Derry animal charity forced to temporarily close its doors due to "worst January ever experienced"

They are a foster based rescue and their network of dedicated volunteers open their hearts and their homes to care for the animals in their care while they search for the perfect home for them.

However, sadly the charity has faced an unprecedented start to the year, carrying out two life saving surgeries every day.

The charity has had to temporarily close their doors to get on top of the current vet bills they are faced with.

They are seeking the help of the public to raise vital funds to open their doors to help animals in need once again.

The charity wrote: "So guys here we are again. This is the worst January we have ever experienced.

"We are absolutely bursting at the seams and because of this our vet bills are literally causing us sleepless nights.

"This week alone we have opened our doors to so many animals, all at risk of euthanasia if a rescue space wasn't found.

"We have two surgeries per day all week this week. It’s soul destroying, worrying and we just don’t know what to do anymore.

"One thing we have to do for the importance of our future, is close our doors temporarily to anyone that may need us.

"We just can’t help anyone else until we get on top of the current animal vet bills.

"We hate typing this or even saying the words but so many rescues sink under the pressure of veterinary costs and volumes of animals and we are nearly there so occasionally we have to call time before it’s too late.

"We really wish people understood the impact this was having on our team's mental health. It really is such a rough place to be within our throwaway society and it’s constant.

"On January 4 we sent out 11 surrender forms in one day.

"Please we are asking you, if you can help we would be so grateful, even £1 it makes such a difference to us taking away that financial strain and leaving it much easier to concentrate on caring for the animals.

"The animals who find themselves with us often come from less than ideal circumstances, so from the minute they arrive with us, it’s vitally important to us to show them how life should be.

"Our foster carers are the backbone of what we do and without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

"To open your home to an animal, often with health issues, is a selfless act and one we are eternally grateful for.

"At our core is a small team of volunteers who manage various aspects of the overall running of the organisation, and all the social media activities, which is vital to us getting our message out."

What started as a small endeavour in 2017, has grown year on year, and now the charity is able to rehome hundreds of animals each year to new, loving homes.

They now have a foster network right across the country and are able to help animals from all corners of Northern Ireland, not just the North West.

To help support Friends of Rescue, you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/friends-of-rescue-veterinary-bills?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unknown&utm_campaign=comms_j46m+friends-of-rescue-veterinary-bills