Cheltenham Animal Shelter

28/09/2025

It’s time for our Sunday success story and this week we are delighted to tell you how Maltese cross, Rosie, is getting on in her new home.

Five-year-old Rosie found herself at the Shelter after a bereavement in her family. She was very nervous when she arrived, and it took her a long time to start to trust our team. After several weeks of gentle encouragement, we felt that she was ready to meet potential adopters, and it wasn’t long before Bryony came forward to meet her and fell in love. Bryony sent us this update:

“We brought Rosie home after a week of meetings at the Shelter during which she was very timid, but you could clearly see she was very lovable.

Rosie is settling in so well, we see more confidence from her every day. She loves to roll about just about anywhere when she gets excited and will make sure there’s always room for her on the couch too!

She is walking off the lead now and is loving playing with all the new dogs we meet! We have taken her up to the Lake District on holiday and she’s even starting to enjoy car journeys, especially with the wind blowing through her fur!

She loves a good play with her toys and has to make sure her bed is just right before lying down in it! She has also made good friends with our tortoises and likes to help put them to bed or keep guard while sunbathing!

Rosie’s really starting to show us her cheeky side! Her previous owners have trained her so well and she is so lovely to have around.”

It sounds like Rosie is going from strength to strength with her new family and loving all the adventures! Share your story with us at 👉 www.gawa.org.uk/success-stories

27/09/2025

Rhonda is a clever, independent girl who knows exactly what she likes – comfy sofas, a good back scratch, and plenty of fuss from her favourite people. Once she gets to know you, she’s affectionate, funny, and full of character, but she’ll need a calm, adult-only home (16+) where she can build trust at her own pace.

She’s naturally cautious with new people and prefers slow, gentle introductions – she’s not one to rush into friendships. A quieter home and peaceful walking routes suit her best, where she can feel safe and take in the world without too much going on.

She would like to be the only pet in the home, as she’s not a fan of other animals and much prefers her own space. A secure garden with no neighbouring dogs is a must, so she can relax and enjoy outdoor freedom – she loves a solo potter without commentary from the fence line!

Rhonda adores mooching outside with her nose to the ground. She has a brilliant sense of smell and loves games that involve searching for tennis balls or hidden treats. She’s also partial to a sunny nap on the grass and makes us smile daily with her hilarious back scratch wiggle dance – often performed with a toy proudly in her mouth.

Bright and trainable, Rhonda enjoys learning new things and is quick to pick up skills. She connects deeply with her trusted people and has perfected the art of asking for cuddles, often using a well-timed paw to remind you she’s waiting. She loves soaking up attention from her friends and will happily nestle in for more fuss.

Though she can be sensitive and needs time to feel comfortable, Rhonda’s loyalty and warmth are incredibly rewarding. For the right person, she’ll be so much more than a pet – she’ll be family, a loving companion, and a source of joy every day.

Carer Lizzie says: “Rhonda is a lovely lady with a great personality who never fails to make me laugh with her little quirks. She’d do absolutely anything for a treat and loves a bum scratch when she’s in the mood.”

If you have space in your heart for Rhonda, email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to apply or find out more!

26/09/2025

We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our runners in Sunday's Run Cheltenham event.

Our participants included a team from our charity partners Spirax Sarco, Shelter Trustee Claire, and supporter Louise who is also running for us in the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April next year.

Together raised almost £1,500 to help our pets in need - an amazing achievement 🏅

If you would like to take part in a challenge to support our work with homeless pets, visit our website to find out more 👉 www.gawa.org.uk/challenge-events

25/09/2025

15-year-old Sheldon is a friendly, affectionate boy who’s looking for a loving home where someone is around most of the day to keep him company. He adores attention and will happily dribble with contentment as soon as you fuss him!

Sheldon would like to be the only pet in the household, but he could live with sensible teenage children who will give him the space and care he needs.

He was previously on medication for a skin irritation, but he has now been off his medication for several weeks with no sign of the skin issue returning, which is fantastic news!

This sweet, loving boy is just waiting for someone to give him the fuss, comfort, and forever home he truly deserves.

If you have space in your heart for Sheldon, please email 👉[email protected] 👈 to apply or find out more.

To see all our pets waiting for homes, visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk

24/09/2025

Two-year-old Roger is a gorgeous, sensitive boy who has stolen all of our hearts at the Shelter. His favourite place in the whole world is as close to his favourite people as possible – usually sprawled right on top of them, face to face, happily nuzzling and showering them with gentle licks. Personal space? Roger hasn’t heard of it – and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Roger may take a little while to come out of his shell, as he lacks confidence in new situations, which is why he’s looking for a calm, adult-only home where he can feel safe. Once he knows you, which doesn’t take long, he’s incredibly loyal and full of love and cuddles.

He’s a foodie at heart and enjoys little training sessions – he’s a quick learner and is proudly picking up his basics. He’s also discovering the joy of playtime and toys, which is lovely to see.

Roger would love a secure garden of his own, where he can potter about, explore every corner, and enjoy the sunshine with his best human friends. He would also like to be the only pet in the household, as he hasn’t had much exposure to other animals and we feel he would love having all the attention for himself. Although he has shown glimpses of being dog-social here, he’ll be happiest with slow, gentle introductions once he’s fully settled.

When it comes to walks, Roger much prefers peaceful routes, where he can take things at his own pace without the worry of busy traffic or loud noises. He bonds deeply with his humans, so he’ll need patient owners who can gradually help him feel comfortable with short periods of time alone.

Roger deserves the very best future, full of love, security, and happiness. In return, he promises endless affection, loyalty, and the sweetest companionship you could ever wish for.

Email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to apply or find out more.

24/09/2025

⭐ CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT ⭐ FREE beer and pizza!

Join us tomorrow (Thursday 25th September) for a charity quiz night at DEYA Brewery. Last few tickets remaining!

Quiz will start promptly at 7pm so please arrive early.

Places must be booked in advance at 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/emerge-digitals-charity-quiz-night-registration-1427159746219

23/09/2025

🐹 Meet Hammie!
Hammie is a 10-month-old sweetheart who loves nothing more than curling up under her little house in a cosy nest of fluffy bedding. She’s a big fan of treats - mealworms are her absolute favourite!

Hammie has had some experience with handling in her previous home and will tolerate it here too, although she can be a little shy when being picked up. With time and patience, once she settles in, she’s sure to grow in confidence.

She’s now looking for a loving home with a spacious enclosure full of hiding spots and exciting places to explore. Please note: the recommended minimum size for a hamster enclosure is 100cm x 50cm, and we’ll ask for photos of accommodation as part of the application process.

If you would like to find out more about why hamsters make great pets, read our blog at 👉www.gawa.org.uk/pet-advice

If you would like to adopt Hammie, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 for an application form.

To see all our pets seeking homes visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk

22/09/2025

🍂✨ We’re heading to the Malvern Autumn Show! ✨🍂

Join us on 26–28 September at the Three Counties Showground for a fantastic weekend of autumn celebrations. From giant veg and floral displays to family fun, shopping, and amazing food & drink – there’s something for everyone.

You’ll also find us there, where our rescue bunnies will be helping us promote good rabbit welfare at shows and responsible rabbit ownership. Please come along, say hello, and discover more about the work we do supporting animals in need 🐾💛

📍 Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Showground
📅 26–28 September 2025
🎟 Find out more & book tickets: www.malvernautumn.co.uk

21/09/2025

This Sunday we are pleased to share a super success story featuring two-year-old Ronnie who came to the Shelter in May in search of a new home and a friend to keep him company.

Ronnie was only with us for a few weeks before going to live with new piggie pal, Mr Bojangles, and his family. Owner Nicola sent us these lovely photos and told us:

Ronnie and Mr Bojangles hit it off and bonded pretty much straight away. They now share an active life together, free roaming for large portions of the day. We have to be careful with Ronnie - he is happy and confident and likes to keep busy, so he will go investigating and making his enquires in the kitchen, or to see what's happening in the bathroom!

He adjusted well and acts like he's always been here. Ronnie also seems to love my daughter, Amy, who he associates with his favourite foods - yellow pepper and blueberries!

Ronnie settled in very quickly and has made himself at home. He has also won the heart of our pet-boarding lady and has had a four-day holiday with her. She discovered he does not like having his nails done but eventually, after bribery with treats, he allowed it!

We certainly know when he's about as he is a very chirpy chap and greets me every morning when he sees me. Unless he opts for a lay-in when he won't get out of bed for less than a portion of salad and some oat hay!”

Share your success story with us at 👉 www.gawa.org.uk/success-stories

20/09/2025

Three-year-old Lottie is a sweet, dainty little Jack Russell who is finding life in kennels a little overwhelming.

While she is shy here, we’ve seen glimpses of her affectionate, soft-hearted nature, and we know that in a calm, nurturing home she will relax and show her true self. She’s looking for a quiet, adult-only household with plenty of company, where she can discover the world at her own pace.

This little lady prefers to be the only pet in the home, as she likes her space from other dogs and has a strong instinct to chase small furries – so a cat wouldn’t be a good match. Once she trusts you, Lottie is happiest curled up in her bed or on the sofa nearby, enjoying the security and attention of a loving home.

She adores tasty treats, especially hot dogs, and we think that with time she’ll enjoy learning new things through little training sessions – a gentle way for her to explore and engage. She’ll also need a secure garden to sniff, explore, and potter about safely.

Busy, noisy environments can overwhelm her, so she’s looking for patient owners who can offer quiet companionship and reassurance. Lottie truly deserves a special forever home where she can feel happy, confident, and cherished.

If you have the forever home that Lottie is waiting for, email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to apply or find out more.

To see all our pets seeking homes, visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk

19/09/2025

Play our Big Autumn Raffle and you could ⭐ WIN £500 CASH ⭐ or one of our other fantastic prizes!

You'll also be helping us care for pets like Jerry, a tiny kitten who was very poorly when he came to the Shelter.

Jerry had a ruptured eye, possibly due to feline flu virus, and even though he was barely two months old we had to remove the eye because it was very painful and could have become infected.

Jerry is a fighter and came through the operation; he recovered well and quickly found a family to adopt him.

The support of people like you helped cover the costs of Jerry’s operation and enabled us to find him a new home.

Please support our work by entering our 🍁 BIG AUTUMN RAFFLE 🍁 so we can help more animals who need emergency operations.

Tickets cost just £1, and you could be one of our lucky winners!

Enter online at 👉 www.gawa.org.uk/raffle

By playing our Big Autumn Raffle you will be helping us care for pets in need and you could win one of our fantastic prizes!

18/09/2025

Three-year-old Sam is looking for a calm, child-free home where he can feel safe and settled. He may be happy living with a friendly female cat, as he has shown some interest in them during his time in our cattery.

Sam can be a little unsure at first, but once he gains confidence his cheeky personality shines through. He’ll happily trot over to remind you when it’s mealtime, and he absolutely loves both his food and his toys. Sam also enjoys a good fuss once he feels comfortable.

If you would like to adopt Sam, email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to apply or find out more. Visit our website 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈