Meet the Remus Residents Celebrating Birthdays this June

Every animal at Remus has had their own journey, and this June we’re celebrating eight very special residents and the lives they now enjoy in safety and care. From gentle donkeys to cheeky ponies and resilient horses, each one has their own remarkable story of survival, recovery and love.

As always, we’d love you to join us in celebrating them.

Happy 41st Birthday Damson!

1 June 1985

This year, Damson officially becomes the oldest resident at Remus Horse Sanctuary, an incredible milestone and one we are so proud to celebrate.

Damson arrived at Remus alongside her daughter April and niece Mopsey. The three mares had spent their entire lives together under the care of their previous owner. As both the owner and the ponies became older, caring for them became increasingly difficult and she reached out to Remus for help, determined that the trio shouldn’t be separated.

After leaving the only home they had ever known, the mares were understandably nervous at first, but they soon settled into life at the Sanctuary and now enjoy their days surrounded by care, companionship and safety.

If you would like to sponsor Damson, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/damson.

Happy 23rd Birthday Dickie!

2 June 2003

Dickie came to Remus in 2004 alongside Rosie and Harvey after concerns were raised about animals at a local market. At just one year old, Dickie was to be sent to slaughter for meat. He had even been drugged beforehand to make him appear placid whilst at the market.

When he first arrived at Remus, Dickie was extremely withdrawn and very poorly. Thanks to veterinary care and dedicated nursing from our staff, he recovered, although he remains a fragile little pony to this day.

Dickie suffers with weak lungs, making him prone to breathing difficulties and chest infections, alongside severe laminitis which requires careful management and a specialist diet. Despite everything he has endured, he is a gentle and much-loved member of the Remus family who now enjoys a peaceful and secure life.

If you would like to sponsor Dickie, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/dickie.

Happy 37th Birthday Toffee!

5 June 1989

Toffee arrived at Remus with another pony named Milo. Sadly, despite every effort to save him, little Milo was simply too poorly. Toffee herself was severely underweight and suffering badly from worms and lice, but thankfully responded well to veterinary treatment and intensive nursing care.

Sadly, the neglect she experienced earlier in life caused lasting damage to her intestines, leaving her prone to colic. Over recent years she has battled several serious episodes, including one that required overnight treatment on a drip. At times, we truly feared we might lose her, but Toffee has repeatedly shown us what a fighter she is.

Today, Toffee is full of character and has become quite cheeky in her older years. She shares a close bond with her best friend Dolly and continues to enjoy the safe and loving retirement she deserves.

If you would like to sponsor Toffee, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/toffee.

Happy 24th Birthday Harvey!

9 June 2002

Harvey arrived at Remus in 2004 from the same market as Rosie and Dickie. When our team first saw him, he was tied to the back of a worn-out trailer in blazing heat without water or shelter. He looked utterly defeated.

Later that day he entered the sale ring, handled roughly and shown no kindness whatsoever. No one wanted him and he was due to return to the people who had treated him so badly.

At the end of the sale, a deal was struck to bring Harvey safely to Remus. For several years he lived alongside Dickie and the horses, seemingly unaware that he was actually a donkey himself. Then one day he heard the donkeys calling and from that moment he knew exactly where he belonged.

Today Harvey lives happily as part of the ‘Donkey Gang’, where he and fellow birthday boy Davey are the best of friends.

If you would like to sponsor Harvey, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/harvey.

Happy 12th Birthday Dora!

15 June 2014

Before arriving at Remus, poor Dora spent three years chained to the ground by her neck.

One cold and wet night she developed colic and, despite desperately needing help, no assistance came. Thankfully, a compassionate local woman with an interest in animal welfare found Dora and stayed with her throughout the night, helping her pull through what could easily have been a fatal situation.

Today Dora enjoys life at Remus alongside her friends Heidi, Blax and Jakie and is finally experiencing the kindness and care every animal deserves.

If you would like to buy Dora a birthday treat, please visit our animal treats shop: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats.

Happy 26th Birthday Davey!

21 June 2000

When Davey arrived at Remus, it was immediately clear that he was desperately in need of help. He was suffering from a life-threatening penile tumour and urgently required major surgery to save his life.

The complex operation involved removal of the entire penile area and, despite the seriousness of the procedure, brave Davey amazed everyone with his recovery. He underwent surgery on the Tuesday and was back home grazing by lunchtime the following day.

The operation was expected to cost around £5,000, a huge amount for the Sanctuary, so an appeal was launched to help save him. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of supporters, Davey was able to receive the treatment he so urgently needed.

Today, Davey enjoys a happy and secure life at Remus with his donkey friends and is especially close to his best friend Harvey, with the pair often seen playing together.

If you would like to sponsor Davey, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/davey.

Happy 18th Birthday Jilly!

24 June 2008

Jilly arrived at Remus from truly dreadful conditions in Southend, just one week after her mum Annie, who sadly has since passed away.

Jilly was terrified when she first arrived and refused to leave the horsebox. Then she spotted her mum and immediately walked straight over to her. It was an incredibly emotional moment for everyone at the Sanctuary.

Even now, Jilly remains deeply wary of people due to her traumatic past. To help keep both Jilly and our staff safe whilst she receives ongoing care and treatment, she still wears a head collar. Building trust with her has been a very gradual process, but over time she is beginning to feel safer around people.

If you would like to buy Jilly a birthday treat, please visit our animal treats shop: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats,

Happy 12th Birthday Bracken!

27 June 2014

Bracken was born right here at the Sanctuary to her mum Holly, who had herself endured terrible neglect before being rescued. Holly was found in Wales blind, emaciated, pregnant and wandering loose on the roads.

At first, Bracken appeared healthy after birth and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Sadly, it soon became clear that she was very poorly. Bracken had suffered brain damage during birth which affected her ability to regulate her body temperature. She was also deaf and lacked a menace reflex.

Our veterinary team and staff worked tirelessly around the clock to save her. After weeks of uncertainty and worry, Bracken slowly began to improve and thankfully grew out of many of her early health problems.

Today she has grown into a beautiful, strong and healthy horse and remains a very special part of the Remus family.

If you would like to sponsor Bracken, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/bracken.

Help Us Continue Caring for Animals Like These

Every animal at Remus Horse Sanctuary has their own story and many arrive needing extensive rehabilitation, ongoing veterinary treatment and specialist lifelong care.

You can also sponsor many of the other animals in our care by visiting the sponsorship section of our website. By sponsoring one of our animals, buying them a birthday treat or supporting the Sanctuary in any way you can, you are helping us continue providing safety, love and expert care to animals that have suffered neglect, abuse or abandonment.

Our next Open Day takes place in July, and we are looking forward to welcoming supporters back to the Sanctuary to meet some of our residents.

From all of us at Remus, and especially our June birthday boys and girls, thank you for your continued support.