Well, didn’t April fly by?
One minute we were stocking up on hot cross buns, the next we were elbow-deep in Easter eggs, wondering if it really counts as breakfast (it does, obviously).
Now here we are stepping into May, with the bank holidays stretching out invitingly and the weather finally remembering what it’s supposed to do.
Spirits are high, the sun’s out more often than not, and the animals are loving every minute of it.
Of course, while many of you are looking forward to long weekends and lie-ins, the sanctuary doesn’t get bank holidays off.
We’re here 365 days a year, feeding, cleaning, cuddling, and matching animals with their forever homes, whatever the date on the calendar says.
And what a month April was for that.
59 Animals Rehomed
Another fantastic month, with 59 animals leaving us for sunny pastures new.
That means 59 spaces freed up to help the many still patiently waiting their turn, and with the number of stray, un-neutered cats coming in, our waiting lists are growing by the week.
Huge thanks to everyone who adopted from us in April. We hope they’re bringing you as much joy and companionship as you’re giving them.
38 Cats
Django, Lucy, Victor & Victoria, Oreo, Kitty, Dallas, Bridget, Choux & Croissant, Jimmy, Frank, Crepe, Vader, Cleo, Rosco, Amber, Kate Bush (oh yes, really), Miguel, Tigerlily, Jagger, Alfie, Otis, Phoebe, Phyllis, Elvis, Tigger, Jasper, Daisy, Dave, Yorkie, Freddo & Truffle, Maverick, Lily and Jiro.
A particularly strong month for music royalty, with Kate Bush, Jagger, and Elvis all heading off to start the next chapter. Special mention to the pastry corner too: Choux, Croissant, and Crepe clearly came as a themed batch, and Freddo & Truffle kept the chocolate theme going nicely after a heavy Easter.
13 Dogs
Max & Tillie, Donald, Daisy, Dot, Buzz, Buster, Raphy, Crunchie, Poppy, Hunter & Cooper.
Buzz is presumably off to infinity and beyond, and we like to imagine
Donald is now living his best presidential life somewhere with a very large garden.
9 Rabbits
Hare-y-Styles (and yes, of course the adopter changed the name, they always do), Dudley & Dodger, Cornetto & Feast, Barnaby, Bramble & Maple (a trio who went home together), and last but absolutely not least, Leonardo DiRabbito, who’s left to be bonded with his new partner.
Good luck lad, you’ve got the name, now go and earn the Oscar.
Morgan – A Year at H0me
Here’s an update from the lovely people who adopted Morgan from us last year.
Just wanted to share an update and thank you for trusting us with Morgan. 🐶
Recently, we celebrated his gotcha day, one of many more to come. We can’t believe we have had him for a year. 🎉
He’s honestly perfect and makes me laugh every day. He loves his ‘brothers’ Dobby (whippet) & Dexter (chihuahua), he is so respectful of them both and fits in beautifully. I love him with all my heart. ❤️
We are in Devon at the moment on a beach holiday. He’s enjoying running on the beach and visiting the cafes. Thank you all so much again. 🐶💚
Thank you so much to Morgan’s incredible adopters for giving him such a fabulous home. ❤️
It’s NOT about YOU: Why Rescues Have Rehoming Rules
People often get frustrated with rescue centres because of their rehoming requirements, home checks, garden rules, experience criteria, questions about working hours. It can feel excessive.
And honestly, what can be just as frustrating is reading comments from people who have never met the animal, don’t know their history, yet feel they know what’s best better than the experienced team caring for them every day.
The reality is, every decision is made with information you might not see, such as behaviour, medical needs, past trauma, and how they cope day to day.
Every animal in rescue is there for a reason. Some have been neglected, abandoned, or have unknown histories, so placements must be carefully considered from the start.
Without proper checks, the risk of a failed adoption increases, and while that can be difficult for the adopter, it’s the animal who is most affected, facing stress, confusion, and setbacks when they need stability most.
Another common sticking point is the belief that animals will “just get used to” other pets. The truth is, not all animals want or benefit from that, and they shouldn’t have to. For some, being the only pet is what keeps them calm, safe, and happy.
Rehoming checks are about prevention, not judgement. They help match the right home, reduce failed adoptions, protect vulnerable animals, and set everyone up for success.
It’s not about a perfect home, it’s about the right one. 🏡
We don’t expect perfection, just trust in the process and in the people who know these animals best.
Because adoption isn’t just about giving a home, it’s about making sure it’s the last one they’ll ever need. ❤️
Weight Watchers at OAS
🐾 Weigh Day with Prince & Gnomeo 🐾
It’s weigh day every day at the sanctuary, and as you can see, Prince and Gnomeo have very different approaches to the scales 😂
Prince is taking his duties seriously (well, mostly), stretching out like he’s at a spa day, while Gnomeo has decided moral support from the sidelines is far more his style.
With plenty of toys, cosy blankets, and a bit of gentle encouragement, weigh day is just another chance for these two to relax, play, and show off their personalities. And yes, we did eventually get a proper reading in between the lounging!
Keeping track of their health is so important, but moments like this remind us how much joy they bring every single day 🐱✨
Thank You!
Every adoption and every donation counts. Thank you for helping us give these animals their chance of a forever home.
Whether you’re spending the bank holidays in the garden, away with family, or simply enjoying a slower pace, know that your support keeps us going through every single one of those 365 days.
If you’d like to support our work, you can donate here.
From all of us at Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, thanks for your unwavering support.
🐾 The Team at Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary