Countdown to Christmas #2

{Source}

I am the proud owner of a donkey and a seal, although the seal doesn't live in the bath and the donkey isn't grazing in the garden but technically I have adopted them.  My adoption of Oscar the donkey was a birthday present from my Mum as part of the Adopta Donkey scheme at Elisabeth Svendsen’s Trust for Children and Donkeys; Kitto the seal was a Christmas gift from my Mum and the Gweek Seal Sanctuary. 

As part of adopting Oscar I receive a regular newsletter about how Oscar is getting on, as well as a certificate, birthday and Christmas cards and the option of popping along to the Sanctuary to visit him if I arrange an appointment.  My sister adopted Donk Dean from the same Sanctuary as Oscar so for my birthday one year we all went to visit them and it was lovely.

My Nan adores whales and dolphins so one year I adopted a dolphin called Whiskey for her, she received a video of Whiskey as well as a certificate and newsletter.  She was thrilled to bits with it and I think she was seriously considering making room in her bath for him!

It really is a fantastic idea to sponsor or adopt an animal for an animal lover this Christmas (maybe even treat yourself!), as well as spreading joy to the receiver - the gift of sponsorship or adoption can make a huge difference to the life of the animal.

Many organisations run sponsorship or adoption schemes which all offer something different depending on your preference.  For more information I recommend the following links:

World Wildlife Foundation (WWF)

Born Free

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)

Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

London Zoo

Dudley Zoo (or your local zoo)

Dogs Trust

Cats Protection League

RSPCA

Always make sure you buy your adoption or sponsorship directly from the animal organisation concerned to ensure your money is going to the right place.

I would love to hear from any of you that do decide to adopt or sponsor an animal this Christmas.

Seasons Greetings!

Rest in Peace Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE (1930 – 2011)

Source.

On Wednesday Elisabeth Svendsen the founder of the amazing Donkey Sanctuary sadly passed away, aged 81 years, after suffering a stroke.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a marvellous charity, established by Elisabeth in 1969.  The headquarters are in Sidmouth, Devon and the Sanctuary has cared for over 14,500 elderly and disabled donkeys as of this year.  In the mid 1970's Elisabeth established a sister charity called the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys which provides riding therapy between donkeys and children with special needs, the aim being to bring enjoyment and pleasure into the lives of the children. 

Elisabeth is one of my all time icons and I have been a huge follower of The Donkey Sanctuary from a young age.  Myself and my sister were both supporters of the Adopt a Donkey scheme for a number of years adopting Oscar and Donk Dean from the Birmingham branch.

My kindest wishes and condolences go out to all of Elisabeth's family, friends, colleagues and of course, beloved donkeys at this very sad time.

Official Announcement.

In Memory by David Cook, CE of The Donkey Sanctuary.

Join me in recording your own message of condolence for Elisabeth HERE.