Sunshine, Super-Stars & A Salute to Our Volunteers
As we step into June, we hope you managed to enjoy the lighter evenings and both of May’s bank holidays – even if the weather didn’t always play ball!
While many took a well-earned break, things at Teckels carried on as usual. Our work doesn’t stop for weekends or holidays – our team, volunteers, and animal residents are here 7 days a week, rain or shine.
May brought a mix of challenges and heartwarming progress.
Behind the scenes, demand for our support remains high, but thanks to your continued kindness, we’ve been able to give second chances to those who need them most. From adoptions and strays to quiet breakthroughs and wagging tails, we’ve seen the difference that time, care and community can make.
This month’s update is packed with stories of transformation, milestones worth celebrating, and a heartfelt thank-you to the incredible volunteers who keep our sanctuary running.
Here’s to a joyful, sunshine-filled June – and to every single one of you who makes our work possible. Whether you donate, adopt, volunteer, or cheer us on from afar: thank you.
With love and thanks from all of us at Teckels.
Adoption Update
May brought some beautiful new beginnings:
🐱 9 cats adopted
🐶 5 dogs rehomed
Each one now curled up on a comfy sofa, exploring new gardens and finding their feet with loving families.
Stray Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation
Sadly, the number of stray animals needing help remains high:
🐾 11 stray animals came into our care during May
🏡 2 were happily reunited with their owners
🐾 8 were transferred to other rescues for rehoming
❤️ 1 has remained with us and will continue receiving the support they need
Every stray tells a story – and with your help, we’re giving them a better next chapter.
Dates for the Diary
Thursday 19th June – Pet Food Bank, Starbucks Stroud
Free cat and dog food, plus discount vouchers for our charity shop.Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August – Teckels Summer Show, Fromebridge Mill
Stallholder spaces available – email lucy@teckelsanimalsanctuaries.co.uk to join the line-up!
Supplies Needed – Can You Help?
We’re currently running low on a few items that help us give our dogs the best care and enrichment while they wait for their forever homes:
Training treats – especially low-fat or sensitive options
Tough chew toys – the kind that can survive enthusiastic chewers!
If you can spare anything, we’d be so grateful. Drop-offs can be made at the sanctuary or posted directly to us.
🧡 Volunteers’ Week – Thank You (and Join Us!)
1st–7th June marks Volunteers’ Week, and we want to send a massive thank you to every single person who gives their time to Teckels.
You are the soul of this sanctuary – from early starts and late finishes, to walking dogs, cleaning pens, comforting shy cats, fixing things, running events and keeping the wheels turning. We simply couldn’t do this without you.
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now’s the perfect time to get involved.
Whether you’ve got a few hours a week or one day a month, we’ve got a role for you – from reception and events support, to dog-walking, driving, fundraising and more.
We’ve added new volunteer roles here on our website – from reception support to pub quiz helpers and even a volunteer driver!
We’d love to welcome you to the team.
Calling All Stallholders – Join Us at the Teckels Summer Show!
We’re now taking stallholder applications for our 2025 Summer Show, and we’d love to hear from local makers, sellers and businesses who want to get involved.
It’s a great opportunity to showcase your products, support a local cause, and be part of a family-friendly weekend full of animals, activities and community spirit.
📅 Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2025
🕚 Time: 11am – 4pm (both days)
📍 Venue: Fromebridge Mill, Fromebridge Lane, Whitminster, GL2 7PB
Whether you sell crafts, food, gifts or pet products, we’re keen to build a diverse and engaging line-up of stalls.
📧 To apply or find out more, contact Lucy – lucy@teckelsanimalsanctuaries.co.uk directly.
Help Us Keep Our Shop Stocked! 👚👠
Our charity shop in Russell Street, Stroud is in need of good-quality clothing donations.
If you’re spring-cleaning, please consider donating your pre-loved items to help fund our rescue work.
📍 Drop-off at: 17 Russell Street, Stroud (call 01453 298080 for opening times)
Mac Goes From Rescue to Ringleader
Baxter came to us full of charm and mischief, and it didn’t take long for his personality to shine through. When he met his new family, the connection was instant, and now known as Mac, he’s thriving in his forever home.
Mac settled in right away. He’s grown more affectionate by the day and loves nothing more than a cuddle – when he’s not getting into mischief, that is! Training is ongoing, including lead work and crate time, but his fun-loving spirit keeps everyone smiling.
He’s teamed up with his new furry housemate Ray, and together they’ve discovered a love of vegetable plot destruction, kitchen-table acrobatics, and a shared passion for causing chaos.
“We are much in love with the newest member of our family,” his adopters say.
“He made himself at home immediately and brings us endless laughter and love.”
Tumble’s Transformation – From Hiding to Healing
Tumble arrived at Teckels in October 2024, a frightened, withdrawn cat who had clearly been through more than her fair share. For months, she rarely left her hiding spot, watching the world from the shadows of her pen. She was wary of people, hesitant to engage, and didn’t seem ready to trust – not yet.
But slowly, gently, our team – especially our volunteers – began to build a bridge. Quiet time spent simply sitting near her. Soft, consistent voices. Hand-fed treats. No pressure. No expectations. Just calm, patient care.
Little by little, Tumble began to change. First, she started responding to her name. Then, she ventured out from her hide to sniff a hand or accept a treat. Over time, she became more curious, even climbing onto laps to enjoy strokes – always on her terms.
It took more than six months of consistent, compassionate care. And then, just as she began to blossom, someone came along who saw her quiet magic. After a few gentle meet-and-greets, Tumble went home with Sue – someone who truly understood what she needed: time, space, and unconditional patience.
And now? Tumble is thriving.
“She has really come out of her shell now and is quite vocal – especially at 5.00 in the morning when she wants her food or some attention,” Sue writes. “She spends her days following me around, lying in the sunshine, or watching the birds, squirrels and wild rabbits in the garden.”
Tumble hasn’t ventured outside just yet – Sue is making sure the garden is completely secure before she explores on her own – but she’s had supervised strolls and taken it all in, safe in her new human’s arms.
She’s settled into home life beautifully, choosing her own favourite nap spots (including the TV cabinet and Sue’s bed), chatting away, and showing her playful personality. Her appetite is great, and she’s even got a brand-new “Big Boy” scratching post to help keep her claws in check – and her adopter’s furniture safe!
“She’s helped to make my house a home again,” Sue says. “I lost my precious cat Lucy in April, and while no one can replace her, Tumble is helping to mend my broken heart.”
It’s stories like this that remind us why we do what we do – and just how far love, time and patience can go.
Demand for Relinquishing Animals
Just like April, we’ve seen an increasing number of people seeking to relinquish animals in need.
In May, we received over 100 calls and emails from individuals looking to rehome dogs and 90 for cats.
Teckels’ commitment to helping animals in need and finding them loving homes remains unwavering.
Help us Continue Our Mission
Thank you to everyone who donates to Teckels, your generosity is making a profound difference.
Your support is the driving force behind our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for animals in need. Every contribution plays a vital role.
We invite you to become a donor today and continue making a difference.
Your support enables us to provide care, shelter, and hope to countless animals seeking a second chance at a better life. Together, we can create positive change and ensure a brighter future for these animals.
Join us in making a lasting impact today.
