As we wave farewell to 2025, December saw another 43 animals get home in time for the festivities. This means that we have rehomed an incredible 690 animals this year.
We find ourselves looking back on twelve months that have been nothing short of remarkable.
Every adoption tells a story – of patience, of hope, of that magical moment when an animal and their new family just know they’ve found each other.
And this year, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing that moment 688 times.
That’s 690 animals who now have a warm bed to sleep in.
690 animals who have someone to love them unconditionally.
690 fresh starts, new chapters, and happy endings that are really just beautiful beginnings.
Some found their people within weeks; others needed more time and patience – like Tiggy, who spent over a year in kennels waiting for the right match, or Alicent and Rhaenyra, our long-stay cats who we’d started to think might be with us forever.
But every single one of them got there in the end – and being part of that journey is exactly why we do this work.
To everyone who adopted this year: thank you.
Here’s who found their forever homes in December.
Our Canine Companions
Max, Apple, Blue and Bear.
Our Rabbit Residents
Dopey, Barbara & Bernard, Marmite & Toast, and Fig.
Our Fabulous Felines
Max, Will, Tawny, Luna, Conan, Rosa, Gerard, Clara, Barney, Screech, Ivy, Brian, Roe, Big Moss, Tweegy, Helen, Harry, Hayley, Acorn, Chrissie, Dory, Matilda, Billi, Luna, Oscar, Lily, Angus, Salem, Snowball, Smokey, Candy, Cane and last buy by no means least, the beuatiful Alicent and Rhaenyra – who have been here a long time, so this is a very big deal!
An avalanche of Christmas gifts
We are very well supported and fortunate to receive donations throughout the year, but in December our followers go to new heights to make sure our animals have as many Christmas presents as possible.
This month we have received numerous donations from Dunelm in Didcot – their customers have sent over 300 gifts for our animals. Long-time supporter Lisa Carter collects two car loads of donations from animal lovers in her region, and they outdid themselves again this year. And almost every day in December, kind-hearted people visit us to bring everything from toys and harnesses to food and treats. We have enough to last us until March, probably! Below are some of the many photos we could have shared about this.
Thanks also to those of you who brought things for the staff as well. They love chocolates and anything sweet!
Tiggy Finally Finds a Home
After over a year in kennels, we are delighted to announce that Tiggy is going home in the new year.
Tiggy, like many dogs who come into rescues, is not a fan of other dogs.
Tiggy takes this to a new level, which is why it has been a long road for her, but she will be home in early January, and we wish her well.
Matilda: No eyes – no problem
Matilda came to us after her owner passed away.
Having had both of her eyes removed quite some time before she came into our care, she adapted to life in the cattery with no issues whatsoever. This lady takes everything in her stride and welcomes everyone to her room like she’s been there for ages.
We will miss her a lot, but knowing she is back in a home environment, being loved, is the best result – and all before Christmas!
Thank you so much to her wonderful adopter! We hope you have many happy years together.
Thank You!
As we welcome in the new year, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has made 2025 such an extraordinary year for the animals in our care.
To the 690 adopters who opened your homes and hearts – you are the reason we do what we do. Every time we wave goodbye to one of our animals, there’s a bittersweet mix of emotions: sadness to see them go, but overwhelming joy knowing they’re heading somewhere they’ll be cherished.
You’ve given the greatest gift any animal can receive – a family.
To our volunteers, donors, supporters, charity shop customers and everyone who has cheered us on – whether through donations, sharing our posts, or simply stopping by to say hello – you are the backbone of this sanctuary.
None of this would be possible without you.
As we step into 2026, we do so with full hearts and renewed hope.
There will always be more animals who need us, and with your continued support, we’ll be here for them.
If you’d like to support our work, you can donate here.
From all of us at Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary – the two-legged and four-legged alike – we wish you a safe, peaceful, and joy-filled festive season. Thank you for being part of our story.
Here’s to another year of happy endings. 🐾