For the animals in our care, Christmas Day is really just another day. So long as they are warm, have a nice bed to lie on, a field to canter around in, a box to play in and a few toys, their only other demand is a constant supply of food, oh and a bit of a fuss! It’s what every single one of our animals deserves – whatever day of the year.

For us humans, the 25th December is traditionally a day for spending time with family and loved ones. Our exceptional and compassionate staff view our animals as much-loved extended family members, and come in to work on Christmas Day to ensure they get the love and care they deserve.

For some Freshfields residents, this will be their first Christmas in a safe warm place where they don’t have to fight or forage for a decent meal. For others it will sadly be their first Christmas away from their home and for the rest, it won’t be their first, or last Christmas here.

Whatever the future holds for our rescue centres in Liverpool and Wales, it is our privilege to care for animals like Winston (main picture, above). It is our dearest wish that animals who will wake up with us this Christmas Day will be settled in their forever home this time next year.

We face the future with a sense of hope, and a feeling that our best days are yet to come.

With our gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for all you have done for the animals during 2017, we wish you a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.