Thursday 11 October 2018

Fran Lamb Attends the Stop Live Exports Human Chain 2018

By Chris R.


On Sunday the 7th of October, Fran Lamb and a number of Possum Valley volunteers and supporters joined over 1400 people on the Stirling Bridge for the eighth Stop Live Exports’ Human Chain.  

The Stop Live Exports team did a fantastic job coordinating this huge event, peacefully protesting against the tragic treatment of animals on live export ships.  



Fran met hundreds of kind animal lovers on the bridge and even featured on Channel 7 News .

We hope that this will be the last protest, with more and more people realising what terrible conditions animals suffer during transport and pushing for changes to stop the cruelty.



You can learn more about the Stop Live Exports campaign and how you can help stop the cruelty suffered by animals just like Fran at:  http://www.stopliveexports.org

Oscar’s Journey – From Pound to Paddock, A New Start for a Young Injured Sheep

By Chris R.


Social media has done some great things for animal rescue. Word travels fast, but Facebook even faster, with details of animals in need quickly forwarded through the rescue network state wide. This was the case with an impounded sheep one busy winters day. We received a screen shot of a young dorper ram with a huge lump on his chest. He was found wandering an urban street and when his owner was contacted, no effort was made for his collection.

Concerned for his welfare, we forwarded the images to our veterinarians who indicated it may be a herniated chest cavity, which is very serious and can be life threatening. To adhere to protocol, the young sheep was unable to be released from the pound until his minimum impound duration was met. It was a very long ten days, corresponding with our vets and planning for his immediate transport to the clinic. At last, in the safety of the vet hospital, we visited to meet and say hello to our newest charge and it was decided he was indeed an ‘Oscar’ – as suggested by the volunteer helping transport him.


An MRI was organised and it was confirmed that part of his stomach was within the mass which sat behind Oscar's right front leg. A trauma to the site, consistent with a bang from a vehicle or similar, may have eventuated in the stomach wall being damaged and the creation of a hernia, a critical condition for a sheep if left untreated.  Immediate surgery was organised and the Farm Animal Services team swung into action.




Oscar recovered well from his procedure. He was up and eating as soon as conscious and was making many friends in the clinic. His clinic stay was a long one, given the need to manage his wound appropriately and he was only released once his temperature was stable and the risk of infection reduced.


We had not realised the steep learning curve which running the Sanctuary would be, particularly in regards to medical treatments for the animals in our care. At home, Oscar needed a daily antibiotic injection and his wound tended. We learned fast how to undertake Oscar’s post-operative care, in particular the need to provide lots of treats and tasty lucerne to keep him occupied and distracted during treatment times. Oscar was a model patient and forgave quickly once his bowl of lupins arrived.



At just over six weeks after Oscar’s rescue, we were excited to learn that he was recovering fully. He had been hindered by reactions to his sutures, but soon gained weight and was playing with his new friends, Hope, Cosmo and Dorothy. Oscar's medical emergency was a distant memory when watching him run and jump on the back lawn.


A huge thank you to all those who donated to assist to save Oscar’s life.  At only ten months, he has a bright, safe future at the Sanctuary to look forward to.

Monday 8 October 2018

Create for Creatures – Creating Kindness for Animals in Need!

By Chris R.

Create for Creatures Fundraising Bookmarks

During winter, we were fortunate to be contacted by ‘Create for Creatures’. The group enquired as to whether we may need items to keep our residents warm? The answer was a definite ‘yes!’ With lambing season in full swing and the heavy winter rains making drying clothing and blankets difficult, we were overjoyed to receive their message.

Alice Making Measurements

Alice from Create for Creatures came to the Sanctuary and met with some of the babies who would benefit from their cosy jumpers and jackets. She carefully recorded the animals' measurements and noted tips on designs that were lamb friendly.

Ben in Stripes!

The lambs certainly enjoyed the attention. The roundness of their little tummies meant that the girth of the jumpers may need some extra inches!

Stuart in Purple

The team worked for a number of weeks on these and other beautiful items to help the Sanctuary. Padded pouches and bags for possums, jackets, jumpers and fundraising bookmarks and cushions were all carefully crafted and donated.

We are so appreciative of the hours and skills donated by these kind crafters – as are our little residents who are snug and cosy on cool Valley evenings thanks to their efforts.

Fran in Pink

Please visit ‘Create for Creatures’ on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/createforcreatures/.  They help a range of animal charities and their creations are beautifully made.  Donations of wool and other materials are also welcomed!