Many of the animals we take in have suffered terrible experiences or have been simply abandoned on the streets. For some, this may be the first Christmas they've spent in a safe environment with the empathy and care our expert team so lovingly provide.

You might not know, but RSPCA Derby is an independent charity and is funded almost entirely by people like you. As an animal lover we know you will be buying a gift for your own beloved pet this Christmas, but please spare a thought for the animals who will be spending their Christmas at Abbey Street. We want to ensure this time of year is extra special for all the animals who find themselves in our care, through no fault of their own. Your kindness and generosity will help so many animals.

To highlight the importance of the message Be their someone, we wanted to introduce you to Winter, Titch, Cookie, Millie and Tessa. The ‘famous five’ first arrived at Abbey Street early in the summer. They were not in the best state physically and, up until their rescue, they had lived a life with virtually no socialisation which had impacted their overall mental state hugely. The only word best to describe them was petrified.

Our centre on Abbey Street also provides a warm, secure and stable environment for the cockerpoos which is something they have not experienced in their life. Even more importantly, our amazing animal care team has worked so hard to build their trust, spending many hours with them to help with their physical, mental and behavioural rehabilitation. As a team at Abbey Street, we are committed to Be their someone not only over the festive period but for as long as it takes until they are ready to find a new home.

Winter, Titch, Cookie, Millie and Tessa have made amazing progress whilst being in our care, but there is still a way to go. Follow our appeal for regular updates on the ‘famous five’ and see how much they have flourished from the scared, nervous and anxious dogs they arrived as to Abbey Street.

Be their someone... this Christmas