Woodside’s countryside sanctuary cares for and re-homes over 1200 unwanted and abused pets annually. All types of companion animals are taken in, with the exception of exotics and cage birds. A small number of hand reared farm animals and ex- battery hens have free range of our fields and our dogs enjoy daily walks in the adjacent forest. No animals are destroyed unless they are beyond veterinary help or dangerous. Animals not chosen for adoption, due to age or infirmity, remain in homely, special care units such as Dunroamin and The Mews. These much loved residents are given full medical care and have an extended family of dedicated staff and volunteers.Aware that simply re-cycling animals is not enough, Woodside has an enthusiastic approach to spaying and neutering, and offers an assisted spay scheme for owners on benefit. This service is especially promoted in deprived areas, by experienced staff through a welfare round. During these visits, vulnerable animals are often released into our care. The adoption of all pets is taken very seriously with pre and post home-checks, and follow up visits if felt necessary. It is mandatory that adopted pets are returned to the sanctuary if they can no longer be kept within the family. None of the above work could be achieved without the generosity of the general public, and our Founder and Administrator, Carole Bowles, who was made an MBE in 2000 for over forty years of unpaid service to animal welfare. When funds are low, services have to be scaled down, so every effort is made to generate, extra income via our charity shops, fund-raising volunteers, newsletters and appeals. Anyone who supports Woodside can be assured that funds raised are used to improve the lives of pets in need.