At Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, we’ve had the privilege of being part of an incredible story this Christmas and New Year, one that has brought us joy, challenges, and a reminder of the power of community. Elsa, Belle, and Holly, three mums who came to us heavily pregnant from a difficult situation, have transformed our sanctuary and captured our hearts.
These three girls were all living in the same home, where they were tragically impregnated by their own brother. They were scared, unsure, and needed help – and that’s where we stepped in.
When they first arrived at Thornberry, they were understandably timid and anxious, but with patience and care, they began to trust us.
It was clear that all they needed was a safe, loving environment to give them the confidence to thrive. The transformation we’ve seen in them over the past few weeks has been incredible, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come.
Holly was the first to give birth, and it happened on Christmas Eve – a special reminder of the magic of life and hope. Holly gave birth to six beautiful puppies, all healthy and strong. It was a beautiful moment, a sign of new beginnings at Thornberry, just in time for the holiday season. It was a perfect Christmas miracle.
Shortly after Holly, Elsa gave birth to 10 puppies, but sadly, we lost two. One was stillborn, and another was too weak to survive. It was a heartbreaking moment, reminding us how fragile life can be, especially when faced with adversity. But Elsa’s remaining puppies are thriving, and we continue to do everything we can to make sure they grow strong and healthy.
Finally, Belle gave birth on January 3rd, completing the trio of mums. Like Elsa, she gave birth to 10 puppies, but sadly, two didn’t make it. Despite these losses, we’re thankful for the strength of the mums and the eight puppies who have made it through, growing stronger by the day.
In order to care for these mums and their pups, Thornberry has completely reimagined one of our office spaces, converting it into a safe and comfortable haven for them. It’s been an enormous effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. We’ve gone through hundreds of puppy pads, bags of puppy food, and cleaning supplies in the past few weeks alone, and we are so grateful for the donations that have made this possible.
Every donation, no matter how small, has had a profound impact. These mums and their puppies are a testament to the difference that the generosity of our supporters can make. Without your help, we wouldn’t be able to provide this kind of care for the animals who need it the most.
Now, the puppies are between 4 and 6 weeks old, healthy, and thriving in their new environment. The transformation has been incredible to witness. These little ones have already started to show their personalities, and we can’t wait to see them grow up in loving homes.
In the coming weeks, these puppies will be ready for adoption. If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your life, we invite you to consider adopting one of these special pups. They have been through so much already, and they deserve to start their lives with a family that will love and care for them.
As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the importance of local rescues like Thornberry. Every donation, every share, and every act of kindness makes a world of difference to the animals we rescue. This is not just our story – it’s a story of community, compassion, and the power of people coming together for a common cause.
We couldn’t do this work without you, and we are so grateful for your continued support. Whether you donate, volunteer, or share our mission with others, you are helping us give animals like Elsa, Belle, Holly, and their pups a second chance at life.
If you’d like to support our ongoing work, please consider making a donation to Thornberry Animal Sanctuary. Your kindness helps us continue our life-saving work for animals in need.
Together, we can make a difference.
View our Privacy Policy for more information
Adoption / Rehoming & Equine Centre – appointment only.
Please be aware that we cannot allow any visitor’s dogs on site, except for Guide/Assistance dogs. This is for the safety of you, your dogs, and our animals.
Open Everyday from 9.00am until 3.00pm
Todwick Road Open from 9.00am until 3.00pm everyday.
Crystal Peaks Charity Shop
Open Monday-Saturday 9.00am until 5.00pm, Sunday 10.00am until 4.00pm
Mon-Tue: Closed Wed-Sun: 11am-3pm
