Thanks to our animal-loving sponsors
Subscribe to our mailing list
Latest News
We’re thrilled to announce that Belle has welcomed her adorable puppies into the world! It’s a joyful time here at Rain Rescue, and we couldn’t wait to share the news with you.
These little ones are as cute as can be and, just like their mum, will need all the love and support we can give to get them started on the right paw. From cosy bedding to nutritious food, there are many ways you can help us care for Belle and her pups.
To learn more about Belle’s journey and how you can make a difference, check out our latest newsletter here. Thank you for being part of our community and helping us give Belle and her babies a brighter future!
This adoption is a particularly special one for us. As many of you know, Hathaway was returned to Rain Rescue when his owner fell ill and could no longer care for him. Hathaway struggles in a kennel environment, so finding him a home quickly was crucial!
Fortunately, he was with us for just under two weeks before being adopted again. We couldn’t be happier for this beautiful boy and his new family!
We’ve got a very special resident to introduce you to tonight! Everyone, meet beautiful Belle.
Belle was found as a stray and came to us from the dog warden after she was unclaimed. When dogs arrive as strays, we have very little information about them and have to get to know them from scratch. Learn what they like and dislike, try to decipher what kind of life they may have led from their behaviour, and do everything to assure them that they are safe now, for what might well be the first time.
Belle has given us a bigger surprise than most! She was very anxious on arrival, which is not uncommon, and the team did everything they could to put her at ease, but there was just something different about her behaviour and the team had a hunch. Investigation from our vets confirmed they were right….Belle is pregnant!
She has been settling in for the last week or so, and the vets believe she will have her puppies fairly soon. She is a super nervous girl, we don’t think she has seen much kindness in her life, but she has taken a real shine to two of our amazing animal carers – Emma & Kelly, and has been enjoying all the snuggles and extra special treats.
We are of course committed to supporting Belle and all her puppies (however many there may be!) to the lives they deserve, and we would really appreciate your help to do so. Every animal we help is a tricky balance, and surprise residents will put a strain on things! If you can donate towards Belle’s care and that of her puppies, and our other animals, please do so. You can give:
- via our donation page here
- you can treat Belle to a scrummy meal to keep her energy up for birth and feeding her litter here
- you can TEXT BELLE to 70085 to donate £5 towards her care (texts will be charged at one standard message rate plus your donation amount)
Thank you so much! These puppies will of course be adorable and melt all of our hearts, and all being well, they will undoubtedly find lovely forever homes once they are old enough, but there is a crisis in animal welfare, and far too many dogs for too few homes. Please neuter your pets and encourage friends and family to do the same, for the sake of all the animals out there without a home to call their own.
Please note: we are not accepting adoption interest for Belle at this time. Thank you!
With Trick or Treaters knocking, here’s a Halloween tip to keep your cats and dogs safe: Keep them distracted!
Place some enrichment like Licky mats or stuffed kongs in another room to keep them busy, or pop them on a lead while you answer the door! This will help prevent any unexpected escapes and keep your furry friends calm and safe.
Let’s make this Halloween fun for everyone—including your pets!
At Rain Rescue, our mission is to save and support the lives of animals in need. We are always seeking ways to create meaningful collaborations that not only help our cause but also bring value. Auris Ear Care has provided our charity with incredible photo opportunities, and we are grateful for their support.
Established by Dr Riaz Rampuri in 2018, Auris Ear Care specialises in ear infection treatment, the extraction of foreign bodies from ears and microsuction ear wax removal in London and across the Home Counties. As the first CQC regulated clinic in the UK, they provide home visits 24/7. Their ENT doctors treat both adults and children.
Thank you Auris Ear Care for supporting Rain Rescue.
We know first-hand the positive impact that pets can have on our mental well-being.
They bring so much joy and comfort into our lives, offering unconditional love, companionship, and can even help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that spending time with pets can boost our mood, encourage physical activity, and provide a sense of purpose.
On this important day, let’s celebrate the positive effects our furry friends have on our mental health. Please share a story of how your pet has helped your mental health!
Hi everyone, you may recognise my handsome face because I’ve been here before. I was adopted back in August, but unfortunately I didn’t get the fairytale ending I was hoping for, because my poor owner started suffering with ill health 😢 I’m sad to be looking for another home, but I really hope they get better!
I was getting used to having a home so it would be great if I wasn’t here for long. Not that I don’t love the team here, they are so lovely to me and give me lots of attention, but it’s not the same as having your own family & home.
Please share my story with everyone you know to help me finally find the forever home I deserve!
View Hathaway’s profile here.
Hi everyone, I have been at Rain Rescue for 12 weeks after giving birth to my kittens & raising them here, but I am now ready to find a loving home of my own!
My foster Mum says I am an absolute cutie & loving purr machine. I mean I wouldn’t argue with her, I do love a nice warm lap to snuggle on!
I may be happy as the only pet, but if you have other pets it’s always worth speaking with the team about that before ruling me out. I am also family friendly, but older children would be preferable so they allow me my space when I need it.
As Animal of the Week, my adoption fee has been reduced to £85 for this week only! Please help by sharing my story, it would mean the world to me.
View Willow’s profile here.
Frenchie & Millie arrived with us in September 2024. The aptly named ‘Frenchie’ and her daughter Millie, have an incredibly close bond, and have been joined at the hip since Millie was born nine years ago. The girls’ owners were no longer able to care for them after a really difficult change in circumstances. Sadly, these ladies came to us needing a little more help than most.
Both girls needed extensive veterinary help, and while Millie had some eye and skin issues that needed attention, it was poor Frenchie who had really been in the wars. She had severe eye problems, causing her significant and constant pain. So much so, her eye was protruding from the socket, swollen and irritated. There was no choice but to remove her eye, an expensive surgery, not without risk, especially with Frenchie’s age and breed, but she could have no real quality of life without it.
Frenchie is a trooper, she came through the surgery and her eye was healing well. Sadly, while Frenchie was under anaesthetic, our vets also found severe dental issues and discovered a number of tumours in her mouth, later confirmed to be malignant.
We did not know how much time Frenchie would have left, but at for the time being she was comfortable. She was happy and playful and her pain was easily managed with medication.
We were desperate for her to spend her remaining days in the comfort of a home, with her beloved daughter Millie, and a loving family to call their own. So we set about looking for just that – a long-term foster home for these girls, a family that would take them in, and give them all the love and home comforts they needed, while all their medical needs were tended to by Rain Rescue.
Imagine our delight when our gorgeous little duo found just that!
A family came forward willing to take the girls in and give them the loving home they deserved. Upon meeting, it was love at first sight and within a few days, the girls had their paws well and truly under the table!
The team miss their wiggles and their little grunts, but we are all over the moon that they have found their happy ending, together as they have always been.
We will still see both girls regularly, as our in house vets will be tending to all their medical needs while they are in their forever home. Our shared goal now with their forever family, is to keep them as happy and healthy as possible, for as long as possible. And when the time does come, for Frenchie to peacefully pass over the rainbow bridge, Millie will be able to find comfort and support adjusting to the change, from her wonderful new family.
We could not do what we do for dogs like Frenchie & Millie without generous donations from our wonderful supporters. If you would like to help fund more happily ever afters for dogs like Frenchie & Millie, you can make a donation to support our vital work here.
With Bonfire Night fast approaching, there are ways you can prepare your dog for the event, to reduce their stress and anxiety when the time comes.
Some dogs will be totally unphased by fireworks, snoozing the evening away as usual! But for some, it can be a terrifying experience, which can be extremely distressing for us as owners.
In the build up to these events, and through the year, there are things you can do to try and ease the stress of bonfire night for your dog. You can find a step by step guide below. Desensitisation training can be a slow process, and you may at times have to go back a few steps and then progress again. Attempting to rush it though, can do more harm than good, so it is wise to start desensitisation training as far in advance as possible, and to go at your dog’s own pace, to best set them up for success.
If you have welcomed a puppy or rescue dog into your family, who has not experienced fireworks before, we recommend including some desensitisation training for them, even if they have shown no signs of noise anxiety, this will reduce the chance of them developing fears in later life.
Desensitisation Training
Aim to start this as far in advance of the anticipated stressful event as you can.
- Firstly, it is wise to have your dog checked over by a vet. Noise sensitivity is often seen in pets who are in pain or have undiagnosed medical issues, such as gastrointestinal problems. If your pet is in discomfort, training will at best take much longer, or at worst be completely ineffective. If your dog has developed noise anxiety quite quickly when they have previously been quite relaxed, it is even more likely that they are experiencing some pain that requires attention.
- Decide on a time during the day when it is most convenient to train, and plan that into your schedule. This will make it more likely that you are able to stick to the plan, even in the face of busy, everyday life. Several short sessions a day, will be more effective than one long session, and consistency is key.
- Systematic desensitisation has been shown to be most effective at helping with noise phobias. This involves playing firework noises (you can find compilations of these on YouTube) and GRADUALLY increasing volumes at a pace that your dog can cope with. Remain calm whilst you do this training and continue with your day as normal, but ensure to keep a close eye on your dog. Watch for any subtle changes in body language that suggests they are uncomfortable, and reduce the volume if you spot any, back to a level they are comfortable with. You can find a detailed guide on interpreting your dog’s body language here How to Understand Your Dog’s Body Language | Dogs Trust.
- Play the sounds at such a low volume that your dog notices the sound, but does not respond fearfully to it. Their ears might prick, and they may look up, but they should quickly be able to go back to what they are doing. Look out for signs of anxiety like licking lips, yawning, scratching, whining and pacing, and immediately reduce the volume further. You may have to start at a lower level than you anticipate to solicit an aware yet relaxed reaction from your dog.
- Over the course of many days, increase the volume very gradually, noting how your dog responds each time and adjusting the volume as needed. Don’t increase the volume until your dog is able to ignore it at its current level. You may provide calm, relaxed activities while the sound is playing, such as long lasting treats or enrichment puzzles (if your dog enjoys these in a calm manner – avoid anything that may frustrate them), but don’t try to engage in play or encourage excitement in your dog, you want your dog to be relaxed and neutral through the process.
- Never throw your dog into the deep end by cranking up the volume and expect them to get used to it- it won’t work and your dog will suffer as a consequence. Slow, gradual exposure is key.
You can apply the above methods to any noise your dog may find particularly stressful, such as thunderstorms, traffic, or sirens.
If you seek further advice and support, please contact your vet or a qualified dog behaviourist. Should you have any questions about the advice provided here, please reach out to our team who will be happy to help!
How you can make your dog more comfortable on the day
You may have stumbled across this article only a few days before fireworks are likely, in which case, it is not wise to start desensitisation training, as there will not be time for it to have effect. However, there are other things you can do, to support your dog through this stressful period.
- Create a safe space for your dog to relax– somewhere where they can retreat away from the noise, should they wish. If your dog chooses to hide rather than seek comfort from you, let them.
- Be on hand to provide comfort and reassurance– try to keep them as calm as possible but let them come to you for reassurance, rather than insisting.
- Take walks in the day before it gets dark– this will be quieter and less stressful for them, a dog fearful of fireworks will find being outside while they are going off extremely distressing, and may even attempt to flee. If you must take them outside, to the garden for instance, keep them on a lead.
- Make your own noise– play their favourite music or have the TV on to distract them from the noise outside.
- Close your windows and curtains– shut out the flashes and muffle the noise.
- Talk to your neighbours and event venues in your area– ask them if they’re having fireworks so you can be prepared on the night they do.
- Provide lots of drinking water– nervous dogs are likely to pant more and become thirsty.
- Keep them in a secure room when answering the door– a frightened dog may attempt to flee to try and escape the perceived threat, and this means they won’t be able to suddenly escape out of the door.
- Provide a long-lasting tasty treat– treats like a filled Kong can keep them distracted and their mind busy.
- Use relaxing aromas in your home– scents like Lavender and Chamomile can aid relaxation. There are also calming medications/remedies available that you can purchase through your vets. Always make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek advice from a vet before using any product. Be aware that some essential oils are toxic to animals so read ingredients lists thoroughly.
- Use tried and tested pheromone therapy – such as Adaptil or Pet Remedy, which has been proven to reduce anxiety during thunderstorms. Always make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek advice from a vet before using any product.
If your dog does struggle with fireworks this year, we suggest allowing some time to decompress after the event, and then starting desensitisation training with them very, very gradually, to ease their anxiety in the coming years. Depending on how extreme the fear is, your dog may never be totally comfortable, but you can help make things easier for them, with time, consistency and patience.
We would like to share an update about Wendy, now named Margot, who was adopted from Rain Rescue back in May!
Her new family says: “Margot has settled in really well & has very much gotten her paws under the table! We’re very happy with her and with all the care that you’ve given to Margot. Dealing with Rain was great and hassle-free. You obviously care a great deal about your rescues, and that shows with the thought and consideration that goes into the full process of adoption and aftercare.”
We love a an update especially on a Sunday night, and we’re so glad Margot has found a fresh start. Just look at her gorgeous coat now she is in her own home & settled!
Exciting News! Onigri, now named Ronnie, has found his forever home with his wonderful new family!
“We just thought we would let you know that Onigiri seems to be settling in well, he’s enjoying his food, and likes his brothers Whiskers cat biscuits. We got him some balls and toys, & he has taken a shine to a Nemo fish, we think he likes the squeaks it makes. He’s already started to lay next to his human sister’s Moses basket and has started to make friends with his cat brothers, who are really interested in him. He’s enjoying running around the back garden with his tennis ball. We’ve renamed him Ronnie to go with the “ie” theme – his cat brothers are called Eddie and Arnie. His favourite treat is gravy biscuits, although we think he still prefers the cat biscuits!”
We are so happy for handsome Ronnie and hope he has the best life!
If you would like to change a dogs life for the better, you can see our dogs available for adoption here.
Happy #FeedbackFriday!
We’re proud to share this heart warming feedback from one of our recent cat adopters. Hearing stories like these makes our day and reminds us why we do what we do.
“It’s been a perfect experience. From the initial contact to the adoption day all the staff were wonderful, organised, informed and very willing to answer questions. There was no pressure at any time. It has really felt like Maggie was there waiting for us, she has fitted and settled in so well and we are now a family unit of 3. Thank you so much!” – Jennifer adopted Maggie in June 2024.
A big thank you to all our adopters who provide loving homes to our furry friends. Your support means the world to us and our rescue animals!
Have you adopted from us recently? Please contact us – we’d love to hear your story! Share your feedback and let us know how your new family member is doing.
THANK YOU to Laura and everyone at STOS Theatre Company for your very generous donations to the homeless animals in our care, your support is really appreciated!
STOS are holding an amazing theatrical show, Crazy For You, at the Sheffield Lyceum between the 19th & 23rd of November. Please show them some support and buy your tickets here – https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crazy-for-you-stos-2024/dates
The team at Rain Rescue and all our furry residents hope you all have a great show!
Have You Subscribed to Our Rain Rescue Newsletter?
Don’t miss out on all things Rain Rescue! Our latest newsletter is packed with updates on our current and former animals of the week, upcoming events, and much more.
View our newsletter through the link below, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update on our rescue stories and events: https://mailchi.mp/rainrescue/swiftys-adoption-story
“For the last 22 years, Rain Rescue has grown into an amazing charity saving lives in and around South Yorkshire, one of the top 10 cruelty hotspots in the UK, where around 400 cats and dogs are helped to find a new safe place and home.
Rain began with Steve and I helping dogs in stray kennels, destined to be put to sleep when they had done no wrong. We couldn’t bare to see this needless destruction so we started to help where we could. Driving hundreds of them up and down the country into safe rescue places. Then back ‘up north’, to save more.
We raised funds using social media and through the 3 shops that we had. Where YOU, our supporters, funders, and donors have loyally stayed with us through many tough years. We still can’t believe the many messages we receive, from people who have shared our journey, it’s truly uplifting.
You’ve seen thousands of photos of the dogs and cats passing through Rain’s gates, and watched as we opened our vet room (with the help of #PetsFoundation ) and started helping to neuter so many homeless cats.
In 2023, we were lucky enough to secure a grant from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. They wanted to ensure Rain Rescue survived, long into the future. Part of this grant, was to allow myself and Steve, to retire, and to recruit someone who would be able to lead Rain Rescue forward, taking on the many challenges being faced in dog and cat welfare today as many owners experience financial hardships. Times are so hard in the sector, that donations have dropped dramatically whilst requests for help increased as have the neglectful conditions for the pets coming into care. The cost to help them has spiralled.
As I start to retire, I would like to thank all of those who have shared our journey over the years – no matter what part you played – if you helped pets, pet owners or our team, you are our kind of people. THANK YOU to all who have ever been part of our Rain Rescue Team and volunteers, who have been such a nice group of people to work alongside, to our Corporate Sponsors who always help when needed, and with a special THANK YOU to Rain’s amazing Trustees who have helped to make all of this possible and have been so supportive.
I can’t finish without saying a big THANK YOU to the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (#ADCH), I have met the most kind and wonderful people who will always help anyone. Sharing their knowledge that many may have spent hours to collate, but knowing that we are ‘STRONGER TOGETHER’ gives it away freely. Just being there as the shoulder to cry through tough times.
Finally, I cannot leave without saying an extra special THANK YOU to the Management and Board of #Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, for seeing and believing in the work that small charities do. It’s an amazing foresight of them. For recognising just how needed these smaller teams are as each one of them, helps many pets and their owners and so many, like Rain Rescue, are struggling under the many heavy pressures of today’s crisis. I truly hope the partnership between Rain Rescue and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will continue for many years to come.
For now, I would like to say to everyone, THANK YOU for being kind and supportive. Steve and I will always be around somewhere as a part of Rain Rescue and are so proud of the work we have all achieved together. We can watch from a distance, as it continues to grow and be a lifeline to homeless animals.
I’m very excited to give a BIG WELCOME and introduce you to our new Chief Exec, Trisha Spargo. Trisha is eager to start this next journey with Rain Rescue, bringing to Rain so much experience from within the sector, having managed other large animal centres, and sharing Rain Rescue’s passion for helping vulnerable animals find their new homes. I hope you will all join me in giving Trisha the support that she needs to help pets in crisis and carry on the wonderful legacy that is RAIN – forever Rescuing Animals In Need.
Thank you for everything, for your continued support to help pets. We will always need YOU.”
Jacquie & Steve Neilson
Our Founder Jacquie Neilson was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list this year. Earlier this month, Jacquie was presented with her medal at Windsor Castle, by her favourite, The Princess Royal. Jacquie, her husband Steve, daughter Annie and her partner Jack, had an unforgettable day.
Princess Anne and Jacquie chatted about the state of dogs and cats in rescue today, and chuckled over a breed they both love – the English Bull Terrier.
The Neilson’s have always loved and tried to help animals, so much so that 22 years ago, Jacquie started “RAIN RESCUE” and over the years, Rain has helped thousands of animals. Sadly, rescue is still a very tough environment, with too many broken hearts left without homes. The charity is still struggling to forever help more.
2024 looks to be a very eventful year for both Rain Rescue and the Neilson’s – so watch this space for even more announcements but for now – we thought you would like to see this very proud moment in the history of animal welfare and Yorkshire.
A very proud moment indeed.
Your support is essential for giving cats like Peanut and her eight kittens a fighting chance. Peanut, a soon-to-be mother cat, was rescued from the cold streets just in time to safely give birth under our care. Not only did she welcome her four kittens into a warm and loving environment, but she also extended her remarkable maternal care to four additional orphaned kittens, all of whom are now thriving thanks to her maternal instincts.
This heart warming story of survival and compassion highlights the difference we can make with your help. Your generosity enables us to continue our mission of rescue and care for animals in need, ensuring our doors remain open to those without a home.
Discover more about Peanut’s incredible journey and how you can help them at https://rainrescue.co.uk/appeal/cat-appeal/.
The job is out!!! Our new Fundraising Manager role is being sought! Could it be you or someone you know, looking to make a difference to dog and cat welfare?
Having recently won a substantial 3-year grant from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and £100k+ from The Pets Foundation for an on-site Vet Room facility, we now need our new team member to join us, and build our grants and trusts and our Individual Giving supporter journey, bringing experience and passion.
Are you the one to join Rain Rescue at this exciting time?
Take a look, this could be your next opportunity
https://uk.indeed.com/job/fundraising-manager-4ff4f8043ad9ea31
We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic update for our Rain Rescue community and the beautiful XL Bullies! After detailed discussions with our insurance following the XL Bully Ban, we have now received approval to welcome your Exempted dogs into our onsite secure field and agility paddock. (Please note – our Lane field is not available for use by Exempted dogs, due to the low fencing.)
Book your slot here – https://rainrescue.co.uk/rent-our-spaces/
To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time, there are a few simple steps to follow:
- Owners must upload their exemption certificate when booking. This is essential to prevent any disappointment upon arrival.
- For the safety and comfort of all, any Exempted dogs must be muzzled and on a lead right up until they are safely within the secure field.
Our onsite field is currently taking a little break due to weather conditions, but rest assured, your furry friends can enjoy this space as soon as it reopens, and can enjoy our agility paddock in the meantime.
This is a milestone we’ve worked hard to achieve, and it’s part of our commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all pets and their owners. We believe every dog deserves a chance to play, learn, and socialize in a secure setting.
We can’t wait to see your XL Bullies bounding around, enjoying the freedom and fun our facilities offer.
