Acorn News Spring/Summer 2023

Lastyearwasaground-breakingyearforOakTree.Wehelped4,384animals throughourcommunityandrehomingprogrammes,allthankstoyoursupport.A combinationofthepandemicandtheCostofLivingsituationmeansthatweare seeingahigherdemandthaneverforhelp.Withanimalwelfareatourheart,we willcontinuetoadaptandinnovateourservicestoensurewecanhelpthosewho needusmost.

Yoursupportchangeslives.Thankyouforeverydonation,everyhouryougiveand everyvisityoumaketoOakTreeFarmoroneofourshops.Ihopeyouenjoythis newsletter,wherewesharesomeofthestoriesaboutthedifferencesyou havehelpedustomakeandourplansfor2023.

Together,let’smake2023positiveforanimalsandtheirownersthroughout ourBorderlands!

Communicationsinclude:monthlye-newsupdatesincludingwaysyoucangetinvolvedandsupportus(emailopt insonly),abiannualnewsletter,andveryoccasionallyweaskforalittleextrahelponbehalfoftheanimalsbutyou areundernoobligationtorespond!

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2022 Highlights

Thank you for transforming the lives of animals!

We helped 4,384 animals in 2022...

61 Horses

2,325 Dogs

1,714 Cats

284 Other animals were helped through our Foodbank programmes.

2,555 worked alongside our Education Team taking part in a range of learning activities about animal welfare.

1663

2405 adults and children owners received financial help to neuter their pet.

60 169

owners were given tailored 1-2-1 phone support for their pet.

Everyweekwereceivecallsfromdistraughtownerswhohavelosttheirmuch-loved petsandarehopingthatsomeonehasfoundthem.Fortunately,forthosewhoare microchippedwithup-to-datedetails,wecanquicklyreunitethem.However,alltoo oftenwefindtheyarenotmicrochippedor,iftheyare,theownerhasnotupdated theirdetailsiftheyhavemovedorchangedtheirphonenumber.Thesemomentsare heartbreaking.

AfterlobbyingbyanimalcharitiesacrosstheUK,weweredelightedtohearthat legislationhasbeenpassedtomakecatmicrochippingcompulsoryforallowners from10thJune2024.Thelawwillapplytoallpetcatsbutnotthosewholivefreely, suchasferalandcommunitycats. petcatsintheUK,manyoftheseu thiswillhelpreunitepetsandtheir preventingmuchdistressandsuffe Microchippingisaquickandeasyp thatcanbecarriedoutbyyourvet animalcharity.Tohelpownersget readyforthenewlegislationour CommunityTeamwillberunninga seriesofChipandChatsessions throughoutourregion.Youcange yourpetchippedatthesesessions checkthatyourdetailsareup-to-d

Toffee Where are

Toffee is a great example of why pets shouldn’t be bought as presents. Toffee is a great dog with lots of potential, but she is a challenge.

Toffee was originally gifted to an older person with mobility issues for company. As a very strong dog who was reactive to people, dogs, horses and traffic it was hard work getting her comfortable with being on our site - where all these things are in abundance! We began teaching Toffee scent work, which she excelled at, and we found it helped her to settle.

Toffee needed a very special home, ideally a rural location with active owners who were interested in continuing her scent work.

Amazingly, we were contacted by a couple in the Highlands of Scotland who were looking for a dog that could have the potential to work in Mountain Rescue, Toffee's perfect home! She is now living happily ever after as the 'Loch Ness Mali'!

Bob they now?

Bob came to us after his owner sadly passed away. The trauma of losing his owner and coming into the cattery left Bob very scared and shut-down. After a month of gentle encouragement, one day Bob came out of his box, rubbed his head against his caseworker's hand and started to purr!

Bob is a very confident boy who loves regular playtimes during the day with his favourite toys. He enjoys nothing more than to snuggle up with us on the sofa in the evenings, in front of a roaring fire, and having a long chin rub session. He is great at telling us when he wants to play, to cuddle and (Sir) Bob even e that we o to bed! such a he very s when e adore brings piness er!

Muffin

Muffin is a miniature Shetland that came to Oak Tree at the end of last summer. It didn't take him long to find his forever home and was adopted in October 2022 to be a companion for a previous Oak Tree horse, Sugar. We always look forward to receiving updates about what Muffin gets up to, with videos of him zooming around his field at home.

Muffin winning his first agility competition!

Muffin completed the whole course at Newton Rigg Agility on 29th January 2023. So brave and confident he walked across all objects including a crocodile and got 1st prize! Walked around with a flag over his head. A little star. We love him to bits!

Equine What we do...

Lookingfor some trainingandbehaviour advice and support? Just ask!

Our Team work with horses who struggle with various handling and behavioural issues. We use a positive reinforcement-focused, evidencebased approach to help them overcome these problems. This utilises natural equine behaviour and learning theory, where communication and positive experiences are key to training success. Keeping equines can be quite the challenge, so at Oak Tree we are currently building our behaviour and training resources. These resources will include case studies, video tutorials, workshops, and consultations. We hope they will provide support and guidance to show how training can be enriching and fun for both horse and trainer!

ask@oaktreeanimals.org.uk

A Legacy of Love

Without generous gifts in Wills, the vital work to help animals, like Alfie, wouldn't be possible.

Did you know, more than half of the work we do at Oak Tree is funded by legacies?

Alfie's Story

Alfie’s owner, Pam, had been diagnosed with a degenerative disorder which affected her ability to care for him. She was also trying to leave an abusive relationship but would not leave until she had secured a safe place for Alfie. We managed to safely remove Alfie to Oak Tree, which enabled Pam to move to a more suitable and safe home and we arranged for Pam to see Alfie again, before he went to his new home.

To find out more, please email legacy@oaktreeanimals.org.uk

Frank Tebbutt

InNovember,wewereinformedof thesadpassingofFrankTebbutt,our HonoraryPresident.

Frankwasahugeanimalloveranda corepartoftheCharitythroughout hislife.Hebecameinvolvedwiththe Charityin1953whenaskedbyAlfred Brisco,theDirectoratthetime,to volunteer.

Aftertenyears,Frankjoinedthestaff teamasGeneralSecretary,taking responsibilityforthesmallanimal sectionanddevelopingtheCharity's veterinaryservice.

FranksucceededAlfredBriscoas OrganisingSecretary,working tirelesslytoimproveanimalwelfare acrosstheUKandraisemuchneededfundstohelpanimals. InNovember1979,Frankwentwith theExecutiveCommitteetoview

Oak Tree Farm and decided that this would become our Charity’s home.

Frank's extensive network of contacts proved invaluable to develop Oak Tree Farm. He continued to make a difference to hundreds of animals' lives right up until his retirement in 2002. Frank remained a keen advocate for Oak Tree and became our Honorary President in 2016.

Caroline Johnson, General Manager, said:

Frank Tebbutt’s legacy will live on at Oak Tree and with the animals we help every day. We offer our deepest condolences to Enid, Alison, Christopher and all his family and friends. His hard work and dedication to animals have helped build our Charity to be the beacon for animal welfare that it is today. He will be sorely missed by us all.

Kittens... Did you know?

One un-neutered female cat can become pregnant as young as 4 months old!

Having your cat neutered early benefits them in many ways:

They are less likely to contract FIV and other serious diseases Reduces male cat fighting and spraying

Reduces the risk of developing specific cancers (testicle, ovarian and uterine cancer) Reduces noise caused by mating and fighting

Training

at Oak Tree Animals' Charity

Gus

was a failed working sheepdog who had been recently adopted. Gus had developed reactivity towards other dogs that he didn’t know on walks. We organised a 1-1 training session at Oak Tree Farm, where we worked on building his confidence and engagement with his owner, using positive reinforcement training. Gus picked up the beginnings of his training very quickly. After the session, a training plan was written up to support Gus' owner and continue to develop Gus' behaviour.

Gus and his owner were very pleased, knowing that, even after adoption, Oak Tree were happy to provide support.

Workshops are available in person and online with our qualified behaviourist and training staff.

To register your interest, please email training@oaktreeanimals.org.uk

Anne's Story: From 2 to 25 cats!

Community Support Work

Anneandherfamilyliveinasmallhouseandacquired2catsduringLockdown.She hadbeenunabletogetthemneuteredduringthisperiod,asneuteringwasnot regardedasanessentialprocedure.Thetwocatssoonmultipliedbutdueto lockdownrestrictions,andthecatsnolongerbeinga“desirable”agetorehome, shewas"stuck"with25catswhoweredestroyingherhome.

Annevaccinatedallthecatsandgavethempreventativecareasbestshecould, butneededOakTree'shelp.Allthecatsurgentlyneededhealthcheckingand16 catsneededtobeneuteredtopreventtheproblemfrombecomingworse.Our Teamensuredalltheanimalsreceivedtheveterinarycaretheyneededand arrangedformostofthemtoberehomed.

Anneandherfamilyweresogratefultohavetheirhomeback,whichtheynow sharewithtwoneutered,happyandhealthycats!

Left outside in the cold, Chester’s ear infection remained untreated, causing him much pain and distress. When he arrived at Oak Tree we quickly found that he needed a specialist operation to remove his whole ear canal and the affected ear. The surgery was estimated to cost around £2,000, so we asked our supporters for help.

won the hearts of our team and was always up for a cuddle.

Chester's specialist ear operation was a success! £5,600 was raised which covered all his vet bills and recovery plan too! The whole team were overwhelmed by the kind response!

The Small Animal Team continued his post-operative care, until he was ready for further recovery in a foster home. The fosterers didn't take long to fall in love with him and they decided to adopt him! Chester is now living very happily in his forever home.

Thank you...

Fundraisers

For the various activities you've taken part in, including online Facebook Fundraisers, a parachute jump, a skydive, a sponsored walk and a sponsored head shave!

Volunteers

All 220 of them! Who give their tireless energy and invaluable hours to help us to do what has to be done.

Partnered Vets

For getting involved at our events and providing endless support to the animals and humans alike throughout the year.

Donators

For the loose change, the donated cheques and the ‘in memory’ donations. A special thank you to our regular givers, whose donations are the only income we can reasonably forecast and includes our new mobile lottery players this year!

Local Business and Corporate Partnerships

For their monetary donations, prizes for our raffles and Grand Draws, volunteering at our Corporate Volunteer Days and for organising fundraising activities - however you choose to support us, we are so grateful!

Trust and Grant Organisations

For responding to our applications for grants which help to fund necessary projects on site in order for us to continue to help the local community.

Your support and generosityhas enabled us to help more animals than ever!

Fun Days Out

1st to 31st May

Coronation Trails

Each of our Charity Shops is running a trail which will take you around their local town. Simply buy your sheet from the shop, see if you can find all of the 'royal' items in various shop windows and be entered into a prize draw to win a royal hamper!

15th July

Summer Fair

Join us for a day of family fun at Oak Tree Farm! There will be all kinds of activities for the whole family to take part in, including your dog!

10th September

Pets at the Pond

You will find us in Hammond's Pond Park, Carlisle for some animal-themed fun! Bring your dog and the rest of the family!

Every School Holidays

Themed Children's Trails

Take part in our fun children’s trails, just £2 and no booking required!

Check out all of our upcoming events and activities at www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk/events

Home 2 Home Hamish

Hamish'sownerhadtomaketheheartbreakingdecisiontorehomehimashecould nolongergivehimtheattentionheneeded. Home2HomewasthebestoptionforHamish ashewasjustapuppy.

Hamishneverspentanytimeinkennelsbut hisownerbroughthimtositetomeethis caseworker,forvetcheck-upsandviewings withpotentialowners.

Afteracoupleofdays,Hamishhadhisfirst viewingwithapotentialfamilyandtheir dog,Ted.Thiscouldn'thavegonebetterand afterafewmoreviewingsandahomevisit, Hamishwenttojoinhisforeverfamily!Heis nowlovinglifeinhisnewhome!

What is it?

We take pet food donations and deliver them to local Foodbanks. We have donation bins across the region (here's one at Caledonia Park)!

Our Charity Shops Working in the Community Seaham Charity Shop Opening

Donate Visit Us

We take all kinds of donations: clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, electronics, homeware, furniture (only in some of our shops) and pet items.

We have shops open everyday across the region, please pop in and say hello! Opening times available on our website.

Oak Tree Farm

Oak Tree Farm is situated just outside Carlisle near Wetheral. We are dog-friendly, open 10.00am to 4.00pm every day, and free to visit! Oak Tree Farm is a working rehoming centre but we also welcome visitors to shop, have a cuppa, watch the animals, and enjoy!

The Tearoom

Try our tasty Vegan Lasagne ( vegetarian and gluten-free options too)!

Orchard Yard

Find some brilliant bargains in our onsite Charity Shop, Second-hand Pet and Tack Shop! If you visit on a Saturday, we will have double the number of bargains at our Saturday Sales!

Blackburn Woods

Enjoy a woodland wander with scenic views, just across the road from our Tearoom. You can also try out our Dog Parkour course or book our Snuffle Run to give your dogs some off-lead time (found in the back corner of the woods).

Find us at Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields, Carlisle, CA4 8JA

AHelpingPaw

Offering a pet fostering service for domestic abuse victims and the homeless.

Since 2019, our Volunteer Fosterers have helped...

68 pets

44 families

In January alone, our 'A Helping Paw' service requests were more than those received in the whole of 2022.

Unfortunately, the majority of the refuges and hostels in Cumbria do not accept pets, leaving many owners unable to leave difficult situations...

Poppy’sownercontacteduswhensheneededourhelp.Shewaslookingtofleean abusiverelationshipandneededtofindcareforherdog,Poppy,sothatshecould enterawomen’srefuge.ShewasscaredtoleavePoppybehindasherpartnerhad threatenedtohurtPoppyifsheleft.OurTeamwereabletoprovidetemporary fosteringservicessothatPoppy’sownerwasabletostartanewlifeknowingher much-loveddogwasbeingwelllookedafterandsafe.

Find out more about our 'A Helping Paw' service by emailing community@oaktreeanimals.org.uk

Tackling the Cost of Living

As household budgets are squeezed in the current crisis, owners are struggling to care for their much-loved pets. The financial pressure is rapidly increasing the demand for our help and our own outgoing costs.

86% of UK shelters are now at capacity or over

Throughout 2023 we will be focussing on our services to keep households together benefitting both pets and owners...

Working in partnership with Social Services and the NHS to tackle dog behaviour issues in families.

Developing our ‘Pets in Rentals’ programme to increase access to pet-friendly properties.

Looking for pet support?

Just ask by emailing ask@oaktreeanimals.org.uk

Continuing Behaviour and Training support with training workshops and easy to access advice.

Improved fostering provisions to tackle the increase in relinquishment and 'A Helping Paw' service requests.

Increasing our Foodbank support throughout the local community.

Woodynow rulestheroost!

Woody from the wood pile...

Woody was first discovered under a pile of wood in a farmer’s barn, which gave him the name 'Woody'. The farmer had no clue where he had come from, but it was clear from day one that Woody wasn’t just any normal feral cat; he was the most social, affectionate and brave little kitten you could meet! Woody needed to be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, so our Community Team were called out to help. His tabby stripes and stumpy legs stole over everyone's hearts and so it was clear he was here to stay.

He now lives happily on the farm, ruling the roost! He likes to follow the farmer wherever he goes, jump onto the tractor and be a part of everything. All they have to do is call "Woody!" and he’ll come running out for his supper at the same time every day.

How to fund the vital work we do...

Donate by Post, Phone or In-person

If you would like to make a donation via a cheque, please make it payable to 'Oak Tree Animals' Charity'. You can also donate over the telephone, please call us on 01228 560082. Or you can visit one of our Charity Shops or Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields, Carlisle, CA4 8JA.

Donate via the Bank

Tosetuparegularorone-offdonationviayourbankwhetheritbeinperson, online,orviaamobilebankingapp,pleaseusethefollowinginformation. (Therearenoextraadminchargesforusingthispaymentmethod).

OakTreeAnimals'Charity,OakTreeFarm,WetheralShields,CarlisleCA48JA

C/OTheCumberland,CumberlandHouse,CooperWay,Carlisle,CA30JF

AccountNumber:54102146

SortCode:16-52-21

Donate Online

Youcansetuparegularpaymentormakeaone-offdonationonour websiteviaJustGiving(pleasenote,JGadminchargeswillapply)-simply clickthe'donate'button.

Therearealsolotsofotherwaysyoucandonateonourwebsite,headover toour'GetInvolved'sectionandfindouthowyoucanhelp!

Ifyouchoosetodonate,pleasenotifyOakTreeofyourkindcontribution,along withyourcontactdetails,sowecanupdateourrecordsandproperly acknowledgeyourgenerousdonation!

Emailfundraising@oaktreeanimals.org.uk,call01228560082orwritetoususing theabovedetails.

Thank you for your support!

Gift Aid - add 25% to any donation you make!

Please complete our Gift Aid form to add 25% to your donations (monetary and goods). Forms can be downloaded from our website, or get in touch and we can pop one in the post for you!