THIS year's lead up to Christmas has been heartbreaking for all the volunteers at Farm Animal & Bird Sanctuary in Tardebigge.

When 30-year-old Shetland pony Treasure was diagnosed with Cushings Disease and had to be put down, many tears were shed.

But no one could have anticipated that two days later, nine-year-old bassett hound Toby would have to be rushed to the vets at 4am.

Bloated and in agony, he was X rayed and treated, but sadly died the next day.

Maureen Lawless, co-founder of the sanctuary, said: "We are still reeling from the shock of losing them.

"It seems so strange without them - even though a few days later another Shetland pony arrived on our doorstep, followed the next day by another dog needing a home.”

Noah, a two year old Shetland pony, had been dumped at a livery yard in Feckenham. The yard owner, Pat Dormer, took it upon herself to find a good home for him.

He is described as a lovely pony who spent all his time trying to jump out of the field to mate with the neighbouring mares, so had to be castrated to calm him down.

Three-year-old border collie Moss had been training to be a search dog until he was diagnosed with a thyroid problem and a nasal fungal infection. He will probably be on tablets for the rest of his life.

Mrs Lawless sadi: "Three weeks after he arrived we had to race him to the vets.He woke up with a vicious nose bleed. Thankfully the bleeding stopped and he is

back to normal. But he may need a scan which would cost £,2000.

"Already we have run up vets bill for over £4,000 and we are struggling to pay it.

This year we have taken in sheep, birds and pigs many of whom needed veterinary care.

"Combined with that and feed for the coming winter month we need to raise at least £6,000 to make sure our rescued animals are safe. Our monthly feed bill is £1,000 plus £1,400 for hay."

Any donations to help can be sent to Farm Animal & Bird Sanctuary Trust, Stoney Lane, Tardebigge, Bromsgrove B60 1LY. People can also call 01527 870613 or visit farmanimalandbirdsanctuarytrust.co.uk.

As well as monetary donations, the charity shop in New Road, Rubery would welcome any clothes - glad or sad rags, as an eight kilo bag of rags will buy a bale of hay. The shop also welcomes furniture, books, shoes and handbags.