Hi my name is Yvette and I am the captain of the magical Barge Yaffle, where animals of all species come, when they are in need. Known as Wags on Water, myself and my two resident dogs, Sir Bob and Ember have lived happily onboard Barge Yaffle for 13 years. We serve our local community by providing a rescue service and facilitating ongoing rehabilitation, for any animal in need. Since the RSPCA stopped the rescue of wildlife, we have been constantly busy with call outs and transporting those animals in need of veterinary care, to local vets and wildlife centers. We are also a safe place for local lost/abandoned dogs and cats. Over the last 13 years Yaffle has been a safe haven to over 30 foster dogs, three cats, fox's, muntjac, swans, too many other bird species to count and even a lost skunk! We do not have charity status and we don't charge for any of the support we give, we are totally dependent on the good will of our local community and social media followers.

We recently lost our mooring of 13 years (after the lease was not renewed) and are currently trying to secure an affordable long term berth elsewhere, which has been extremely stressful. Because Yaffle is a boat, she has to have regular hull maintenance every four years. I saved up a budget of 4K to cover this work this time around. Yaffle also has to have her 10 year hull survey (to ensure that she meets the criteria for insurance) this time around. Our time scale for this years laying up, has been dogged with delays due to wind and a failing hydraulic steering unit. We've also been dogged by unexpected costs such as the new steering unit, and the fact that I now unable to do the manual work myself (due to arthritis in my hands and multiple spinal fusions) so I've had to pay for labor. To top off an already stressful situation, the marine surveyor has identified areas on Yaffle's hull that need plating with 6mm steel. With the hard saved budget gone, we are in need of financial help.

Barge Yaffle is not just our home, she is an ark to any species needing help, including people. I have spent many hours listening to folks over the phone or in person. We have had people (who have had to give up their dogs) crying on the sofa. When I arrive to collect injured wildlife, I always spend time keeping finders informed of progress, even if only to let them know the animal didn't survive. I don't want or expect anything for myself, so asking for peoples financial help (to get Yaffle back in the water) is really difficult for me. But without financial help, me and the crew will not be able to continue to support the animals and community of Ipswich and surrounding areas. Just the thought of not being able to carry on the work, makes me feel incredibly sad. I need your help to be get Yaffle back onto the Orwell and to doing her job, hopefully for many years to come.

Many Thanks for your support from Wags on Water AKA Barge Yaffle, Captain Yvette, Sir Bob & Ember