It is with heavy hearts that we share the incredibly sad news that our dear friend and long-standing volunteer, and dedicated fosterer Jackie Cain, passed away on Thursday, 3rd April 2025. Jackie has been a part of the Rain Rescue family for many years, and her loss is deeply felt by us all. She was a kind, selfless, and quietly strong woman who gave so much of herself to the animals in our care. Over the years, she opened her heart and home to countless cats — particularly those who found cattery life overwhelming — offering them a safe place to rest, heal, and feel loved.

She had a special way with the shy and struggling cats, the mums with litters, and those who needed just a little more time and patience. Jackie gave them that, and so much more. Beyond fostering, she was also a dedicated volunteer at the centre, always ready to lend a hand, support the team, and do whatever was needed — without fuss or fanfare, just with love.

Her compassion and unwavering commitment have left a lasting mark on our charity. She gave so much, and we are endlessly grateful for every moment she spent with us, and every life she helped transform. Her memory will live on in the many animals she helped, the friendships she made, and the lasting impact she had on all of us. We take comfort knowing that her legacy of love and care will continue to inspire and guide us as we carry on the work she was so passionate about. She will be so dearly missed by everyone here — her fellow volunteers, fosterers, staff, and the animals whose lives she changed forever.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew and loved Jackie, and we will be forever grateful for all she has done for us,

CEO Trisha Spargo,  Board of Trustees, and all the staff and volunteers at Rain Rescue

Last December, a litter of six tiny Huntaway cross puppies arrived at Rain Rescue in desperate need of help. They were weak, lethargic, and heartbreakingly frail. These weren’t the bouncy, excitable puppies you’d expect to see. Their little bodies were thin, their ribs clearly visible beneath delicate, fragile skin. Their bellies were swollen from a severe worm infestation, a sign of the difficult start they had endured before finding their way to us.

Despite their condition, we saw hope in their eyes. We named them Elphaba, Glinda, Nessa, Oz, Munchkin, and Fiyero, inspired by Wicked, the movie lighting up cinemas at the time. But there was nothing magical about the way they arrived in our care. These tiny souls had been through so much already, and their fight for survival had only just begun.

These puppies should have been discovering the world with endless curiosity, their tails wagging, their paws clumsily exploring everything in sight. Instead, they barely had the energy to lift their heads. When they first arrived, we made sure they were seen by our vet immediately. We offered round-the-clock support and, most importantly, gave them the warmth and love they had been missing.

Slowly but surely, they regained their strength. The sparkle returned to their eyes, and they became the playful, curious puppies they were always meant to be. Once they were healthy and strong, we set out to find their forever homes. Puppies are often adopted quickly, and we were right, five of them had found their new families without hesitation. But sweet Nessa… she had no interest, no applications, and no home to call her own. Day after day, one by one, each of her siblings set off to their new homes. While we were overjoyed for them, we just couldn’t understand why Nessa was still here. It broke our hearts to see her waiting, with no one yet to choose her.

One week passed. Then two. As the days went by, we couldn’t help but worry for her. Puppies like Nessa should be learning, growing, and forming bonds with their families during these crucial early months. While she waited, we made sure she felt all the love in the world—our team showered her with cuddles, belly rubs, and endless care. Like every dog here at Rain Rescue, we treated Nessa as if she were our own, but we knew deep down that what she truly longed for was a family to call her own. We poured our hearts into finding her the perfect home, sharing videos of her playful, clever nature and posting heartfelt appeals online. Still, no applications came in—until one day, everything changed. A wonderful family reached out. Their application was full of love, hope, and excitement about giving Nessa the life she deserved. When they met her at the centre, it was love at first sight.

Watching Nessa walk away with her new family and her tail wagging, was a moment of pure joy.

This is why we do what we do. It’s not just about rescuing animals—it’s about giving them a chance at a better life. Animals like Nessa, who have been through so much, deserve to experience love, warmth, and a place to call home. We watch them struggle, wait, and hope, knowing that each day they spend with us is one step closer to their happy ending.  Every rescue, every story, every heart touched by the kindness of others is why we keep doing this work. We are here to ensure that every animal, no matter how long it takes, gets their chance at happiness.

We Have Some Exciting News to Share!

As a charity that relies on donations, we’re always looking for new and exciting ways to raise funds and support our vital rescue work. So, what better way to expand our fundraising offerings than by introducing the ultimate thrill-seeker’s challenge? Skydives!

Why Skydives Are Great for Charities

Skydiving is not just an adventure; it’s a fundraising phenomenon! Here’s why:

• Thrills and excitement: Skydiving attracts those who love adrenaline, making it a unique and exciting way to fundraise. It’s the kind of challenge that motivates people to push their limits for a cause they believe in – like Rain Rescue!

• Unforgettable experiences: Participants will take part in an experience they’ll remember forever. The sense of achievement after freefalling from 15,000 ft is immense, and knowing they’ve raised money for rescue animals makes it even more meaningful.

• Community spirit: Skydiving events bring people together for an adrenaline-filled day of fun, fundraising, and personal triumph. It’s a chance to bond with other supporters and share an amazing experience, all while raising funds to help animals in need.

• A great way to raise big funds: The minimum sponsorship target of £500 helps us reach our goals. A skydive isn’t just about the leap – it’s about making a huge impact on the lives of dogs and cats who’ve faced the hardest of times.

So, with this exciting addition to our fundraising portfolio, we’re giving you the chance to make a real difference and take the ultimate leap for our rescue animals.

The Challenge: Jump from 15,000 feet!

Feel the rush of 125mph freefall followed by a peaceful 5-minute canopy ride with breathtaking views of North Lincolnshire. Imagine the thrill of diving through the air while knowing you’re helping to rescue cats and dogs in desperate need.

To register your interest in our skydive challenge, click here.

2025 dates:

• Saturday 30th August

•  Friday 19th September

Find out more about our skydives here 

Challenge yourself. Champion their cause. Change their future.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!

Spring is a season of new beginnings—flowers bloom, the days grow longer, and the world feels full of hope. But for rescue shelters like ours, spring also brings something else: kitten season. And this year, it’s already coming in strong. Yesterday, a heart-breaking discovery was made outside our centre gates. A box had been left behind. Inside, curled up tightly, was a mother cat and her three newborn kittens. We have named her Petal. But she wasn’t alone. She had been left with another cat—who we have named Daisy.

But Daisy was gone.

Terrified and confused, she had leapt from the box and run. We can only imagine how scared she must have felt, suddenly abandoned in an unfamiliar place. Luckily, our team acted fast, setting a trap and searching desperately. Fortunately, one of our dedicated welfare team spotted her. She was trembling, but she was found. And with gentle reassurance, we brought her to safety. Daisy is heavily pregnant, and now, like Petal and her kittens, she is warm, safe, and cared for.

What would have happened to Petal, Daisy, and the three kittens if we hadn’t found them in time? What would have happened if we found an empty box and they had all escaped? It’s something we don’t even want to imagine.

We know this wasn’t an easy decision for their owner. A note was left behind. Someone, struggling enormously with their mental health, felt they could no longer cope. In that moment of heartbreak, they made the decision to leave their beloved pets somewhere they believed would be safe. Please, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, please know that you’re not alone. Asking for help is never something to be ashamed of. We understand how tough life can be, and we will never judge—only support. That’s why we’re here, and why we always will be.

But right now, we need the help of our supporters.

Petal, Daisy, the three kittens, and the ones soon to be born are just the latest additions to our care, but they’re not alone. At this moment, we now have four mums and their kittens—each one adding to the growing number of mouths to feed, lives to protect, and a desperate need for support.

The truth is, we can’t do this without you. Your generosity is the lifeline that enables us to provide food, warmth, and safety for these vulnerable animals and those who are still to arrive. Every donation, every act of kindness, plays a crucial part in ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

You can make a meaningful difference in two powerful ways:

Donate to Provide a Meal for Petal and Daisy: Your donation will ensure that both mums get the vital nutrition they need to care for their kittens. No amount is too small—every contribution makes a difference. You can donate the value of a meal here.

Or

Text SAFETY to 70480 to donate £3

Text SAFETY to 70480 to donate £5

Text SAFETY to 70480 to donate £10

Text SAFETY to 70480 to donate £20

And to the person who left them — If you’re reading this, we want you to know they are safe, warm, and being well looked after. We hope this brings you some peace of mind, in case you’ve been worrying about them. And if you ever want to check in and see how they’re doing, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Watch Petal and Daisy’s story here.