2006 News/Rescues
Retreat Christmas Party Get Together
Join us for a Christmas get-together on Friday 8th December 2006 at the STC club, Ivor Grove, New Eltham SE9. £10 per ticket. Under 12s free. 8pm to midnight. Lots of raffle prizes (Donation welcome). The Vegetarian Society have donated some recipe books for the raffle.
Raising funds for the repairs and revamp for the horse trailer and box. Pay on the night. Tell all your friends. Framed memorabilia auction. For more details call 07885 535386.
Jan and John
Oct 2006: Jan and John, two saddleback pigs, arrived at The Retreat, rescued from a farm musuem which was going to have them killed because they had grown too big.
Tilly
Sep 2006: Tilly, a disabled goat who had been with the Retreat for several years, died peacefully in her sleep stretched out in the sunshine. Tilly had belonged to a farmer who had left her broken legs untreated, so they had set awkwardly and she had trouble walking.
Emma
Jul 2006: The Retreat received a call from a family who had a cow, Emma, turn up in their garden and wondered if we could help. They told us that Emma appeared to be blind.
Balan
May 2006: Balan, an elderly dog, has arrived at the Retreat from Ireland.
Ronnie and Reggie
May 2006: Two cockerels, Ronnie and Reggie, have arrived and are currently in a cage amonst the hens and other cockerels. This is part of the slow integration process.
New dogs at the Retreat
May 2006: Larry and Rory are two dogs that arrived from a dog pound unneutered and unchipped. They have now, like all dogs at the Retreat, been microchipped, and have been booked for neutering.
Promise kept
May 2006: Promise, a 5-year-old mare with a spinal injury has joined the Retreat herd.
Spitalfields food collection
In response to our appeal for a van we are happy to say that one has now been purchased.
Flicka of light
As the frost set in a poorly Pony arrived at The Retreat. She was in visible discomfort and appeared to be losing her will to go on.
Retreat turkey featured on BBC news story
Lofty, a rescued turkey, has featured in a
BBC news story
about a vegan Christmas dinner. He was rescued when he jumped off a lorry on
the way to the slaughterhouse, and will be guest of honour at a vegan meal
served by PETA and Retreat volunteers.
Indy finds his forever mum
Many who visit and work at The Retreat will hold fond memories of Indy,
a loveable lurcher with a serious skin condition. His journey began
when a Retreat volunteer visited a home of someone who, by chance,
mentioned they had decided to take on a second dog. Recognising a
golden opportunity, the ball was set in motion with no hesitation.
New stable block
Thank you to Dawn and Kevin, and to Monica and Brian, whose donations made
this fantastic and much-needed new stable block possible. Dawn and Kevin's
entire wedding list was that donations be given for The Retreat. Congratulations
to them both on celebrating their first year of marriage.
2005 News/Rescues
Work Weekend
Huge thank you to all those who turned out for the work weekend on Sat 27 & Sun 28 Aug 2005. The weekend was a huge success seeing more achieved than we envisaged. Including the cementing of the yard and the digging of a large pond for the ducks. Work on the pond will be completed in the next few months.
Adrian
Adrian, a beautiful timid cockerel, was delivered hanging by his feet in the first week in August 2005. The boys who handed him over said the Retreat could have him as he wouldn't fight. Adrian spent his first few days with us nervous and flinching. He has now ventured out and is fully integrated with the other cockerels.
The Canine Pack
Six new members for July/August 2005: Jet, a shiny black lurcher, who we are told was not compatible with the family; Sparky, a wire-haired brindle lurcher; Skippy, a 1-year-old cross Schipperke/Jack Russell; Rusty, a 4-year-old wire-haired Jack Russell; and the two bull mastiff sisters mentioned below.
Bella & Megan
Two 15-month-old bull mastiff sisters arrived in July. They are both suffering from chronic "cherry-eye" - a condition that could have been treated far more effectively had it been dealt with earlier. However, the Retreat will ensure that specialist surgery is provided to improve the situation.
Leroy Heimdall
A stunning ram who was rescued from a livestock market at the end of July 2005.
Recent rescues: May 2005
Buster
A 32-year-old pony suffering from severe laminitis now happy at The Retreat. UPDATE: Buster passed away during the early hours of Sunday 7 Aug 2005.
Clarence and Clifford
Two large cockerels no longer wanted by their owners. We were told that they were too aggressive but this has proved not to be the case. They are also happy at The Retreat.
Brin
A 7-year-old dachshund no longer wanted by his owner because, they said, he was snappy. He is now getting used to the other dogs at The Retreat and, given time, will grow more trusting towards people.
Bruce
A 10-year-old Collie cross brought to The Retreat from a national dog home. He was going to be destroyed because he was old!
Angel
A wire hair black bitch lurcher, picked up as a stray. UPDATE: Angel, now known as Ness, is happily settled with a new mum and canine companion.
Chloe
Dalmatian, the maddest dog ever, she is totally unruly and a hog. She has had up to seven homes and is only three years old. However, since being at The Retreat she is becoming more compatible. UPDATE: After a brief introduction period, including walks and home visits with her new family, Chloe has now permanently gone to live with them. She is with a large family where she is doted on.
Stardust
A small white cockerel found wandering in London!
Delorus, Daphne and Delia
Three turkeys that were no longer wanted as they were disabled.
The Retreat has also helped with 1 African grey parrot and 2 ferrets.
The Retreat got to hear about a little calf who sadly needed an emergency operation. The calf, called Siegfried, got to the point where The Retreat paid for his operation but due to complications he had to be put to sleep while under general anaesthetic. At the same time we heard about 2 other calves that shared Siegfried's pen, Eden and Angel, that needed to be rescued. Upon our arrival at the farm we discovered that the farmer was also letting go a little female who had an umbilical infection. She was named Gretal.
Louis
A 17.2 hand horse called Louis, approximately 15 years old, who previously had a leg injury was no longer wanted by his owner. Louis was rescued and came to The Retreat where he will stay for the rest of his life. Louis is such a well-mannered and sweet-natured boy.
Alvin
Alvin, a bantam cockerel, and 4 hens no longer wanted by their owners due to the fact that they destroyed the garden and, we were told, were spiteful. Alvin has turned out to be a very loving cockerel. He and the girls will actually land on your shoulders and head when you are giving out the corn!
An Ex-Battery Hen
Approximately 200 ex-battery hens were rescued and brought to The Retreat. They have now been distributed to new homes with some remaining with ourselves.
We have also got four little piglets named Kiwi, Peaches, Doughnut and Mango. Very few sanctuaries offer pigs a home for life due to the space that they need.
The Retreat's hospital paddock (as mentioned in the winter 2004 newsletter)
As with 2004, the rescues shown below are just a small selection as, unfortunately, due to the large number of animals needing help we do not have time to show every individual animal's story.
2nd May, 2005 - Recent rescues
Buster
A 32 year old pony suffering from severe lamanitas now happy at The Retreat.
Clarence and Clifford
Two large cockerels no longer wanted by their owners. We were told that they were too aggresive but this has proved not to be the case. They are also happy at The Retreat.
Brin
A 7 year old dachshund no longer wanted by his owner because, they said, he was snappy. He is now getting used to the other dogs at The Retreat and given time will grow more trusting towards people.
Bruce
A 10 year old Collie cross brought to The Retreat from a national dog home. He was going to be destroyed because he was old!
Angel
A wire hair black bitch lurcher, picked up as a stray.
Chloe
Dalmation, the maddest dog ever, she is totally unruly and a hog. She has had up to 7 homes and is only 3 years old. However, since being at The Retreat she is becoming more controllable.
Stardust
A small white cockeral found wandering in London!
Delorus, Daphne and Delia
Three turkeys that were no longer wanted as they were disabled.
The Retreat has also helped with 1 African grey parrot and 2 ferrets.
The Retreat got to hear about a little calf who sadly needed an emergency operation. The calf, called Siegfied, got to the point where The Retreat paid for his operation but due to complications he had to be put to sleep while under general anaesthetic. At the same time we heard about 2 other calves that shared Siegfieds pen, Eden and Angel, that needed to be rescued. Upon our arrival at the farm we discovered that the farmer was also letting go a little female who had an umbilical infection, she was named Gretal.
Louis
A 17.2 hand horse called Louis, approximately 15 years old, who previously had a leg injury was no longer wanted by his owner. Louis was rescued and came to The Retreat where he will stay for the rest of his life. Louis is such a well mannered and sweet natured boy.
Alvin
Alvin, a bantam cockerel, and 4 hens no longer wanted by their owners due to the fact that they destroyed the garden and, we were told, were spiteful. Alvin has turned out to be a very loving cockeral, he and the girls will actually land on your shoulders and head when you are giving out the corn!
An Ex-Battery Hen
Approximately 200 Ex-Battery hens were rescued and brought to The Retreat. They have now been distributed to new homes with some remaining with ourselves.
We have also got 4 little piglets named Kiwi, Peaches, Doughnut and Mango. Very few sanctuaries offer pigs a home for life due to the space that they need.
The Retreat's hospital paddock (as mentioned in the winter 2004 newsletter)
9th January, 2005 - Update on recent rescues.
- 1 brown Hen found wandering in Bexhill-on-sea!
- 3 unwanted pet Rabbits, they have now been neutered and are living together. They are looking for a good home.
- 57 geese surplus to requirements after the Christmas stock.
- 1 lurcher puppy found wandering with a very heavy worm burden.
- 1 eight week old kitten found in a basket trolley at ASDA supermarket in Swanley.
- 4 very young foals under one year old were tied to the Retreat gates on Boxing day. They have all been found new homes.
- * 9 ducks that were not wanted due to their wandering. * Satine, a fourteen year old cat with one eye. She was no longer required by her owners. * Mousey, a small jack russell, he was being kept in a box. He is very possesive and aggresive and will not be able to be rehomed, therefore he will live at the Retreat. * Apple, a stray horse was found with a severe leg injury. The leg was mended but Apple was left unrideable, so therefore unhomeable. Apple will stay at the Retreat for the rest of her life. * Oscar, an eleven year old dachshund. Oscar suffers from Epilepsy and was not wanted by his owner. He will live out his life at the Retreat. * Several young hamsters as a result of overbreeding, not wanted. They have been found good homes through the Retreat. * A racing pigeon with a broken leg. * 42 brown hens, unwanted as the owners were bored with cleaning them out! * A tiny feral kitten found in a derelict shop, it was trapped, spayed and is now living at the Retreat. * A second feral cat found in similar circumstances was also trapped, neutered and again is living at the Retreat.
8th January, 2005
A big thank you to Eleanor who arranged the 2004 Christmas collection in Bromley high street, thank you also to the volunteers who gave up their time to assist. The licence granted by the Council allowed street collections from the 1st to 24th December. The collection was carried out in the name of Bromley Animal Rights who generously donated the money to the Retreat. The brilliant sum of £1,030 was made and this will be put towards the building of a new Goat house. In addition to the money raised hundreds of Animal Rights leaflets were handed out thus raising further awareness amongst the general public of animal abuse.
A big thank you also to Anne for the Christmas collection of toys, coats, food and treats for the dogs.
2004 News/Rescues
Animals are frequently being rescued and taken in by the Retreat. Unfortunately we do not have the time to tell each individual animal's story so where recent rescues are shown below, these are just a selection of the many cases.
11th December, 2004 - Overseas work
Billy has recently returned from an overseas sterilization project in Alvor, on the Algarve in Portugal. He, together with other volunteers and a vet managed to sterilize up to 50 cats at a hotel. Whilst they were there they found 26 stray dogs living on waste ground which were in fact dumped pets! One of the dogs, Ozzie, belonged to an elderly lady who had unfortunately died. Ozzie was in fact about to be brought back to the UK by the lady before her death so as he was already passported Billy brought him back. Ozzie is now safe and happy with the other Retreat dogs.
Of the other dogs found 6 have been sent to safe places in Germany with costs being paid by The Retreat and the remainder will follow once they have received passports.
29th November, 2004 - New newsletter out.
The Winter newsletter is now complete and is being posted out. If you would like to be placed on our mailing list to receive newsletters and other information please contact us.
20th October, 2004 - more rescues
Gabi and Cain, two 11 year old lurchers. They were no longer wanted and had been given to kennels. As they could not be found a home they were going to be kept for seven days and then put to sleep. They have been taken in by the Retreat and are now living happily with the other dogs.
Note : There is a special appeal to find Gabi and Cain a good home where they can end their days on somebody's sofa.
Six sheep rescued from slaughter. The owners no longer wanted them so they were booked in to be killed. They were all old, worn out and in need of veterinary care. They are very kind animals and have settled in well with the rest of the sheep.
A stray black and white tomcat, about 18 months old was found and handed into the Retreat. Upon it's visit to the vet's it was found that somebody had attempted to castrate the cat themselves. Now the cat has been properly castrated, received veterinary care and is awaiting a good home.
Buck, a 10 year old Horse. Due to a home not having been found for him he was going to be put to sleep until another rescue centre stepped in and rescued him. The Retreat then found Buck a home locally.
Kim, a one year old lurcher found stray and emaciated. She is now living happily with the other dogs at the Retreat.
Five pigeons rescued under a local railway bridge, they were all injured. Since their rescue one has sadly died but it is hoped that the other four will make a full recovery before they are released.
19th September, 2004 - Recent rescue stories
- Troy, a two year old male Rottweiller came to the Retreat as a dangerous dog having bitten several people,four very seriously. Troy is now having training and is mixing well with the other dogs. Troy will live out his life at the Retreat so as not to put him at risk of being destroyed.
- Six Cockerals and three baby Turkeys were being advertised free to a good home however people were only interested in buying them to eat so owners brought them to the Retreat. Marmite is the daddy Cockerel with five little young sons. They are all now safe.
- Sunny, a labrador cross, brought to us from a local RSPCA kennel. Due to his aggression no one had been able to get into his kennel for two days however he is now safe at the Retreat.
- Yeti, a Pyrenees mountain dog cross. He was seven years old and had spent his whole life tied up. He was seriously emaciated and had to spend five days at the vets.
- Poppy, a travellers horse had been found abandoned. She had a ten inch splinter in the side of her face and unfortunately she lost her eye. Thankfully she is now making a remarkable recovery.
- Another horse found abandoned was so emaciated and malnourised that all his teeth had fallen out. He was only days away from death however he is now at a specialist after spending ten days on a drip.
- Also Polly a very young horse found stray in the Medway towns. Due to the latest government ruling that all horses should have passports many people do not want to pay this charge so abandon their horses.
Other animals taken in by the Retreat
- Two unwanted Chinchillas.
- Two Husky Rats, no longer required by their owner.
- A family of Russian Hamsters.
- Four baby Albino Hamsters.
- Numerous Pigeons
- Woodpigeons
- A squirrel
- A seagull.
2nd September, 2004 - The Retreat is now a registered charity
Over the past few months we have been working towards registering the Retreat as a charity.
The application was sent to the Charity Commission in June, and only one minor amendment was requested by the Commission, which was complied with.
We were delighted to hear this week that our application has been successful and the Retreat is now a registered charity.
The benefits of our new status include us being able to apply to trusts for grants and where donations are made the tax can be claimed back under the 'Gift Aid' scheme. Additionally by being a charity we will, hopefully, encourage more people to donate money and therefore be able to rescue / help more animals.
A big thank you to everyone who helped with this application.
2nd September, 2004
Congratulations to Retreat volunteers Kevin and Dawn who got married on 21st August, 2004.
The food for the occasion was provided by Happy Hamsters who did two gorgeous Vegan buffets, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, a lot of people were heard to say how good the food was.
With regard to their present list Kevin and Dawn decided that, rather than receive gifts, they would like guests to donate money to a choice of three animal causes including ourselves. We are delighted to say that the Retreat received £1,180 with International Animal Rescue getting £95 and F.R.I.E.N.D. Farm Animal Rescue receiving £75. The split was not unexpected as all the guests knew of Kevin and Dawn's involvement with the Retreat.
Perhaps other supporters who are getting married would like to consider donations as an alternative to presents.
7th August, 2004 - Summer Fundraiser
We had a good turnout for what was a great night at our local hall, near Swanley in North West Kent. The theme was the 70's so quite a lot of people went in 70's fancy dress, additionally plenty of 70's disco records were played by Jonathan ( our D.J. ), including songs from Grease. Vegan food was provided by ' Happy Hamsters' from Essex and once again it was wonderful, thanks to Rob and Andi for this.
The brilliant news at the end of the evening was that the sum of £1,726 had been raised to go towards caring for the animals at the Retreat and also the maintenance of the Retreat itself.
If you are interested in receiving invites to any future fundraisers or if you can help in any way please contact us.
30th July, 2004 - A selection of recent stories
Hermenie, Tiger Lily and Alana
Three tiny female kittens, just one week old, 2 tabbies and 1 tabby & white, left in a shoe box on the doorstep. They were close to death, freezing cold and with empty tummies. They were hand reared for the first few days and then found a substitute mother called Mable.
Roscoe
A Tri-coloured Guinea pig who was handed in after being tormented by six children in the household, he now bites like mad. After being neutered he will be put with a group of females and will live happily ever after.
One evening we caught what we thought was a severly injured cat however it turned out to have a serious ear infection which could be a tumour. She is now having veterinary care.
An African Grey parrot was left on the doorstep with no note.
24 Guinea pigs from one school handed to the Retreat as they were no longer required.
A 3 foot long Iguana came from Milton Keynes, has now been re- homed.
Tilly, a 3 year old female Doberman cross Bull Mastif, unspayed, handed to the Retreat.
18th July, 2004
Thanks to Pam and Ian who organised a "Meet the Chickens" fundraising party / Open day in aid of the Retreat. Visitors relaxed and chatted or, if they wished, they were able to walk around the Retreat to meet and help feed the animals. Additionally information was provided about the Retreat and there were stalls selling refreshments and Bric-a-Brac. A large number of people enjoyed the afternoon and the total amount raised was a fantastic £645.
10th / 11th July, 2004
Thank you to Karen, Terry, Kate, Kevin and Dawn who held a fundraising collection at Polhill garden centre, Nr.Orpington, Kent, for the Retreat over this weekend. They were ably assisted on Saturday by Rula (one of our rescued dogs) who used her charm to draw peoples attention to our fundraising effort. The response from the public was positive and the grand sum of £693.94 was raised, additionally hundreds of Retreat leaflets were handed out. This is the second collection undertaken at Polhill with the previous one, held in March, raising £795.00.
4th July, 2004 - Fundraiser
Thank you to Yvonne and Harry who organised a garden party at their house in aid of the Retreat, they also kindly donated all the drink and food (which was delicious). Thanks also to everyone else who helped to arrange the day. The event lasted from 12.00 noon to 5.00 p.m. with everyone having a good time, despite the rain. The total amount raised, which included entrance money, raffle money and donations was an amazing £1,155.
1st July, 2004 - Rescues
Chickens
A few of the Retreat volunteers helped to rescue 500 chickens from a local farm. The farmer, who was in the process of selling up, had been selling live hens at a boot fair held on his land and this was brought to the attention of a local animal group. A representative from the group approached the farmer and expressed her concern as to where the hens might end up. The farmer had received other complaints from the public and, after negotiations, it was agreed that the remaining 500 hens could be re-homed by the animal group. However the farmer reneged on this deal, expressing concerns over allowing large numbers of animals being transported to animal rescue centres without DEFRA's approval, and decided that the easiest solution, for him, would be to send the animals for slaughter. At this stage the Retreat became involved and a number of people visited the farm in an effort to persuade the farmer to let the chickens live. Thankfully the farmer saw sense and decided to let us have the hens, subject to us receiving approval from DEFRA ( which we obtained ). The hens have now all gone to good homes with 150 going to the Retreat.
Peggy
A black and white stray Horse, about three years old, found in Crockenhill.
24th June, 2004 - Recent rescues
Rio
A shetland stallion, approximately ten years old, found stray and wandering in a garden centre and breakers yard. The people who found Rio did not want him because he was unhandlable with mares which they already had, but a simple castration operation would have solved this problem. Rio is just one of the many overbred and unwanted ponies. He has settled in well with his new friends Oliver and Ebony ( two old veterens ). Once Rio has been castrated he will be found a suitable home.
Pixey and Tinkerbell
Two seven month old lurcher pups found on a railway track.They have settled in well with the other residents.
Ope and Maddison
Two thirteen year old cats, forgotten to be fed by their owner who was suffering from Alzheimer's. Due to them being long-term starved they have several health problems and will no longer be able to be re-homed so they will stay with the Retreat for the rest of their lives.
27th May, 2004
Thank you and well done to Dawn and Sarah ( a work colleague of Dawns ) who ran the City of London road race ( three and a half miles ) and raised over £700 for the Retreat in sponsor money.