She was found tied to a lamppost, alone and abandoned, with no explanation why. She must have been so confused and frightened, waiting for someone who never came back. Thankfully, some kind people found her and took her straight to the vets, worried for her safety and wellbeing.

The vets then got in touch with us at, and of course, we said yes to bringing Elsie into our care.

We don’t know much about Elsie’s past life, or why she was abandoned, but despite everything she had been through, Elsie showed us just how gentle and loving she truly was. Beneath her worried eyes was the softest, sweetest girl who simply wanted kindness and comfort.

During her five weeks with us at RAIN, Elsie began to truly shine. She loved going on long walks with the kennel team — it quickly became her favourite time of day. That, or settling in for cuddles and belly rubs, which she absolutely adored.

Emma, our kennel supervisor, said: “Elsie could happily take belly rubs all day, a true big softie.”

Slowly, Elsie grew in confidence. The nervous girl who first arrived started to relax, trust, and enjoy life again. Watching her transformation was something truly special for everyone who met her.

Then, after five weeks in our care, Elsie’s forever people came along.

And finally, the girl who had once been abandoned and left behind found exactly where she belonged.

Her new family told us, “We just wanted to let you know how much she is loved and cared for already.”

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to Elsie’s adopters for choosing to adopt her and giving her the second chance she so deeply deserves. Thank you for seeing her, choosing her, and giving her the life she was always meant to have.

From abandoned and unwanted, to absolutely adored — this is why we do what we do.

Happy Tail, Elsie

The post Happy Tail: Elsie appeared first on RainRescue.

Heatstroke and dehydration can happen quickly, especially in pets, so taking a few simple precautions could save a life.

1. Avoid Walks During the Hottest Part of the Day

When temperatures climb, dogs should only be walked during the coolest parts of the day — early morning or later in the evening. Hot pavements can burn sensitive paw pads, and exercising in the heat greatly increases the risk of heatstroke.

If it feels too hot for you, it’s probably too hot for your dog.

Cats are less likely to go on walks, but outdoor cats should always have access to shaded areas where they can escape the sun.

2. Keep Fresh Water Available at All Times

Hydration is essential during hot weather. Make sure both dogs and cats have constant access to fresh, cool water indoors and outdoors.

Top tip: Add extra water bowls around your home and garden during heatwaves, and consider adding ice cubes to help keep water cooler for longer.

3. Create Cool, Shady Spaces

Pets need somewhere cool and comfortable to relax away from direct sunlight. Whether indoors or outside, provide shaded areas with good airflow.

Helpful cooling ideas include:

• Cooling mats for dogs and cats
• Tiled or hard flooring to lie on
• Fans or open windows with safe ventilation
• Shaded garden spots or covered outdoor shelters

Cats often seek out hidden warm spots, so check sheds, greenhouses, conservatories, and sunny rooms regularly.

4. Help Them Cool Down Safely

Using a damp towel on the floor or gently misting your pet with cool (not icy cold) water can help regulate body temperature safely.

Never pour freezing water over an overheated pet, as this can cause shock.

Some dogs may also enjoy paddling pools or frozen treats during hot days.

5. Swap Walks for Indoor Enrichment

If it’s too hot to head outside, try mentally stimulating activities instead. Dogs and cats both benefit from enrichment that keeps them entertained without overheating.

Enrichment Ideas for Dogs

• Snuffle mats
• Puzzle feeders
• Treat hunts around the house
• Short scent games

Did you know? Just 15 minutes of scent work can tire a dog out as much as an hour-long walk.

Enrichment Ideas for Cats

• Treat puzzles
• Wand toys in cooler rooms
• Cardboard boxes and hiding games
• Frozen lick treats

Keeping pets mentally engaged is a great alternative during extreme heat.

6. Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats

Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency and can become fatal very quickly.

Watch out for these warning signs:

• Heavy panting
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Confusion or wobbling
• Collapse
• Rapid breathing

Cats can sometimes hide symptoms, so unusual behaviour, heavy breathing, or weakness should always be taken seriously.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.

7. Check Pavement Temperatures Before Going Out

Before walking your dog, place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Stick to:

• Grass routes
• Woodland walks
• Shaded areas
• Shorter outings

On extremely hot days, skipping the walk altogether is often the safest option.

Never Leave Pets in Cars

Even with windows open, temperatures inside a car can become deadly within minutes. Dogs and cats should never be left unattended in vehicles during warm weather.

Let’s Keep Pets Safe This Summer

Warm weather can be enjoyable for both people and pets, but safety must always come first. With temperatures reaching 30 degrees this May Bank Holiday, now is the perfect time to make sure your dogs and cats stay cool, hydrated, and protected from the heat.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can help prevent heatstroke and keep your furry companions safe and happy all summer long.

If you believe your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, seek veterinary advice immediately — acting quickly could save their life.

The post Keeping Dogs and Cats Safe in the Heat This May Bank Holiday appeared first on RainRescue.

Ruby’s story begins with loss, but it doesn’t end there.

After the heartbreaking death of her owner, Ruby suddenly lost the person she loved and trusted most in the world. Everything familiar disappeared overnight, and this gentle little dog found herself entering rescue at nearly nine years old.

But even in the sadness of that beginning, something hopeful is taking shape: the chance for Ruby’s story to become one of healing, kindness, and second chances.

Ruby is a nearly 9-year-old Jackapom who came into our care after her owner sadly passed away. From the moment she arrived, it was clear she had been deeply loved. She is gentle, affectionate, and completely used to home life. She carries that quiet trust in people that only comes from years of being cherished.

Now, it is our turn to honour that love by giving Ruby the future she deserves.

Ruby’s Weight Is Seriously Affecting Her Health

Ruby’s story is not one of blame or judgement. She was clearly deeply loved, and her weight gain likely happened slowly through comfort, routine, and affection. What matters now is helping her move forward with kindness, healing, and the chance to feel well again.

When Ruby arrived in our care, she weighed 11.5kg with a Body Condition Score of over 9/9. For a dog her size, her ideal weight is around 5kg, with a healthy Body Condition Score of 4–5/9.

This means Ruby is not just slightly overweight. Her obesity is already placing dangerous strain on her joints, heart, breathing, and overall quality of life. Every step she takes is harder than it should be.

Research from the University of Liverpool found that overweight dogs can live up to 2.5 years less on average than dogs at a healthy weight. Those missing years are not just numbers. They are walks in the sunshine, peaceful naps, gentle cuddles, and precious time feeling comfortable in her own body again.

Ruby Has Already Started Her Weight Loss Journey

Since coming into our care, Ruby has already made an incredible start.

With a carefully managed diet plan, gentle exercise, and ongoing monitoring, she has already lost 1kg and now weighs 10.5kg. While that may sound small, it is a huge milestone for Ruby and proof that her future can change.

Part of Ruby’s recovery includes a specialist prescription weight loss food recommended by our veterinary team. This food is essential to help her lose weight safely and steadily while protecting her health.

Unfortunately, prescription veterinary diets are far more expensive than standard dog food, creating another ongoing cost in Ruby’s rehabilitation journey.

Ruby Also Urgently Needs Dental Surgery

Alongside her weight loss treatment, Ruby urgently needs extensive dental work, including several tooth extractions.

Untreated dental disease can cause constant pain, infection, and discomfort, affecting a dog’s ability to eat, sleep, and enjoy daily life. Sadly, many dogs suffer silently with dental pain for months or even years.

The cost of Ruby’s dental treatment at a standard veterinary practice could reach £800–£900, but this treatment is essential. It is not cosmetic or optional. It is the difference between ongoing pain and finally being comfortable again.

Help Dogs Like Ruby Get the Care They Deserve

Ruby cannot do this alone, and neither can we.

Every stage of her recovery depends entirely on the kindness of supporters who believe every rescue dog deserves comfort, dignity, and a second chance, no matter their age or condition.

When you donate, you are not just helping Ruby. You are helping dogs like Ruby — animals who arrive in rescue frightened, grieving, unwell, or in pain, and who desperately need compassionate care, veterinary treatment, and the chance to feel safe again.

Your support helps provide:

• Veterinary treatment
• Dental care
• Specialist diets
• Rehabilitation and recovery support
• Safety, comfort, and love for rescue dogs in need

Most importantly, your donation helps give vulnerable animals the chance to heal and enjoy a better future.

Donate Today to Help Rescue Dogs in Need

Ruby’s journey is already underway, but dogs like her still need your help every day.

Please donate today and help us continue giving rescue dogs the second chances they so deeply deserve.

Text RUBY to 70470 to donate £1.

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

The post Help Ruby the Jackapom on Her Journey to a Healthier, Happier Life appeared first on RainRescue.

Travel That Gives Back

Through this exciting partnership, every holiday booked through Karen and Antonio at Not Just Travel will help support the work of RAIN.

When supporters book through the partnership:

• RAIN receives 10% of the commission earned from the booking
• Customers pay no additional fees
• Holidays are fully ABTA and ATOL protected
• Access is available to more than 450 travel suppliers, including Jet2, TUI, EasyJet and many specialist providers

Whether you are planning a family holiday, luxury escape, city break, cruise or pet-friendly getaway, your booking could help provide food, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and safe shelter for rescue animals waiting for their second chance.

About Karen & Antonio

Karen and Antonio are the passionate travel experts behind the partnership. Eight years ago, they relocated from Australia to Nottingham alongside their beloved pets, Cosmo the Lagotto Romagnolo and Bella their rescue cat.

After settling in the UK, they launched their Not Just Travel franchise and have since helped countless customers create unforgettable travel experiences around the world. Their family later grew with the addition of Romeo, who quickly became part of the family.

As dedicated animal lovers, supporting an animal rescue charity through their business felt like the perfect fit.

Supporting Animals Beyond Fundraising

This partnership is about far more than holidays.

Karen and Antonio will also be helping raise awareness for animals currently searching for homes by regularly featuring RAIN rescue dogs and cats across their social media platforms. They will also support fundraising campaigns, raffles and awareness events throughout the year, while promoting more pet-friendly travel opportunities for animal lovers.

By combining a passion for travel with a commitment to animal welfare, this partnership creates new opportunities to help more animals find safety and loving homes.

Thank You to Not Just Travel

We would like to say a huge thank you to Karen and Antonio for choosing to support RAIN through their business.

Partnerships like this make a genuine difference to the animals we care for every single day. Their enthusiasm, generosity and commitment to helping rescue animals is something we are incredibly grateful for, and we are excited to work together to create lasting impact.

By simply booking a holiday, supporters can now help transform the lives of dogs and cats in desperate need of care and compassion.

Book Your Next Holiday and Support RAIN

Book your next holiday and help rescue animals at the same time!

Follow this link to book your holiday today: https://notjustholidays.com/rainrescue

Or call Karen & Antonio directly on 07397 802770

The post RAIN Partners with Not Just Travel to Help Rescue Animals Through Travel appeared first on RainRescue.

Our brand-new signs are officially up, and seeing our iconic RAIN orange proudly displayed high on the building is an incredible moment for everyone involved. For the first time, the centre is truly starting to look and feel like RAIN Rescue’s new home.

We’d also like to say a massive thank you to Magenta for creating and installing our fantastic new signage. The signs look amazing and have helped bring our vision for the new animal rescue and community centre to life.

While there’s still work to do behind the scenes, we’re making fantastic progress every day. Our team has been working hard to prepare the space so we can soon open our doors and welcome supporters, adopters, volunteers, and the wider community into our new centre.

This move marks an exciting new chapter for RAIN Rescue as we continue our mission to help animals in need and support pet owners across the region. The new site will allow us to grow our services, create a welcoming community space, and help even more animals find safe and loving homes.

We know many of you are eager to visit, and we can’t wait to share more updates soon — including details about our official opening date and upcoming open day event.

To make sure you don’t miss any news, updates, or announcements, please make sure you’re opted in to receive updates from RAIN Rescue. You can opt in here

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We’re so proud of how far we’ve come, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our secound home very soon.

The post Exciting Progress at RAIN’s New Misson Site appeared first on RainRescue.

Chika’s journey to happiness wasn’t an easy one, but it’s a story that highlights both the resilience of rescue cats and the incredible impact of foster care.

Chika’s Story

Chika came into RAIN under very sad circumstances after her beloved owner passed away. Understandably, she was confused, scared, and overwhelmed by everything that had changed so suddenly in her world.

When she first arrived, it was clear she found the cattery environment too much to cope with. Because of how worried and shut down she was, we made the decision to place her into foster care so she could feel safe, supported, and begin to decompress.

She went to live with our wonderful foster carers, Sam and Andy, who gave her the time, patience, and kindness she needed to start coming out of her shell.

Sam said: “She thrives on fuss and tuna!!! and will make the most loving companion in the right home environment.”

And they were absolutely right.

The Power of Foster Care

While Chika waited for her perfect home, she spent 14 long weeks in foster care with Sam and Andy. During that time, they worked tirelessly to help her build confidence, feel safe again, and show her true personality.

Foster care is absolutely vital to the work we do at RAIN. Without foster carers, cats like Chika would struggle in a busy rescue environment where they cannot always show their best selves.

Because Chika was able to go into foster, another rescue cat was also able to take her place in the cattery and receive the care they needed. Foster carers quite literally save more than one life at a time.

The Perfect Match

After 14 weeks, the right application finally came through. Chika met her new family, who immediately understood that she would need time, patience, and gentle encouragement to settle in properly. They were fully committed to giving her exactly what she needed — a calm, understanding home where she could continue to grow in confidence.

A Happy Update

We are delighted to share that Chika is settling into her forever home beautifully.

Her new family told us:

“She’s settled in amazingly and we’re so so proud of her. She was a shy girl at first and only came out from under the sofa for an explore in the evening and only came out for food when she was left alone in the flat. For the past couple of days she’s been out more than she’s been under the sofa, only hiding if anything spooks her. Even then, she comes out when she’s called, will run out and stare at me for her food, she’ll play with anything she can get her paws on and is absolutely loving fuss from both of us. She’s even come out for fusses when we have guests round and played with people she’s never met!”

A New Chapter for Chika

Chika’s journey is a beautiful reminder that every animal deserves time, patience, and the chance to feel safe again. Thanks to foster care, she was given that opportunity — and thanks to her new family, she now has the loving forever home she always deserved.

A huge thank you to Sam and Andy for everything they did to help Chika on her journey, and to everyone who supports fostering at RAIN. Without you, stories like this simply wouldn’t be possible.

Could You Be a Foster Carer?

Chika’s story is only possible because of foster carers like Sam and Andy. Fostering gives animals the chance to decompress, heal, and show their true personalities in a home environment — and it directly helps us save more lives by freeing up space in our rescue.

We are always in need of more foster carers. Whether you can offer short-term or longer-term support, you could make a life-changing difference to a rescue animal just like Chika.

 Click here to find out more about becoming a foster carer with RAIN and take the first step towards changing a life today

The post Happy Tails: Chika the British Shorthair Finds Her Forever Home appeared first on RainRescue.

At RAIN, our veterinary team plays a vital role in helping rescue animals receive the treatment, care, and compassion they need before finding loving homes. This month, we’re celebrating Tash, our dedicated Registered Veterinary Nurse, and highlighting the important work veterinary nurses do behind the scenes.

What Does a Registered Veterinary Nurse Do?

Registered Veterinary Nurses are essential to animal welfare and veterinary care. They support animals through every stage of treatment — from admission and surgery to recovery and rehabilitation.

At RAIN, Tash keeps our vet room running smoothly day to day and provides hands-on care to animals in need.

On surgical days, Tash is there from start to finish:

• Admitting patients
• Preparing animals for procedures
• Monitoring patients under anaesthetic
• Supporting recovery after surgery
• Ensuring animals are safe and comfortable before returning to their families

Her role is crucial in making sure every animal receives the highest standard of veterinary care.

Supporting Rescue Animals Through Veterinary Care

Many animals arriving at RAIN require urgent medical treatment, ongoing monitoring, or recovery support. Having an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse on site helps ensure animals receive the care they need quickly and safely.

Veterinary nurses not only provide medical support, but also comfort frightened or vulnerable animals during stressful situations. Their compassion can make a huge difference to an animal’s recovery journey.

Celebrating Vet Nurse Awareness Month

Vet Nurse Awareness Month helps raise awareness of the important work veterinary nurses do within animal rescue organisations, veterinary practices, and hospitals across the UK.

At RAIN, we are incredibly grateful for Tash and the dedication she brings to helping rescue animals every single day.

Thank you, Tash, for everything you do

If you’d like to support the work we do for rescue animals, keep following RAIN for more stories from our team and the animals in our care.

The post Vet Nurse Awareness Month: Meet Tash, Registered Veterinary Nurse at RAIN appeared first on RainRescue.

It was a fantastic opportunity for the team to step away from day-to-day operations and connect with colleagues from across the animal welfare sector. The conference brought together rescue organisations, rehoming centres, and professionals who are all working towards the same shared goal: improving the lives of animals in need.

Across the event, the team gained fresh insights into current best practice, explored new ideas to support rescue and rehoming work, and took part in valuable discussions around the challenges and opportunities facing the sector today. These conversations are vital in helping organisations like RAIN continue to grow, adapt, and provide the best possible care for animals.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the chance to meet peers from other organisations, exchange experiences, and celebrate the incredible achievements happening across the rescue community. It’s always inspiring to see the dedication, innovation, and compassion that exists within the sector.

We are excited to bring these new ideas and learnings back to RAIN and put them into practice as we continue working to support animals in need and the people who care for them.

A huge thank you to ADCH for hosting such a valuable event—we’re already looking forward to the next one.

The post RAIN Team Attend the 2026 ADCH Conference appeared first on RainRescue.

Animals arriving frightened, injured, abandoned, or neglected. It is the steady reality of rescue work, and it is rarely tidy or simple.

A special boy named Eric

We’d like to introduce you to a special boy — Eric.

At around nine months old, Eric should still have been enjoying the carefree world of kittenhood. Instead, he arrived in our care in pain, with a severely damaged eye.

After careful examination, our veterinary team made the difficult but necessary decision to remove it — the only way to prevent further pain, infection, and suffering, and to give him a life free from constant discomfort.

We do not know how Eric was injured.

We only know the condition he arrived in, and it sits heavily with us — the thought of what he may already have endured before he ever reached safety.

This is becoming more common

What is hardest is that situations like Eric’s are becoming more frequent.

More and more animals are coming into rescue care injured, unwell, frightened, or simply discarded when they are no longer wanted. Many need urgent veterinary treatment and ongoing care at a time when rescue resources are already stretched to their limits.

Behind every case is a life

For our team, these are never just “cases”.

They are animals who have already been through so much and are now relying entirely on rescue to make things better from here.

Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly, often under immense pressure, to give every animal the care, treatment, and compassion they deserve.

Every decision is made with their welfare at the centre, and every effort is focused on giving them the best possible chance at a happier future.

We cannot do it alone

Your support helps us act in moments like Eric’s — when an animal arrives in pain and there is no time to wait. It means we can say yes to emergency treatment, yes to surgery, yes to comfort, and yes to a future that otherwise wouldn’t exist for them.

Eric didn’t get to choose what happened to him. But with your help, we can choose what happens next for animals like him.

Please, if you can, make a donation today. Somewhere right now, another animal is arriving just like Eric — frightened, hurting, and completely dependent on rescue to change everything.

Thank you for standing beside them when they have no one else.

Ways You Can Help Our Rescue

Text K to 70480 to donate £1
(Text messages cost £1 plus 1 standard rate message)

Create a monthly payment by sponsoring a cat pod

Donate the value of a meal

Send a cheque addressed to RAIN at

Braken Hill Lane, Misson, Doncaster, DN10 6FA

The post From crisis to care: how RAIN Rescue helps animals like Eric appeared first on RainRescue.

She arrived with us due to a change in family circumstances. Her previous owner made the heartbreaking but responsible decision to reach out for help when they knew they could no longer give Phoebe everything she needed. There is absolutely no judgment here — asking for help was the right thing to do.

But it quickly became clear that Phoebe needed urgent care.

Struggling to breathe

Phoebe suffered with severe Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a condition sadly common in flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs. Because of the way these dogs have been bred, their airways are restricted, making every breath a challenge.

When Phoebe got excited, her breathing became heavy and laboured. Sometimes it became too much for her little body and she would simply flop onto the floor, exhausted, desperately trying to catch her breath.

To imagine Phoebe’s reality was to imagine trying to live your life breathing through a straw.

More than just breathing

Alongside her breathing difficulties, Phoebe arrived with painful ear infections, inflamed skin and severe allergies that left her constantly uncomfortable and itchy. She needed veterinary care, including steroids to help calm her skin, and daily cleaning of her facial folds to prevent infection.

But her breathing was — and remained — the most urgent concern.

Life-changing surgery

Our vets confirmed that Phoebe needed BOAS surgery to widen her airways and give her the chance to breathe properly for the first time in her life.

The surgery cost £1,019 through Animal Trust, alongside ongoing treatment for her skin and ears. For a small rescue like RAIN, these costs were significant — but Phoebe’s wellbeing came first.

Thanks to your incredible support, we were able to say yes.

Phoebe received her life-changing surgery, and it completely transformed her future.

Recovery begins

Phoebe recovered safely with us at the centre after her operation.

She needed to take things very slowly while her throat and airways healed, as swelling was expected after surgery. Full recovery took time and careful monitoring.

But even in those early days, we saw something incredible — Phoebe was breathing more comfortably.

Something she had struggled with for so long was finally becoming easier.

Phoebe’s forever home

And then came the happiest chapter of her journey…

Phoebe found her forever home.

Her new family gave her everything she had always needed — patience, understanding, and so much love.

They shared this beautiful update with us:

“She’s added a new lease of life into the house. She’s gentle, affectionate, great with kids and just wants to play with every dog.

She’s made us all so happy. Her walks are getting longer, and she’s even sleeping fully on her back now… sometimes not even snoring!

She’s fitted in like she’s always been with us. Everyone stops to fuss over her! I cannot thank you all enough. You’ve made us all so happy, and Phoebe seems really happy too

Emma and Sophie, members of the RAIN Welfare Team,  have been absolutely amazing. Sophie was so understanding, professional and kind. She made us feel welcome and heard and was always happy to answer my questions. You can truly see the love you have for all the animals. It was a fantastic, positive experience — Sophie, you are a credit to RAIN. You’ve made our family complete.”

Why we do what we do

Phoebe’s journey is exactly why RAIN exists.

Because no dog should struggle for every breath. And because, with the right care and support, lives can be completely transformed.

Phoebe didn’t just receive treatment — she received a second chance.

And now she gets to live the life she was always meant to have.

Thank you

This story was only possible because of you.

Your support gave Phoebe her surgery, her recovery, and her future.

From all of us — and from Phoebe — thank you for helping change her life.

The post Phoebe’s Happy Tail appeared first on RainRescue.