This is not a post I’d ever thought I’d have to write, and I don’t really know where to start.

FOR began 8 years ago, a positive blog for rescue, that quickly spiralled into helping 1 dog, then 5 dogs then cats and we have rehomed thousands of dogs and as many cats, a few donkeys,

rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and poultry.

In my personal life, in that time I’ve had IVF, had 2 beautiful babies, got married, moved house twice and my mental health has taken a battering. I haven’t been able to take maternity leave, take a single days holiday or have a break. Rescue is a lifestyle and it has taken over mine, this isn’t a complaint; it’s in my blood and I wish I didn’t care but I do. I lose sleep, I am constantly thinking, worrying and trying my best to help as many animals as I can.

Only 18 months ago i lost my heart dog Tilly, she the very reason FOR existed and only 5 weeks ago today I lost my Dougal. This has crushed me, in losing them I’ve lost me. I am struggling to find my head, my peace and my grounding and only sharing it on here with like minded people has allowed me to properly get the validation I need to get through the days. I’m heartbroken but I don’t stop and because of this I can’t grieve, I’m scared to.

I’m sure most of our followers will notice that this was the first year we haven’t had a calendar and this was something that has made me feel like I’ve let things slip, I can’t seem to get to my feet and I’m trying so hard but my young family are starting to suffer because I’m always so preoccupied and it’s not right. I’m becoming resentful that I can’t step away like everyone else and I know it’s because Friends of Rescue is my baby but this has to be my time, I’m burning out and my physical and mental health is telling me to stop before its too late.

This leads me into making the official closure of FOR for the forseeable, it breaks my heart. FOR has been my life, blood, sweat and tears but I need to be in a better place with the right dedicated time and support and right now it’s not there and I can’t give the 100% it needs.

The page will remain open but not active, the reason for this is because our policy states that all FOR animals will ALWAYS remain FOR animals so any animals needing to come back MUST come back to FOR. The current animals we have in our care atm will be seen through to their new beginnings and all medical work carried out.

We will remain actively open until Sunday 19th for any guidance or support on rehoming animals.

Finally our bill at Vets4pets our vets as of today is £5,324.17 and we have a spay tomorrow for Nancy so we need to get this number down. Our account has been frozen in the hope that without anything being added on a daily basis we can get this down with your last push of support so please please don’t forget us, please click our PayPal or gofundme closure link below or contact our vets Vets4pets in person or via phone on 02871314420 below

I just want to say a massive personal thank you to everyone that has made FOR possible, from volunteers to adoptees to fosterers to fundraisers to donators, you have all

made this possible and changed so many lives. From the bottom of my broken heart, I can only say I hope this isn’t a goodbye but a see you later ❤️

All my love

Suzanne x