Bleakholt Christmas shoebox appeal

Bleakholt president, Gemma Atkinson with puppy Bundy, 14 weeks old, who was found abandoned at a farm

Crackers, tennis balls and salmon are just some of the Christmas treats that will bring festive cheer to the inhabitants of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary.

Actress and radio presenter Gemma Atkinson, president of the Edenfield sanctuary, recently launched the Christmas shoebox appeal for the animals who will be at the 55-acre site over the festive period.

“It means all the animals will have special treats at Christmas,” said Gemma, who got to meet some of the residents, including Uber, a former racing greyhound; Harley, a Staffie up for rehoming and Grumple Goatskin, a friendly goat.

The sanctuary houses dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals who they look to re-home and then horses, donkeys, mules, goats, hens and pigs who will live out their lives there.

They even have a turkey, Tina, who someone bought to kill but then couldn’t due to her lovely nature and Tina the turkey will now live a full life with the other animals.

If you can help with a shoebox of animal goodies this is what Bleakholt is asking for:

• DOGS: Schmakos, Kongs, dog dental sticks, Whimzees, Chappy dog food, squeaky toys, tennis balls and fleecy blankets
• CATS: Fluffy mice, kitten toys, Whiskas kitten food in jelly, fleecy blankets, catnip, catnip toys and salmon as a treat
• RABBITS: Pre-packed hay, chews, pellet rabbit food, toys, tunnels
• GOATS: Crackers, Weetabix, fruit especially bananas, ginger nut biscuits, salt licks
• DONKEYS: Ginger nut biscuits, carrots, pony treats
• HORSES: Carrots, specialist horse treats

Shoeboxes can be dropped off at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, Bury Old Road, Edenfield BL0 0RX.