A Christmas and New Year to remember
- RATS Animal Rescue
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
The festive season at RATS was, as always, a time of hard work, hope and heart-warming moments. Rescue never pauses for Christmas or New Year, and the weeks leading into 2026 were some of the busiest the charity had seen - but they were also filled with kindness, generosity and a few very special surprises.
One of the highlights of December was the return of MasterChef Champion and RATS Ambassador Dhruv Baker, who once again generously gave his time and talent to support RATS and the dogs still waiting patiently for their forever homes. A year on from his first visit, Dhruv remained deeply moved by the charity’s work and prepared a festive Christmas dinner for the dogs in their care.
The meal was about far more than festive treats. It was a reminder that every dog at RATS is safe, loved and valued while they wait for the families they deserve. Alongside the joy of turkey and all the trimmings, the event helped raise vital funds that allowed RATS to continue its life-saving work - from urgent veterinary treatment to daily care for dogs arriving with nothing but their trust.
Supporters were able to treat a dog to a festive experience for just £5, which provided a lovingly prepared Christmas dinner, a stocking filled with tasty treats and a festive pooch pudding. At a time when RATS faced rising veterinary bills, increasing food and heating costs - and continued work towards an essential kennels redevelopment project, this support made a genuine difference. We were thrilled to raise more than our fundraising target of £1,000, and every penny will go directly back into caring for our animals and improving their comfort, warmth and safety.
The Christmas lunch even attracted wider attention, with a television crew visiting the kennels to film the event for ITV East Anglia News, helping shine a spotlight on the vital work RATS carries out every single day!
Christmas itself was incredibly busy. Volunteers kindly gave up their own festive time to ensure every dog enjoyed walks, fuss and companionship. The dogs were also thoroughly spoiled by Inga, one of our wonderful volunteers, who arrived as Santa with arms full of presents and treats - a moment that brought smiles all round.
The weeks surrounding Christmas saw the usual mix of arrivals and happy departures. New dogs Molly, Reggie and Pudding arrived just before the big day, while Tinkerbell and Gracie were lucky enough to spend Christmas settled into their new homes. Shortly afterwards, Nera, Holly, Bert and Ernie also headed off to start new chapters with their families. While it was joyful to see so many dogs rehomed, it was also a reminder that there are always more dogs in need of help.
The New Year arrived with a sharp cold snap. Donated coats and jumpers were quickly put to good use, and staff worked tirelessly through frozen pipes, cold corridors and endless washing. New radiators were installed to help keep the kennels warm, while the tumble dryer seemed to run constantly. Despite the challenges, the team remained focused on keeping every dog comfortable and well cared for.
Through it all, the spirit of RATS shone brightly - in the dedication of staff and volunteers, in the generosity of supporters and in the resilience of the dogs themselves. As the days slowly begin to lengthen, there is a shared sense of hope as the team looks ahead to the new year - determined to keep moving forward and continue giving every dog the chance of a brighter future.
The work of rescuing and rehoming unwanted dogs never stops, but thanks to compassion and community support, RATS continues to give every dog the care, security and love they deserve - not just at Christmas, but all year round.
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