Springs is a self funded sanctuary in Devon that gives homes to sheep, pigs and equines. The animals living here have a safe home for life where they can try to forget the neglect and hurt they have come from.

Being self funded, as vet fees have been rising rapidly over the last few years as well as they hay, bills are becoming harder to pay but the animals still need help.

In what has been the hardest year with vet bills I have ever experienced, we are now struck down with the blue tongue virus.

The sheep became very poorly all within a couple of days of each other. They were lethargic, barely able to walk, sore on their feet, stiffness throughout their body, they had very high fevers and swollen faces causing breathing difficulties.

They needed medication prescribed by the vet and also a visit to take bloods as this is a notifiable disease, we have no choice.

On top on this, they have needed extra feed, vitamin and energy drenchs and special fly repellent to prevent fly strike.

They are not out the other side of this virus yet and continue to need a lot of care and round the clock supervision. Fauna and Odin our hand rears didn't pull through. There is an emergency out of hours visit for humane euthanasia also to cover.

This has been physically and emotionally draining for the sheep and myself with the added stress of yet more vet fees to find money for. The bank account is sitting on £21 this evening. I am still trying my best to give the animals the life they deserve and I always feel awkward asking for support but sanctuaries can only continue to do good with the help of it's supporters. Thank you for taking the time to read this.