Best Sellers

The second in our " Best Sellers " features food for your garden birds. Our Pet Shop stocks bags of peanuts, wild bird food and sunflower seeds as well as large and small fat balls.

We also have filled half coconuts and large sunflower/peanut and fat sticks.

So, if you feed your garden birds (and squirrels11) come and have a look at our range of bird food and feeders.

Liz

Best Sellers

As promised, here is the first of our "Pet Shop Best Sellers"

Rawhide chews for dogs have always been a favourite amongst our customers.

We have a chew suitable for all sizes of dog.

As you can see from the picture,they come ina variety of shapes and sizes and they range from 30p -- £1.99.

So, why not come and stock up on your dog's favourites?

Liz

Introducing "Fowlty Towers"

Fowlty Towers is a new Hen Hotel run by Julie Smith.

Julie helps to re-home hundreds of ex-battery hens and has now set up this service for people who need someone to look after their pet hens when they go away.

Contact Julie on 07968005951, fowltytowerskent@gmail.com

A belated "Thank you "

Those of you that have visited Foal Farm recently will know that the Pet Shop has returned to its proper home. The Pet Shop is now insulated and damp proofed on its three outside walls thanks to the hard work of two fantastic volunteers.

Thank you so much to Jim Holmes and Terry Kilsby both of whom gave their time and money into getting the work completed.

Starting next week I hope to regularly feature our "Best Sellers" showing you some of the favourite items that sell regularly in the Pet Shop.

To remind you -- the Pet Shop is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1.30pm -4.30pm.

Hope to see you there.

Liz

Shaun the Sheep meets Shaun the Sheep

The children’s television show character had a brilliant time meeting his real life counterpart Shaun, 15, who is a resident at Foal Farm.

Shaun the Sheep completed a tour of the borough promoting Shaun’s Big Show which is showing at The Churchill theatre.

Foal Farm Chief Executive Kim Puttock said: "Our Shaun is every bit as lovable as his television double and it was great to have his more famous TV friend here to support our appeal for more sponsors for long term residents like Shaun.”

Go to Foal Farm Sponsorship for details of the animal(s) you can sponsor.

Bargain Time

We have a small range of Pet Shop stock offered, while stocks last, at reduced prices.

This is in the hope that no goods will go out of date or become unsaleable during the time the Pet Shop is undergoing repairs.

These are only available on Saturdays and Sundays as the work takes place on weekdays.

Come and have a look.

Thanking you as always for your custom.

Liz

Foal Farm's Pet Shop

A belated Happy New Year to you all.

Many of you will know that the Pet Shop has not yet re-opened after Christmas and the New Year. This is because it is undergoing essential works. If you have ever been a customer of The Pet Shop in the winter, you will know that it can be bitterly cold. Also, in the summer, it is very hot because there is at present no insulation on the bare boards that form the three outside walls. The plan is to put plastic sheeting along the long wall, wait for the wall to dry out and then put in insulation and board that over.
This unfortunately will take a little while. We plan to still have our popular donated goods,bird food etc outside on Rummage Sale Day ( January 30th) but cannot re-open until the work has been completed.
We are really sorry but this work is essential.

Thank you all for your custom in 2010 and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Best Wishes

Liz, Anne ,Pat and Chriss

RIP Neggie

It is with a heavy heart and tear-filled eyes that we must report the passing of one of our oldest friends and most long term resident animals.

Neggie the ‘King’ of donkeys was sadly put to sleep last Tuesday 11th January. He was 46 years old, making him one of the oldest donkeys in the country. He would have been resident at Foal Farm for 30 years this year, arriving at the sanctuary in September 1981 after being abandoned by his previous keepers in Edenbridge. Old age finally crept up on him and his body gave up, though his mind was still strong. It will forever stand as the most difficult decision I have ever made to let the ‘Old Man’ go, but it was the right time for him. He died peacefully and with dignity.

He was one of the most remarkable animals I have ever met, and this planet will not live long enough to see his equal walk upon its ground. He was an intelligent, mischievous rogue who had a spirit that was never truly tamed. He bit, he kicked, he barged, he made you cry, and he jumped out on you in the dark like some long eared phantom. But he also inspired many a fond story, made you smile and laugh until tears of joy rolled down your cheeks, ‘sang’ to the music played in the stable yard and was even known to give a baritone accompaniment to the tin whistle or mouth organ. To win Neggie’s friendship was to work very, very hard to earn his respect which was quite the opposite in reverse; he commanded respect with ease by his very presence. If you were stood in the same field that he was in you always, instinctively, knew where he was.

Foal Farm has been the operational base of the Friends Of Animals League charity for nearly 49 years and Neggie had been an integral part of this for nearly 30 of them. He has been a constant, part of the heart of what we do, and a thread that can link so many people together with recollections and anecdotes of their experiences with him. Please, if any of you have stories to tell or pictures to share, don’t hesitate to let us all know. Let us commemorate his life by never forgetting him and remembering what a huge privilege it was to have shared time with him. You will be sadly missed my old friend.

Long live the King.

Farewell Cherry Cat

Cherry came to Foal Farm in 1996 as a feral cat who was straying in the local golf course. She decided to have her kittens in the warmth of our kitchen that year and once she was spayed she was released on to the farm. She always avoided human contact but would return to the kitchen when the public were gone to have her supper. For the last couple of years she would spend most of her time in the kitchen, especially when it was chilly and spend that time with another kitchen cat called Ella, who we have also recently lost. Cherry always looked a little scruffy and had very poor eyesight, but she was a sweet old lady. She was approximately 16-17 years of age and passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday 20 December 2010 to join her friend Ella. RIP Cherry xxx.

Farewell Sefton

It is with heavy hearts and tearful eyes that we must report the death of another of our long term friends at Foal Farm.

Sefton, our dear little Shetland pony was put to sleep late afternoon on Thursday 16th December. He had been suffering with arthritis for several years, managed with pain killers under veterinary advice. However, the problem progressed to the point where the painkillers were no longer working and our only option was to let him go and release him from his constant pain.

Sefton arrived at Foal Farm in 1996 with his friend Dixie (who sadly passed away several years ago), after being left abandoned in a field when his owners moved house. From that irresponsible and uncaring home he ended up with us and received nothing but the most sincere love and care for the rest of his days. He has been a favourite with many of the staff over the years, past and present, and will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Making these types of decisions for our beloved animal friends will never become easy, but we have to always put the welfare needs of the animals first and foremost, way above our personal attachments. It is hard, but it is what we have to do.

Safe journey Sefton, you are free from pain now. xxx

Farewell Ella Cat

It is with regret that we must inform you that we lost Ella cat on 6th December 2010.

She arrived at Foal Farm in 1998. Ella was on expensive veterinary treatment for liver damage which her owners could not afford.

Ella was a clever cat! She lived in the kitchen and we can tell you many a dog was cat tested with her and they quickly learnt never to cross a cat again!

Ella had health problems right from the start and we nearly lost her a couple of times. On top of her liver problems she also had kidney problems and needed an injection once a month. This was where she used her cleverness. On the day that the vet would arrive she literally disappeared first thing in the morning and would reappear half and hour after he had gone - every time!

In the end we used to catch her the day before and put her in an FIB room. The vet would arrive, jab her and she would spit, growl, swear, turn up her nose and walk out clearly planning her escape the following month!

Ella mellowed with age. We all loved her and laughed at her antics.

She was found in the kitchen on the morning of 6th December 2010, after passing away in the early hours. She was about 18 years old.

RIP Ella - you will be sadly missed xxx

Farewell Piggywiggy

It is with regret that we must inform you that we lost Piggywiggy the pig. She was put to sleep last night after collapsing and developing a very low temperature. She was about 14 years old and very arthritic.

Piggywiggy arrived at Foal Farm in February 1997 after being found stray on a farm in Hawkhurst.

RIP Piggywiggy, you will be sadly missed xx

Severe weather hits Foal Farm!

Thank you to everyone who has offered us help and support in any way - it is greatly appreciated!

Thought we would share some of our winter photo's with you all.

For more photos

Time for Tea

A big thanks to Janet Smith in Norbury who laid on a magnificent tea party at her home to raise funds for Foal Farm.

As well as enjoying delicious sandwiches and cakes, Janet and her friends kindly donated £135 to Foal Farm, money which will be well spent on caring for the animals this winter.

This goes to show that fundraising doesn't necessarily mean rattling tins on chilly streets, or jumping out of aeroplanes - it's whatever works for you! If you have an idea to raise money, please get in touch.

Lisa

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The Bottle Stall

Anne would like to thank all the kind supporters who donated bottles for the Bottle Tombola at our Gift Fair today.
As you can see the table was groaning with prizes and with the help of Mary (Thank you Mary) £224.50 was raised on this one stall alone.
The Fair was a great success and we hope that the visitors went away happy having got some bargains.
If you couldn't make it today , never mind. There are still bargains to be had on-site in the Pet Shop, Christmas Shop and Jumble Shed.
Hope to see you there

Top Ten Tips for Keeping Fireworks Night Stress-Free...

1. Make sure your home is escape-proof. Many animals choose to flee when they are frightened. Make sure your pet is inside, secure windows, doors and cat flaps. Also ensure dogs and cats are wearing collars, and that all animals are microchipped so that if they were to go missing you can be reunited as soon as possible. Foal Farm can microchip your pets for a small fee.
2. In the run up to Fireworks Night, give your animals opportunities to go to the toilet before the bangs start. Walk your dog in the morning or early evening, and make sure your cat has a litter tray if used to toileting outdoors.
3. If your pet has a bolthole where they choose to hide when frightened, give them a den in that place. Put a bed in there, and something impregnated with your sent. Leave them in there and do not attempt to coax them out, as this may cause them to behave defensively. Pad and cover their den to reduce sounds. Draw the curtains, play music or put the television on to mask the lights and noises of the fireworks.
4. Try not to leave your pet alone during Fireworks season. Your pet may harm themselves in attempts to escape or cause damage at home. They may develop separation-related problems or compound existing problems.
5. Check your own behaviour - do not respond to fireworks yourself, and avoid reassuring your pet if they are fearful, as this can reward the behaviour and increase it.
6. Do not punish your pet! This will increase their anxiety and make them more distressed. Reward relaxed behaviour.
7. Play with your pet, or have a few fun training sessions whilst the fireworks are going off to occupy them and give them something else to think about. But do not expect miracles!
8. Speak to your vet about dietary supplementation that may reduce anxiety. For example dogs can be given wholemeal pasta 2 hours after each main meal to reduce anxiety.
9. If your pet shows extreme distress, speak to your vet about drug support to help through the Fireworks season. There are both conventional and homeopathic remedies available.
10. Do not leave the problem! It will only get worse, and can generalise to other noises and other experiences they associate with the bangs. Ask your vet about referral to a Pet Behaviour Counsellor.

Yummy New Menu

Have you tried the food in our re-vamped Tea Room yet?
Last week I tried the mozzarella, sun dried tomato and basil panini and it was absolutely scrummy. All paninis are served with salad and a few crisps.
Just to be really naughty I followed it with a big slice of coffee cake. The cakes are home made by a local supplier and are absoutely delicious.
I hope to see you in there soon.
Lisa
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Country Festival Day 2010

What a fantastic day we had this year at the Country Festival. The weather was perfect and our supporters turned up in droves. Over £13,000 was raised for the animals, so a big thank you to all who came along and supported us. Thanks also to the many volunteers and the Foal Farm staff for all their hard work in putting the day together.

A extra special thanks to Robert Alleyne from TV's Dog Borstal for giving up his valuable time to be our dog show judge again this year.

If you missed out, why not visit Foal Farm for lunch in our newly refurbished Tea Room. We are open from 12 noon over the summer holidays (closed Tuesdays).

Country Festival 2010

A big "Thank You" to all you lovely customers who supported our Pet Shop on Country Festival day.
We were busy serving all day and hopefully many of you managed to get a bargain particularly with our donated items.
Another big "Thank You" to Chriss, Sylvia, Pat and Anne who all worked so hard. Without them I would not have been able to open the shop all day.
Country Festival is always a lot of work for lots of people but always worth it.
Hope to see some of you in the Pet Shop soon.
Liz

Country Festival Day 2010

Hi All
This year's Country Festival Day is going to be great fun, with plenty of animal related events for you to enjoy and to join in.
There will be plenty to eat and drink and lots of craft and second hand stalls for you to browse and buy.
See you on Sunday 11th July at 11am.
Lisa
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