About F.A.I.T.H.

		The Beginning
		It was Christmas 1993 when five dogs were abandoned on Hickling marshes. By January '94 they had found their way here, and that is how F.A.I.T.H. (For Animals In Trouble there's Hope) began.
		F.A.I.T.H. has grown rapidly and now saves hundreds of lives every year. We can only continue to do so with your help and support.
		Our dedication is boundless but our resources are not. Your kind and continued support is vital for us to continue our work of rescue, NEUTERING, and rehoming. Together we can make a difference.
		Our Policy
		To provide a rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing service for abandoned, ill-treated and unwanted animals. To care for them in social accomodation, wherever possible with communal exercise areas.
		To have a vigorous neutering policy (castrating/spaying both sexes of dog and cat). See more on our NEUTERING policy.
		A non-destruction policy, except to end suffering, and then only on veterinary advice.
		To socalise the un-socialised.
		To train the untrained.
		To care for the un-cared.
		To nurse the sick.
		To re-home our animals into a safe and loving environment.
		Sociable Creatures
		Our cats are housed in the Main Cat House once out of isolation (needed for a short period to check they are free of any medical problems). The Cat House has home comforts with sofas, shelves and hidey holes (no TV as yet!) And outside they have a meshed play area with a picnic table, climbing frame and toys.
		Our policy is to let the animals socialise and to this end, as with our cats, our kennel blocks have large indoor heated sleeping areas which two or more dogs share, each with individual runs. These are all inter-communal and open up into a large run and play area with toys, paddling pools and sun decking. This works very well and makes their stay less stressful. Of course we have isolation kennels as well, these are in the Treatment Block on site.
		Common Problems
		Animals are brought into F.A.I.T.H. for various reasons. Sometimes there is cruelty involved - mostly through ignorance. Often the owner didn't think things through properly before acquiring the animal, or expected too much from it. Some pets lose their homes due to marital breakdowns, house moves, owner's ill health or death.
		We have all types of animals ranging from hamsters to horses. The smaller animals are often homeless due to over-breeding and loss of interest. With the larger animals - goats and horses - it's often ill health or loss of grazing and lack of interest.
		There are many valid personal reasons and equally as many excuses for giving up animals.
		Breeding
		Unplanned and unwanted kittens and puppies flow steadily into animal rescue centres. Small and fluffy to begin with - kittens and puppies grow into large energetic adults needing regular exercise and training and owners often lose interest at this stage. Dogs and cats live for a good 18 years. Horses live for about 30 years. (See our policy on NEUTERING.)
		Time - to Train & Exercise
		Most animals love exercise and training, and their behaviour and relationship with the owner is improved as a result. Many people haven't got the time, and lose control of the animal.
		Time - for Company
		Getting someone to look after a pet when working over-time, or when going away for work or holiday can be difficult. You must plan for these events before getting your pet.
		Time - to Groom
		Long haired animals need regular grooming. Neglected long coats form hair matts which pull on the skin and make it sore. The matts become home to fleas and bacteria, and the skin becomes infected. Bad hair matts have to be removed by a vet.
		Money
		Food, vet bills, worming, temporary pet housing or house/pet-sitters, annual boosters - it all costs.
		Sports - Run for your life
		We also take 'running' dogs - Greyhounds and Trailhounds (Trailhounds are from Cumbria, the Borders and Scotland). These dogs find themselves unwanted once their running days are over. Many young dogs fail to live up to their owner's expectations and with so many being bred, they have to make room for the new ones.
		More on Greyhounds
		More on Trailhounds