In February last year When Hercules the bearded dragon – he’s a type of lizard – was found cold and distressed in Birkenhead’s Victoria Park it was doubtful he’d survive, let alone win a competition.
Hercules is one of many successes chalked up by Wirral Animal Sanctuary. Founded by 28 year old Steph Oliver from Wallasey just over a year ago, the charity finds foster homes for animals in need. More than 60 are currently being cared for this way.
“I had a job which I liked well enough,” she says, “but it wasn’t my calling. I’ve always loved animals and I got a rescue dog called Jackson who’d been with the RSPCA for months. He was huge so no one wanted him.
“I also thought about volunteering at the dog pound but wasn’t cut out for it because it has a destruction policy. It has to, to make room for other strays. So then I thought I’ll do something to help lots of animals.”
With plenty of enthusiasm but very little money Steph registered Wirral Animal Sanctuary as a charity and decided she needed premises for a shop.
“I wrote a cheeky email to the boss of the Pyramids in Birkenhead, and said, ‘You’ve got some empty shops, any chance we can practise in one for free for a few weeks?’
“And he wrote back and said OK. Amazing! That was in January and we are still there, only now we’re paying tenants and the shop has become a nice little focus for the animal loving community in Birkenhead.”
Not long after opening, Hercules the lizard was brought in, along with an undernourished puppy called Flo.
“We sort of got into fostering by accident,” explains Steph. “Luckily my colleague Emily is a reptile expert so Hercules went home with her and she nursed him back to health. He now has a permanent home in Southport and was named Reptile of the Month in a magazine!
“Flo went to live with our rescue coordinator, Corrie, had all her jabs and put on weight and was then rehomed to a lovely lady in Wales. She and Flo sometimes come back to give us updates.”
The costs of feeding an animal and keeping it healthy can he high but are borne by the charity, so no one needs to worry that fostering will be expensive.
“If you’re thinking of getting a dog or a cat why not foster one first?” adds Steph. “It’s a great and free way of testing a family with an animal because you’re not committed.
“If you decide it’s not for you then fine, you’ve done a great thing, and who knows, if you fall in love with the animal you can give it a forever home, which is an even better result.”
Wirral Animal Sanctuary now has three part-time staff and more than 20 regular volunteers. New shops have been opened in Moreton and Hoylake and all three are always grateful for stock. There is also a new hedgehog hospital coming soon to Hoylake.
Says Steph, “I want to expand and do more but have to be careful to make sure the books balance. We’re still at the point where an unexpected big vet’s bill can have a real impact, so anything people can donate is very warmly received.”
';
