My name is Jo. I'm the founder of Serenity Pet Guardians and the You Are Loved Acts of Kindness Foundation, second chance haven CIC & Founder of Pin Herts CIC a pet food bank — a free pet food bank serving families across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.

I've been honoured with the BBC Make a Difference Award and the Animal Star Award for this work. But I didn't start because I was looking for recognition.

I started because I lost my daughter — and a rescue dog named Snuggles showed me how to find purpose again.

I'm building Second Chance Haven: a peaceful, purpose-led sanctuary where no animal lives in a cage — and no person has to feel alone in their struggle.

Animals will be grouped by temperament and compatibility, living in open, natural environments where they can genuinely heal. Dogs, cats, farm animals, wildlife — every creature deserving of a second chance will find one here.

But this sanctuary isn't only for animals.

If you're grieving, lonely, or simply struggling — you'll be welcome here too. Come and walk a dog. Care for a vulnerable creature. Sit quietly in a meadow. Heal alongside animals who already know how.

Every pound raised goes directly towards:

Land — at least 10 acres of open space

️ Basic facilities — natural shelter, no cages, no kennels

Legal setup — CIC licensing and planning permissions

Wild habitats — meadows and forested areas for rescued and native wildlife

Retreat space — a peaceful off-grid hut for people who need rest and recovery

I'll carry out much of the work myself, supported by dedicated volunteers. Any surplus will be used to expand what we can build.

This isn't just a dream — I'm already doing the work.

Our free pet food bank CIC donates food and accessories to families in need across three counties, tailored to each individual animal and owner.

Serenity Pet Guardians is a professional premium pet care service built on the belief that every animal deserves exceptional, individual care.

The sanctuary is the next chapter. It has been waiting since the day Snuggles arrived — and quietly changed everything.

"She arrived broken by people who should have known better. She left us with a purpose we did not know we needed."

Second chances don't happen by accident.

They happen because someone decided that a life — however damaged — was still worth something.

If you believe that too, I'm asking you to stand with me.

Every donation. Every share. Every word of encouragement moves us closer to a place where both animals and people can come back to themselves.

Thank you for being part of this.

— Jo, Founder

Serenity Pet Guardians & You Are Loved Acts of Kindness Foundation CIC

PINNED UPDATE (paste into your Updates tab):

We are a BBC Make a Difference Award and Animal Star Award winning organisation. Every donation goes directly towards land, facilities, and legal setup for Second Chance Haven — a cage-free sanctuary for rescued animals and a healing space for people too. Thank you for believing in second chances.