By Sophie Hubble
The year 2025 proved to be an exceptionally active and rewarding period for the dedicated team at RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk and District Branch. With immense pride, the branch reflects on a year filled with compassion and life-changing outcomes for countless animals in need.
A Year of Remarkable Achievements and Second Chances
Thanks to the unwavering commitment of supporters, volunteers, foster carers, and adopters, the branch successfully rehomed an impressive 343 cats and dogs throughout the year. Each of these rehomings represents far more than a mere number; it signifies a profound second chance, a hopeful fresh start, and a life utterly transformed by human kindness and dedication.
Every animal that enters the care of the branch arrives with a unique and often difficult history. Some have previously known love and security, only to have it tragically taken away. Others have never experienced the stability and safety of a true home. Despite their varied backgrounds, they all share a common, fundamental need: for patience, deep understanding, and a compassionate person willing to recognise and nurture their inherent potential.
In 2025, hundreds of individuals from the local community courageously stepped forward to become that vital person. Because of their selfless actions, hundreds of animals are now enjoying the simple, profound pleasures of life—sleeping comfortably on sofas, playing joyfully in secure gardens, and finally experiencing the enduring security and love of a permanent home.
The Inspiring Story of Callie: Resilience in Search of a Home
One dog who perfectly embodies the resilience witnessed daily by branch staff is Callie, a friendly five-year-old bully cross who is still patiently waiting for her forever family. Callie came into the branch's care after being used for breeding, and she now richly deserves the opportunity to live life fully on her own terms—not as a resource, but as a cherished and beloved companion.
Remarkably, despite her challenging past, Callie greets everyone she meets with a warmly wagging tail and an open heart. She adores human company and has an immense capacity for love to give. Callie's ongoing journey serves as a powerful reminder that an animal's past does not have to define their future, and that the gift of a second chance can fundamentally change everything for the better.
The Critical Role of Foster Care in Animal Welfare
Behind many successful rehoming stories lies the quiet yet absolutely vital work of fostering. Foster homes play an indispensable role in helping animals transition from often traumatic circumstances into happy, permanent adoptive families.
For some animals, the kennel environment can be overwhelming and stressful. A foster home provides a crucial sanctuary where they can relax, learn essential social skills, and reveal their true personalities in a calm setting.
Fostering can be especially transformative for animals who are anxious or fearful. In a quiet home environment, free from noise and communal stress, they can gradually build confidence at their own pace. Small, significant breakthroughs—such as learning to trust a human, enjoying a peaceful walk, or choosing to rest near their carer—can make an enormous difference to their overall wellbeing and future adoption prospects.
Young animals also benefit tremendously from fostering. Early life experiences are critical in shaping behaviour, and being in a home helps puppies and kittens learn daily routines, understand boundaries, and develop positive interactions with people and other pets.
Specialised Foster Needs: Older Animals and Medical Cases
At the other end of the spectrum, older animals often struggle the most in kennel settings. A foster home offers them much-needed comfort, dignity, and tranquillity, allowing them to enjoy their later years in peace while they await a permanent place to call their own.
Animals with ongoing medical conditions represent another group who benefit immensely from foster care. Managing medication, monitoring symptoms, and attending veterinary appointments can be far easier and significantly less stressful within a stable home environment. Foster carers provide the consistent stability these animals require to get their symptoms under control and truly thrive, often dramatically improving their chances of being successfully adopted into a loving home.
An Urgent Appeal for Foster Carers, Especially for Larger Dogs
While the branch is justifiably proud of its achievements in 2025, the need for support has not slowed. The team is currently issuing an urgent appeal for foster carers who are able and willing to take on larger breeds of dog.
Larger dogs are often overlooked by potential adopters and can consequently spend much longer periods waiting for help, despite typically being affectionate, loyal, and deeply loving companions. With the right foster placement, these dogs can flourish—just like Callie—demonstrating their true, wonderful personalities and preparing fully for life in a forever home.
It is important to emphasise that fostering is not about being a perfect or highly experienced animal expert; it is fundamentally about being willing to help. The branch team provides comprehensive guidance, ongoing support, and practical advice throughout the entire fostering journey. Prospective carers will not be undertaking this rewarding role alone, but they will undoubtedly be participating in something that is genuinely life-changing for an animal in need.
Community Compassion: The Foundation of Success
As the branch looks ahead to the future, it acknowledges that none of this vital work would be possible without the profound compassion and active support of the local community. Whether community members choose to adopt, foster, volunteer their time, or simply share the animals' stories to raise awareness, every action contributes to creating brighter, safer futures for vulnerable pets.
If you believe you could offer a temporary foster home—particularly to a larger breed dog—the branch would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Lily, the dedicated Foster Co-ordinator, by telephone on 07469 760 975 or via email at lily.dickinson@rspcasouthport.net.
Together, the community and the RSPCA can ensure that even more animals in the Southport, Ormskirk, and district area find the safety, unconditional love, and second chances they so richly deserve.
