Paws and Cause: reflecting on our journey together in 2023 and beyond by Chris Bray, Chief Executive

As we step into the new year, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride as I reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve embarked upon together at the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter. 2023 was a year of significant achievements, challenges, and heartwarming moments. We successfully rehome and reunite animals with loving families, a testament to the dedication and compassion of our team and the unwavering support of our local community.

A pivotal development last year was the decision to moth-ball our Claremont Road site, consolidating everything we do at North Benton Farm. This strategic move not only streamlined our operations, saving significant costs and enhanced the welfare of our animals too. With one location and on-site vet visits we have reduced the stress and anxiety caused by travel. There is now a more tranquil and nurturing environment where animals have less upheaval as they are cared for and looked after before finding their forever homes.  This transition has led to reduced public access, we are excited about the positive changes this brings and are diligently working to adapt and improve our facilities for the future.

Our Christmas appeal, ‘Troubled Tails,’ was a heartwarming success and raised over £60,000 (could we equate this the number of kennels this has fully funded for a year, which would be almost 7)

This achievement would not have been possible without the generosity and kindness of each one of you. Your contributions have been instrumental in providing care, love, and a second chance to countless animals in need such as Skye. Please note, it’s not too late to make a donation to the appeal via our website here, and this will go a long way to supporting our transformative work by paying medical bills, and general care and welfare costs such as staff time and heating.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us through various initiatives last year. Whether you have liked one of our social media posts, play our lottery or make a regular gift, donated food or pledged to leave a legacy, your kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication are a lifeline to animals in our care amidst a cost-of-living crisis.

Together, we have made a significant difference, saving lives across the North East. We look forward to your share more stories with you in 2024 with the introduction of our new eNewsletter.   Please feel free to forward our newsletter to friends and family or indeed anyone you feel would enjoy the contents.  Reaching more people is something the shelter is keen to do, your help to achieve this is very much appreciated, thank you!

Thank you for your support as we embark on this journey of compassion, care, and community.

Warm regards,

Chris Bray
Chief Executive
Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter