Hello again from a very warm Stadhampton!
We hope you have been finding ways to enjoy the sunshine, whether that’s in the garden, on holiday, or simply with the fan on and a cold drink within reach.
Here at the sanctuary, the animals have mastered the art of the strategic sprawl, and the team have been working hard to keep everyone cool and comfortable through another properly hot month.
That has meant shuffling the daily routine around the heat: dogs walked first thing in the morning and again in the cooler evenings, cleaning saved for later in the day, and plenty of checks in between to make sure everyone is coping. It is hot work in overalls, and the team have been brilliant.
And what a month it was.
Fifty animals found their forever homes in July, which is even more impressive when you consider one of our catteries stood empty for eight days during a flooring refurbishment.
Fewer rooms, same brilliant result.
Let’s meet them all.
36 Cats and Kittens
Melon, Cherizard, Taylor & Travis, Moose, Sweetpea, Betsy, Rosie, Mimi, Bea, Bagel, Greninja, Lucario, Pikachu & Jigglypuff, Eevee, Ciabatta, Baguette, Gizmo, Brioche, Mewtwo & Mimikyu, McPickles, Pretzel & Pumpernickel, Jonny & Tansy, Jessica, Marbles, Maggie, Hoppity, Sweetheart, Tabitha, Hobnob, and Neo & Nutty.
Sharp-eyed readers will have spotted the themed names again this month.
When you rehome hundreds of animals a year, coming up with fresh names for every new arrival is a genuine challenge, so themes have become part of the fun.
This month the kitten rooms gave us a litter of Pokémon characters and, in a bold creative move, a litter named after breads and pastries.
We can only assume someone on the team is daydreaming about a grand tour of Europe’s bakeries.
Farewell Ciabatta, Baguette, Brioche, Pretzel and Pumpernickel; try not to make your new families hungry every time they call you in for dinner.
9 Dogs
Copper, Tawny, Nug Nug, Zulie, Janet, Gracie, Lucy, Apple & Jax.
A special mention for Gracie.
Huge thanks to the people who fostered her initially, and equally to our long-term friends and fundraisers Paul & Lorraine, who adopted her after a short trial.
She could not be in a more perfect place.
5 Rabbits
Parsley, Beau, Bobby, Max & Huey all hopped off to pastures new.
Nina’s Fire Burnt Paws
Nina arrived in our care last week after a fire destroyed her home. Thankfully she was not there when it happened, but she returned and walked through the ashes, burning all four of her paws.
This little one has been through so much, and yet she still has the gentlest of souls.
Nina is currently staying with our friends at The Hart Veterinary Centre in Bicester and Aylesbury, where she is receiving the very best care, including daily bandage changes to help her little toe beans heal.
We cannot wait to have you back with us, Nina.
In the meantime, we know you are getting plenty of cuddles from the incredible team at Harts. 💚
Fun Day 2026: The Final Total
We held our annual Fun Day on Sunday 28th June, and we were amazed by how many of you came out to support our animals.
We can now share the final total. Together, you raised a staggering £8,474.43. 🎉
It has been lovely to hear how much you all enjoyed the day, and to see photos of some of the canine companions who came along too. Fun Day simply would not happen without an enormous team effort, so thank you to:
- Our senior team and fundraising team for planning the day
- Our volunteers, from manning stalls and assisting with parking to DJing the afternoon away
- Debbie for loaning the BBQ
- Stadhampton Village Hall and Chalgrove Parish Council for loaning the tables and chairs
- Phillip for collecting all the tables, chairs and plants
- Our cake bakers and buyers
- Our stall holders and tombola donors
- Our raffle donors
- Our plant donors
- Our ice cream, drinks and food donors
- Our photographer, whose Fun Day photos we will be sharing over the coming weeks
And a massive thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it such a success. From the bottom of our hearts, we are so grateful to every one of you who played a part.
Farewill – Free Will Writing Service
Did you know that 54% of UK adults do not have a Will?
It is a topic many of us avoid, but it is one of the most important things you can do to protect your loved ones. Writing a Will is simpler than you might think, and it brings real peace of mind.
That is why we have partnered with Farewill, the UK’s No.1 specialist Will writers, to offer a free, straightforward Will-writing service.
There is no obligation to leave a gift to the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary. But if you choose to, your legacy will provide vital support for Oxfordshire’s vulnerable animals for years to come.
We deeply appreciate everything you already do for us, and we are so grateful for your continued support.
Thank You
Every adoption and every donation counts, and together they give these animals their chance of a forever home.
Whether you have spent the past few weeks in the garden, away with family, or simply enjoying a slower pace, please know that your support is what keeps us going through all 365 days of the year.
If you would like to support our work, you can donate here.
From all of us gently melting this month at Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, thank you for your unwavering support.
🐾 The Team at Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary