The Story

For over five years, I’ve provided a safe haven for abandoned cats and dogs in my own home, offering food, medical care, and shelter when no one else could. So far, I’ve used my own funds to support this work, bringing every animal in my care back to good health and rehoming them with wonderful families. But the demand far exceeds the space I have.

Recently, I lost one of my own pets—Tinka. Her passing inspired the name of this rescue and strengthened my drive to expand. I realised the huge impact she had on my daily life and routine. Tinka was a beautiful soul who touched so many hearts, and through this rescue I want to spread the love she left with me - heres a picture of Tink.

My goal is to establish a dedicated rescue facility in the West Midlands. This space will provide proper housing, quarantine areas for new arrivals, and room for rehabilitation and socialisation. A larger, purpose-built site means I can rescue more animals, provide better care, and increase successful rehoming.

My rescue will be pro-life and free-roam.

What is a pro-life rescue?

A pro-life rescue does not euthanise healthy or treatable animals. Every animal is kept in care until adopted or given a lifelong sanctuary space.

What is a free-roam rescue?

A free-roam rescue is a shelter where animals—usually cats—are not kept in cages. Instead, they live in open rooms, catios, or large enclosures where they can move freely, socialise, and behave naturally.

Funds raised will be allocated to:

Property Lease: Securing a farm, barn, or suitable building to house the rescue, as my current home is now full and cannot safely accommodate more animals.

Renovations and Equipment: Creating secure free-roam rooms for the cats, insulated sleeping areas, and a treatment room.

Animal Care and Supplies: Covering veterinary care, food, bedding, and cleaning materials.

Future Growth: Expanding capacity to take in more animals as the rescue develops.

This project will transition my small, home-based rescue into a professional facility capable of making a measurable impact on animal welfare in the region. With public support, we can remove more animals from the streets and give them the second chance they deserve.

Who We Are

Chelji

I am a musician with a lifelong love for animals. Although music is my career, I spend most of my time helping the rescues I take in. Over the years, I’ve rescued horses, cats, dogs, budgies, and more. I currently care for one rescue English Bulldog named Lailia, who suffers from panic disorder and requires special care, and five cats—Omen, Lucifer, Simon, Ginge, and Crash.

There are currently twelve strays in my area waiting to be rescued. While I’ve managed to take in the kittens we could catch, I simply don’t have the space to help them all. My goal is to bring every one of them to safety and find them loving homes.

Spikey

I am a videographer with a deep love for animals. Working alongside the rescue, I will provide social media updates on the animals in our care and keep detailed records of their vaccinations and treatments. In my daily life, I assist Chelji, which naturally involves the many animals she can’t turn away—and there are plenty.

I’ve personally rescued a cat named Cookie and a dog named Pups, both of whom were abused. With time and care, I rehabilitated them from being terrified of humans to trusting and loving their new owners.

Thankyou for the support, we are excited to start this journey.

Keep up to date with us <3

Facebook - Tinks Foundation Cat Rescue West Midlands