RainRescue

Overwhelmed: the rising number of abandoned animals in our care

Bethan Killelay — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:41:00 +0000

We urgently need help: abandoned animals are arriving faster than we can cope

In over 24 years of rescuing homeless cats and dogs, we’ve never faced a situation like this.

Right now, we have more than 60 animals in our care — and a waiting list of over 100 more desperately needing help. The scale of abandonment is overwhelming, and every day brings new emergencies we simply cannot ignore.

Just recently, we introduced you to Elsie, a beautiful lurcher found tied to a lamp post. And now, we’ve welcomed another heartbreaking case…

Meet Kiwi and her babies

Kiwi, a young cat believed to be around two years old, arrived with her tiny kittens — Lychee, Mango and Pomegranate.

They were discovered dumped together in a bag on a building site.

The kittens were only days old. Fragile, helpless, and completely dependent on their mum in the most unimaginable circumstances.

Trapped inside the bag, Kiwi couldn’t eat, drink, or properly care for her babies. When they arrived with us, they were all in a dangerously vulnerable state — and the kittens were covered in fleas, which can be life-threatening at such a young age.

Thankfully, they are now safe.

Despite everything she’s endured, Kiwi is gentle and trusting — as though she knows she’s finally out of danger… perhaps even experiencing kindness for the first time.

Make a donation here

Why we need your help

Every abandoned litter. Every emergency rescue. Every life we save puts enormous pressure on our small charity — emotionally, physically, and financially.

But we will never turn our backs on animals like Kiwi and her babies.

The reality is, they are not the first — and heartbreakingly, they won’t be the last.

You can make a difference today

Your support could help provide:

Urgent veterinary care
Flea treatment and medication
Nutritious food
Round-the-clock care for vulnerable animals

Every single donation helps us continue saying “yes” when animals need us most.

Please give today if you can — and help families like Kiwi’s get the second chance they deserve.

You can donate today in any of these ways:
• Give through JustGiving: https://checkout.justgiving.com/mmxw48u1c9
• Donate a value of a meal: https://rainrescue.co.uk/…/a-meal-for-a-rain-rescue-cat/
• Text KIWI to 70480 to donate £1
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps us keep saying yes when abandoned animals need us most.

Please donate if you can, and share this page to help Kiwi and so many others like her.

The post Overwhelmed: the rising number of abandoned animals in our care appeared first on RainRescue.

Ticks on Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Bethan Killelay — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:54:46 +0000

Ticks might be tiny — but they can cause big problems for our dogs and cats. Knowing how to spot, remove and prevent ticks is essential for keeping your pets healthy and happy.

It’s tick season. While ticks can be found on pets all year round in the UK, they become far more active in the warmer months when dogs and cats are spending more time outdoors. Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to animals (and sometimes people), feeding on their blood and potentially causing irritation or spreading disease. As they are now out and about more, it’s important to stay vigilant and know how to protect your pets.

Where to Check Your Pet for Ticks

Ticks can be surprisingly easy to miss, especially when they’re small or hiding in thick fur. One of the most common signs is spotting a small, dark bump on your pet’s skin that wasn’t there before. As ticks feed, they swell and become more noticeable, often looking like a tiny greyish-brown lump attached to the skin.

You might also notice your pet scratching, licking, or nibbling at a particular area more than usual. Regularly running your hands over your pet after walks is one of the best ways to check. If you feel anything unusual or see a small, firm bump, part the fur to take a closer look—it could be a tick that needs removing promptly.

After walks or outdoor play, always check your pet thoroughly. Ticks love warm, hidden areas such as:

Around the ears and eyes
Under collars
Between the toes
Under the legs (armpits)
Groin area
Around the tail and rear
Along the neck and shoulders

How to Safely Remove a Tick

Never pull a tick off with your fingers or twist it, as this can leave parts behind and increase the risk of infection.

Use a proper tick removal tool from your vet or pet shop.
Slide the tool under the tick, close to your pet’s skin.
Gently twist and pull upwards until the tick comes away completely.
Dispose of the tick safely by sealing it in tissue and flushing it, or placing it in a sealed bag in the bin.
Clean the bite area with pet-safe antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly.

How to Prevent Ticks on Pets

Prevention is always better than cure. Protect your pets with these simple steps:

Use vet-recommended tick prevention treatments (spot-ons, tablets or collars)
Keep your garden tidy and grass short
Avoid long grass and dense woodland during peak tick season (spring to autumn)
Groom your pet regularly to spot ticks early

Tick-Borne Diseases: Why It Matters

Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, which may affect both pets and humans. Early detection and prompt removal are key to reducing risk. If your pet seems unwell after a tick bite, always contact your vet for advice.

Keep Your Pet Safe and Tick-Free

Regular checks, prevention, and quick removal can make all the difference. A few minutes of care after walks helps keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching — tick-free and happy!

Stay vigilant and protect your pets year-round.

The post Ticks on Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know appeared first on RainRescue.

A New Chapter for Rain Rescue: Our Journey Continues

Bethan Killelay — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:30:57 +0000

We have lots of exciting news to share with you, and we can not wait to bring you along on this next chapter of our journey.

Things are very busy over at our brand-new Misson site, and we are delighted to see everything coming together. While work is still underway, every day brings us one step closer to opening our doors and welcoming you all.

As we move forward, we want to be open with you — we are taking a phased and mindful approach to developing the site. This means we will be opening areas step by step, ensuring everything is completed to a high standard and always with the wellbeing of our animals at the heart of every decision.

Importantly, while this development is underway, our Rotherham centre is still fully open and operational. Moving forward, Rain Rescue will operate across two sites, allowing us to expand our reach and support even more animals and people in need.

With the increased space and land at our new site, we are also looking ahead to the future of Rain Rescue. Our aim is to gradually expand the support we can offer, enabling us to help more rescue animals — including rabbits and equine — alongside the dogs and cats already in our care.

A key feature of the new site will be our on-site shop and café — the Rain Café.

This will provide a welcoming space where you and your dogs can relax and enjoy fresh coffee, cakes, and quality food, all while supporting the animals here at Rain Rescue.

Set in the countryside and surrounded by wildlife, the site offers a peaceful environment, with scenic walks and public footpaths leading directly to us. It will be an ideal place to meet friends, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time in a setting that supports a meaningful cause.

The café will be the first part of the site to open, as part of this phased approach, and we will keep you updated as progress continues. We very much look forward to welcoming you.

As Rain Rescue moves into this new chapter, we are also introducing an updated logo.

We are proud to be keeping our much-loved raindrop at the heart of our identity. Our main logo now features the raindrop with a paw and a hand, symbolising our commitment to supporting both animals and people through every storm.

You will also begin to see variations of the raindrop, representing key areas of our work:
• Our Animal Centre
• Veterinary services
• Shop
• Café

In keeping with our mindful approach, the introduction of our new logo will also be phased. Charity resources such as uniforms, literature, and signage will be updated gradually, only as items require replacement due to natural wear and tear. This ensures we remain responsible with our resources while transitioning to our new identity.

It is the same Rain Rescue you know and trust — with a refreshed identity that reflects our future.

Thank you for always standing by us. Your support, commitment, and belief in what we do are what drive us forward every single day. It is your compassion and passion for animal welfare that fuels our work and makes everything we are building possible.

We are incredibly grateful to have you with us on this journey. Together, we are creating something truly special for the animals in our care and the community around us.

– The Rain Team

The post A New Chapter for Rain Rescue: Our Journey Continues appeared first on RainRescue.

Keeping Your Cats and Dogs Safe This Spring and Easter

Bethan Killelay — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:30:43 +0000

As the days get longer and the flowers start to bloom, we are reminded of the beauty of spring. The season brings a fresh start, with new life blossoming all around us, from vibrant daffodils to pastel Easter eggs. However, while spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the season, it’s important to be mindful of the potential dangers it poses to our furry friends.

Spring is full of life, but it also brings with it some hidden hazards, especially when it comes to certain plants and Easter treats. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to keep your pets safe this spring, covering the dangers of toxic plants and the risks associated with Easter chocolates.

The Dangers of Spring Plants

Spring brings a wealth of beautiful flowers and plants into bloom, but many of these can pose a risk to pets if ingested. Some of the most common springtime plants are toxic to both cats and dogs, and it’s essential to know which ones to avoid.

Daffodils

Daffodils are one of the most popular spring flowers, but they can be highly toxic to both cats and dogs. For cats, the entire daffodil plant is dangerous, especially the flower and stem. Dogs are at risk primarily from the bulb, which contains compounds that can cause serious health issues.

Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Convulsions
A drop in blood pressure

If your pet ingests any part of a daffodil, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately.

Tulips

Another spring flower to watch out for is the tulip. The bulb of a tulip is especially toxic to dogs, while cats are also at risk if they consume the plant. Symptoms of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Lilies

While beautiful, lilies are highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts of lily pollen or petals can cause kidney failure in cats. Symptoms of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It’s crucial to keep lilies out of your home, especially if you have cats.

Other Toxic Plants to Be Aware Of:

Hyacinths
Crocus
Azaleas
Oleander

If you are unsure whether a plant is safe for your pets, it’s always better to be cautious and keep them out of reach. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately.

The Risks of Chocolate and Easter Treats

Easter is a time for indulging in chocolate eggs and sweets, but it’s important to remember that chocolate is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that pets cannot process effectively. While we may enjoy our Easter treats, sharing chocolate with our pets can have serious health consequences.

Why Chocolate Is Dangerous for Pets

Dogs: Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is extremely toxic to dogs. The theobromine in chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and even death if consumed in large quantities.
Cats: While cats are less likely to indulge in chocolate, it’s still dangerous for them. Ingesting chocolate can lead to similar symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and tremors.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Chocolate:

If your pet consumes chocolate, it’s crucial to act quickly. The level of toxicity depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed, as well as your pet’s size. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is, as it contains higher levels of theobromine.

If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately. They may recommend inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the toxin.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Spring and Easter

Here are some practical steps you can take to ensure your pets stay safe during the spring and Easter season:

Keep Toxic Plants Out of Reach:
Be aware of the plants in your garden and home that could be harmful to your pets. Consider keeping your pets indoors or in areas where you can control what plants they have access to.
Monitor Easter Treats:
If you’re hosting an Easter gathering, make sure chocolate eggs and sweets are out of reach of curious pets. Guests should also be reminded not to share chocolate with animals.
Know the Signs of Poisoning:
Familiarise yourself with the signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, excessive drooling, tremors, or seizures. If you see any of these signs, take your pet to the vet immediately.
Choose Pet-Safe Plants:
Opt for pet-friendly plants like sunflowers, marigolds, or pet-safe herbs if you’re adding greenery to your home this spring.
Secure Your Easter Eggs:
Before you start an Easter egg hunt, make sure your pets are in another room to avoid any temptation. After the hunt, double-check to ensure no chocolate eggs are left behind.

Enjoy Spring Safely

Spring is a season of renewal, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your pets from potential dangers. By keeping toxic plants and chocolate out of their reach, you can ensure that both your pets and your family enjoy a happy, healthy spring and Easter.

Let’s celebrate this beautiful time of year while keeping our furry friends safe and sound!

The post Keeping Your Cats and Dogs Safe This Spring and Easter appeared first on RainRescue.

Happy Tails: Panini’s Update

Bethan Killelay — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:35:45 +0000

Five months ago, Panini was living a very different life.

He came into our care as a stray — navigating the streets alone, never truly knowing the comfort of safety, warmth or love. We don’t know everything about his past, but we do know he hadn’t yet experienced the stability every cat deserves.

He spent just two weeks with us at Rain Rescue. Two weeks of cosy beds, full tummies, and gentle reassurance — and then his forever human came to meet him. It was an instant connection, and he went home to start his new life.

Fast forward five months, and we’ve received the most heart-warming update. Panini has fully embraced home life — and by all accounts, he is running the household beautifully.

He’s had a few memorable outdoor adventures (including some classic zoomies in the garden!) and has quickly settled into the joys of home life. He’s incredibly chatty, and his owner says full conversations happen daily — which we just love!

Panini is affectionate on his own terms, enjoying cuddles and leaping onto his owner’s lap for some dedicated mummy time. He’s cautious with visitors, but with those he trusts, he’s a bundle of love and personality.

From stray cat surviving on the streets…
To confident, cuddly, and slightly mischievous king of his home.

This is exactly why we do what we do.

Thank you to Panini’s owner for giving him the love and security he had never known — and for sharing this beautiful update with us.

Happy Tails, Panini. You truly deserve every second of this new life

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Why We Need More Foster Carers Now

Bethan Killelay — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:33:26 +0000

At Rain Rescue, fostering isn’t just temporary care — it’s a lifeline. Right now, we urgently need compassionate people to open their homes to dogs and cats who desperately need a safe, loving space.

Every week, more animals come to us needing help — some abandoned or left behind, others handed over due to personal hardship or changes in circumstance. Our centre is often at full capacity, and while we do everything we can to meet demand, the need is outpacing the space we have. That’s where foster carers can make a huge difference.

Meet some of our amazing foster carers

Curious about what fostering is really like? Meet some of our amazing Rain Rescue dog foster carers in this short video and hear what it’s like to welcome a rescue dog into your home.

https://rainrescue.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fostering-Dogs-BHS-video.mp4

Why Fostering Matters Right Now

“When the dogs and cats come into us, they are more often than not scared, have health problems, and have never had the love and care they need to thrive,” says Trish Spargo, Rain Rescue CEO.

For many animals, life before rescue hasn’t been easy. Some have lived outdoors in all weathers, others have come from homes where they were neglected or mistreated. Some simply find themselves lost and without anyone to care for them.

Although our rescue centre provides a warm bed, good food, and veterinary support, it’s not the same as a calm, loving home. That’s what makes fostering so important — and so transformative for the animals who need it most.

Sophie, our Centre Manager, explains:
“Fostering allows the animals who are struggling the most in kennels to have some home comforts, feel safe and loved whilst we search for their new forever home.”

What Foster Carers Do

Kennels are a temporary solution, but not all animals cope well in them — especially dogs and cats who are nervous, older, or recovering from illness or injury.

A foster carer offers something more personal: a peaceful space where a pet can rest, feel secure, and begin to trust again. Some animals need just a few weeks, others a little longer. Some foster placements may be short term, offering a brief but vital break from the shelter, while others might be long term, providing ongoing support until the animal is ready for their forever home.

During that time, a foster home helps them rebuild their confidence and get ready to move on to their new family.

“When you foster, you are saving two lives — the foster animal and the one you make space for,” says Trish.

That space is precious. Every time a dog or cat moves into a foster home, it means we can welcome another into our centre — often one who’s been waiting for help elsewhere.

Why We Need Dog Foster Carers Now

We always need foster carers for both cats and dogs — but right now, the demand for dog fosters is especially high.

Dogs often need more hands-on care, regular walks, and human interaction. They may be underconfident, energetic, or simply not used to being left alone. While they wait for the right forever home, a foster home gives them the structure and comfort they need.

Every foster home for a dog means:

A break from a kennel environment
The chance to relax and build trust
Space for us to take in more dogs needing help

Some dogs need quiet homes with no other pets. Others might enjoy the company of a resident dog or a fosterer who enjoys long walks. We’ll work closely with you to match the right dog to your situation — and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way.

How You Can Help

If you’ve got room in your home — and your heart — you could offer a dog or cat the fresh start they deserve.

Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience. It gives you the chance to make a real difference, to see animals grow and change in your care, and to be part of a supportive rescue community.

We provide everything you need — food, equipment, vet care and advice — so you’re never on your own. Whether you’re able to foster for a short time or longer-term, whether you’re home most of the day or have a pet-friendly lifestyle, fostering could be the perfect fit.

Apply to foster today or get in touch to ask questions and find out more.
Your time, care, and kindness could mean everything to a dog or cat who’s still waiting to feel safe again.

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Arnold’s Story: From Confusion to a Forever Home

Bethan Killelay — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:04:58 +0000

Arnold was just eight months old — still only a baby — yet he had already experienced more confusion and heartbreak than any young cat ever should.

He had been left at a vet practice, and heartbreakingly, his owner never came back for him. The vets tried everything they could: calling, messaging, and waiting the full seven days. But no matter how many times they reached out, there was no reply. No one was coming for him.

Imagine being so young, so confused… and feeling completely unwanted. Not knowing what else to do, the vets called us — hoping we could give Arnold the safety, love, and compassion he desperately needed. And of course, we said yes.

When Arnold arrived in our care, we also tried once more to contact his owner, as we were legally obliged to do. But this still resulted in Arnold staying with us, safe and cared for.

While Arnold wasn’t abandoned on the streets, he had still been left behind — left somewhere his owner believed was safe. His story is a reminder of why rescue shelters exist: to protect, comfort, and care for pets in moments of crisis.

A Forever Home for Arnold

Arnold’s journey took a turn for the better when a kind lady read his story on our social media. She knew immediately she could offer Arnold a home full of love, where he would never be forgotten or left behind again.

When she came to meet him, it was love at first sight. The bond was instant, and Arnold officially joined his new family. Just a few days after adopting him, his new owners shared:

“This is absolutely Arnold’s forever home. He’s safe, adored, and clearly already in charge. We can’t imagine life without him now, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped bring this beautiful boy into our lives.”

The Heart of Rescue

Arnold is thriving in his forever home. He is now safe, loved, and cherished. His story reminded us why rescue exists: to step in when pets are abandoned, confused, or forgotten, and to give them a second chance at life, happiness, and love. Every life matters, and every pet deserves a home where they feel wanted and secure.

Arnold’s journey from uncertainty to belonging is a beautiful example of what love, patience, and rescue can achieve.

The post Arnold’s Story: From Confusion to a Forever Home appeared first on RainRescue.

From Kennel Life to Family Life

Bethan Killelay — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:17:07 +0000

Brock’s Journey: From Kennels to Forever Home at Rain Rescue

Sometimes, the longest waits lead to the most beautiful endings — and Brock’s story is one we’ll never forget.

Brock’s Start at Rain Rescue

Brock came into our care at just 7 months old, through no fault of his own. His previous owners were moving house, and sadly their new landlord wouldn’t allow pets. Still very much a baby, Brock arrived at Rain Rescue needing stability, love, and a second chance.

From the moment he stepped through our doors, Brock stole hearts. He was affectionate, playful, and bursting with puppy energy — always ready for a fuss from our team. As a young Lurcher, he had the perfect mix of sweetness and spirit, and we truly believed his stay with us would be a short one.

When Kennel Life Becomes Too Much

But life in the kennels isn’t easy, especially for young and sensitive dogs like Brock.

The noise, the routines, the waiting — it all became overwhelming. Day by day, kennel life began to chip away at his confidence, and it was heartbreaking to see how stressed he became. We did everything we could to help him shine, including naming him Animal of the Month, but still the right home didn’t come along.

Days turned into weeks, and before we knew it, 69 days had passed. Nine long weeks of waiting, hoping, and wondering when Brock would finally get the family he deserved.

The Day Hope Arrived

Then, one special day, hope arrived.

An application came through from a lovely couple who seemed like the perfect match for Brock. We invited them to meet him — hearts full of hope, but tinged with nerves.

And from the moment they met, it was magic.

Brock’s tail wagged, his eyes sparkled, and it was instantly clear — he had found his people.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Saying goodbye to Brock was bittersweet. After so long in our care, he had become part of the Rain Rescue family, and watching him leave tugged at our hearts.

But seeing him walk out the door with a family who adored him made everything worthwhile.

His adopters later told us:

“Our favourite part about having Brock is that our family feels complete. He’s fully become our baby, spoilt to death, and we could sit and watch him for hours. He’s the friendliest dog we’ve ever known, greeting everyone with joy. His bursts of energy around the house are hysterical, and his sassy little personality means he’ll always take up your space if he wants cuddles!”

Brock’s Forever Home

After 69 days of waiting, loving, and hoping, Brock finally found his forever home.

His journey is a powerful reminder that even when the road is long and the wait feels endless, every dog deserves a happy ending — and Brock’s is one we’ll always hold close.

If you’re considering dog adoption, stories like Brock’s show just how life-changing rescue can be — for dogs and humans alike.

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Will You Display A Poster?

Jess Khan — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:40:25 +0000

By displaying a poster in your staffroom, local post office, community centre, café, supermarket, or anywhere with a public notice board, you can help people learn about Rain Rescue, make a donation, or even adopt an animal waiting for a forever home.

The more we share their stories, the more lives we can change together. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

You can keep checking for updated versions and download our posters here – www.rainrescue.co.uk/display-our-posters

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Bethan Killelay — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:02:46 +0000

Arthur’s Story: From Abandoned to Hoping for Love

Arthur is a 2-year-old cat who faced a very tough start in life. He was abandoned in someone’s garden and left to fend for himself. Alone, frightened, and vulnerable, Arthur faced traffic, hunger, other animals, and the harsh reality of life outdoors — with no idea why he’d been left behind.

Thankfully, a kind person noticed Arthur was alone. They made sure he was fed and looked after as best they could. Arthur would come to them for food and was known to be a friendly boy — not feral, just lost and trying to survive.

Knowing Arthur deserved more than life on the streets, he was brought to Rain Rescue, where he could be safe, warm, and cared for.

Life in Rescue

Arthur has now been in our care for over 50 days. He is safe, warm, and no longer trying to fend for himself — but rescue life is still challenging for him. The sudden change from outdoor freedom to an enclosed, unfamiliar environment has been overwhelming. The sounds, smells, and routines of rescue life have caused Arthur to shut down, and he is struggling to adjust.

Arthur isn’t aggressive. He isn’t wild. He’s simply frightened.

Before coming to us, the kind person who rescued Arthur saw how loving he could be. They said he gives gentle head butts and enjoys the occasional fuss. But now, fear has taken over, and he’s withdrawn into himself.

At Rain Rescue, Arthur receives regular meals, shelter from the cold, and gentle reassurance. Each day, our team reminds him that humans can be kind — that hands can be gentle, voices can be soft, and trust can be rebuilt.

He still startles. He’s still nervous. But with patience and understanding, we hope Arthur will feel safe again and allow his loving nature to shine through.

How You Can Help

This Valentine’s, during our month of love, you can help show animals like Arthur that they are loved.

Even £1 can make a difference, providing care, comfort, and compassion to cats and dogs who are struggling in rescue while they wait for their forever homes. Donations can be made here.

Could You Offer Arthur a Forever Home?

Arthur would likely thrive in a home with outdoor space, such as a farm or stable, where he can explore safely and live life on his own terms.

If you think you could give Arthur a loving home, you can apply to adopt him here.

Together, we can help rescue cats like Arthur feel safe, loved, and valued — and find the forever homes they deserve.

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