It really does make us emotional to see an animal realising they can play without fear, and replacing mistrust with trust.”

Annie and her husband, AIN founder Roy, will be out of bed as soon as Santa has completed his rounds, but with so much to do, dinner with all the trimmings won’t be served in their home until early evening.

“Anyone who knows us, knows we love our vegan roast, but we love our animals more – the cranberry sauce can wait until all our residents have been fed, watered, enjoyed their presents and are settled for the evening,” she smiles, “Nothing is more important.”

Other ways to make a difference…

Sponsorship

The charity has a number of permanent residents who can be sponsored, and while the sponsorships bring vital funds in, they also make Christmas shopping a breeze for you, and cheer your loved one. It’s what you might call a win, win, win!
Email admin@animals-in-need.org
for an application form, or pop in to see someone on reception.

Foster

Could you open your home up to an animal? The charity will pay for all of the necessary food, bedding and veterinary care of your temporary house guest. You provide love and security.
To be considered, you will need to live within an hour of the charity and hold a driving licence.
The charity is unable to place foster animals in homes with young children.

Set up a standing order

Every little helps – even contributing £1 a week (or a month) will help to feed and care for the AIN residents.
If you would like to donate, the account details you need are:

‘Animals in Need Northamptonshire’
Sort Code 08-90-73
Account No: 50304604

Donate your time

It’s a precious commodity, but if you can spare a few hours a week, or even once a month, the charity would love to hear from you. You could walk dogs, muck out piggy’s or puddy tats, see to the hens, or any number of other tasks that help the charity wheels to keep turning!