Phoebe was just 3 years and 11 months old when she first came into RAIN, but even something as simple as breathing was a struggle for her.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

Do you love animals? 🐾 Have you ever wanted to make a real difference in the lives of dogs and cats in need? At Rain Rescue, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do — and we’d love for you to join our family!

Why Volunteer with Rain Rescue?

Volunteering with us isn’t just about helping animals — it’s about being part of a community that cares. By giving your time, you’ll:

• Help rescue, care for, and socialise dogs and cats

• Support fundraising initiatives and community events

• Learn new skills in animal care and welfare

• Make lifelong friendships with fellow animal lovers

Every hour you spend with us directly impacts the animals in our care. From playful pups to shy cats finding their confidence, your support helps them thrive and find their forever homes.

What Volunteer Opportunities Are Available?

We welcome volunteers of all ages and experience levels. Some of the ways you can help include:

• Animal Care: Feeding, grooming, walking dogs, and socialising cats

• Fundraising Support: Helping at events, Bucket collections,  challenges, or promoting campaigns

• Admin Support: Helping with social media, donations, and other behind-the-scenes tasks

No matter how you help, every contribution makes a difference.

How to Become a Volunteer

Joining our Rain Rescue family is simple:

1. Apply online: Fill out our volunteer form via our volunteering page.

2. Attend an induction: Meet our friendly team, learn about our rescue animals, and get all the guidance you need to start volunteering confidently

3. Start making a difference: Begin volunteering and enjoy every tail wag and purr along the way!

Be Part of Something Special

Volunteering is more than just giving your time — it’s about being part of a compassionate community that changes lives. At Rain Rescue, every act of kindness, big or small, helps animals get the second chance they deserve.

🐶 Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join our Rain Rescue family!

Meet Nova – a tiny Dachshund who’s been through more than any little dog should. Abandoned, hungry, and terrified, she had every reason to be afraid of the world. But thanks to Rain Rescue and the kindness of supporters like you, Nova’s life has completely changed.

Today, she’s safe, loved, and thriving in her forever home—playing with her favourite toy, snuggling up with her family, and learning that the world can be a happy place.

You Can Make Stories Like Nova’s Possible

Every week, our Rain Rescue Lottery helps give abandoned animals a second chance at life. By playing, you’ll:

• Support rescues, medical care, and loving homes for dogs and cats like Nova.

• Be in with a chance to win big each week.

• Make a real difference with just one small act.

Click here to play and help animals like Nova feel safe again

Why Your Support Matters

When Nova arrived at Rain Rescue, she was trembling, underweight, and scared of every sound. With patient care, love, and gentle guidance, she slowly learned that the world could be safe—and that she could trust people again.

Your lottery entry helps us give more animals the same chance to heal, grow, and find loving homes. Every ticket brings hope to those who need it most.

A Happy Ending Starts With You

Nova’s story is a reminder that even the smallest act can change a life. And it’s not just Nova—hundreds of animals are waiting for the chance to be safe, cared for, and loved.

Click here to play the Rain Rescue Lottery now and help create more happy endings.

Our beautiful three-legged Saluki, Peaches, spent Christmas and New Year in foster care with our Centre Manager, Sophie, so she could continue to heal from her leg amputation. During that time, the bond between them grew stronger every day — snuggles on the sofa and quiet moments of trust and love.

We are overjoyed to share that Peaches has officially found her forever home — a real house to call her own — and she’ll be staying with Sophie and her family!

Peaches’ early life is a mystery — she was found as a stray, with no home, no one to care for her, and a leg injury that made life even harder. But now, she is thriving in a life full of love, comfort, and happiness. She enjoys playing with her cockapoo brother, Ozzy, going on gentle walks, trips to the pub, and cosy sofa snuggles. Every day is filled with warmth, care, and joy — a life every animal deserves, and one Peaches truly deserves.

A huge thank you to Sophie for giving Peaches this beautiful life. She is safe, loved, and happy — and we couldn’t be more grateful for the difference she has made.

This means you’ll be seeing a lot more of Peaches around Rain Rescue — she’ll be out raising awareness, visiting our centres, and shining as our very own RAIN Ambassador dog. She absolutely loves the attention of people, so if you see her, make sure to come and say hi! 🐾

Peaches’ story is a beautiful reminder of the resilience and courage our incredible animals show, even after a tough start. Stories like hers inspire us every day — happy endings, second chances, and lives transformed forever.

As we step into 2026 and beyond, RAIN will continue standing beside the animals and people who need us most. Thank you for being part of these heartwarming journeys. 🧡