This is an appeal for funding to support the animals that make Angie's Animal Antics so special.

No doubt this pandemic has caused so many serious issues for so many people from all walks of life and businesses and Angie’s Animal Antics has not escaped from this.

I have provided animal education encounters for over 16 years to schools, community groups, events and family occasions, as well as providing a pets for therapy service. Any venture has its ups and downs, but I have considered this to be the best job in the world. I can share my love and knowledge of the natural world to others and in the case of the pets as therapy bring joy and interest to those who need support and stimulation. However, with the current situation and the responsibility I have for the welfare and feeding of my animals this has made the last few months one of the most concerning and stressful times I have ever had and has put the future of my animal encounters in doubt.

All of my animals I regard as members of my family (and often spend more time with them than my kids and husband!). They are my companions during my working day, but most of all are my family. I therefore try to ensure the best for them in food, housing, vet treatment and to provide stimulation for them. I have now had to come to the realisation that after months of little income I may not be able to carry on.

From April to the beginning of this month due to the restrictions I was unable to conduct any visits (therefore no income) with the animals. Realistically I expected that I would not receive bookings from schools, nursing homes until the New Year but I was planning that from September I would be able to take social distant birthday party bookings to support the animals care. But with the new restriction from the 14th September banning social gatherings of more than 6 people this is now not possible.

In order to fund the keeping of my animals I have been working as a social career in the community. However, this wage and the self-employed Covid grant has not covered the outgoings for the keeping or feeding of the animals. I have been so lucky that friends and family have been so generous in helping me, but this is not enough, especially now the government support has ended.

I am therefore rather embarrassingly asking for any donations that will help to keep my animals in feed and housing. I can assure you that every penny will be spent on the animals as it is breaking my heart to think that I might not be able to care for them in the future.

Thank you for any help you can give.

Angie and all the animals

Please visit www.angiesanimalantics.co.uk or Facebook for more information.