Shelter facing shutdown battles to stay afloat for continuance of care for handicapped canines - Struggling Shelter for Paralyzed Canines Faces Survival Battles
In the Luneburg Heath of Schneverdingen, Saskia Wicke devotes her life to caring for over 100 disabled animals at De Hun'nenhoff animal sanctuary. Among the 86 dogs, 3 horses, 12 cats, 11 sheep, and assorted poultry, Wicke and her two children provide round-the-clock care, treating the animals with physiotherapy, electrotherapy, and laser therapy. Some quadrupeds even use wheelchairs to aid movement, and certain accommodations are fitted with underfloor heating and air conditioning.
Wicke, a dedicated Luneburger, has run the farm for the past five years, with plans to complete her training as a physiotherapist and animal healer. The staff's monthly costs amount to around 50,000 euros, with no official funding for animal welfare. Despite the support of up to 45 daily volunteers, managing expenses, including rising vet costs, food, and energy bills, remains challenging.
To keep De Hun'nenhoff afloat, Wicke relies on a flea market on Facebook and the support association. Membership to the association costs 50 euros annually, and the farm is one of the few dog pensions accommodating disabled four-legged friends during the holiday season.
For direct financial support, donors can donate via the shelter's PayPal link, helping maintain theoperations and care for disabled dogs. Spreading the shelter's mission through Instagram (@dehunnenhoff) can also generate awareness and attract more supporters. However, those interested in volunteering or fostering dogs should contact the shelter directly for potential opportunities.
- Saskia Wicke, aiming to expand her knowledge and skills, is planning to complete her training in both physiotherapy and animal healing, aiming to better serve the community of animals at De Hun'nenhoff.
- To ensure the continuous implementation of effective care strategies at De Hun'nenhoff, such as physiotherapy, electrotherapy, and laser therapy, Wicke prioritizes fundraising efforts through various means, including a PayPal link, monthly membership to the support association, and awareness campaigns on Instagram.
- By raising funds for science-based treatments and maintaining a health-and-wellness focused lifestyle, Wicke asserts that her efforts contribute to the betterment of not only the disabled animals at De Hun'nenhoff but also the broader fitness-and-exercise and lifestyle communities, promoting empathy and understanding for pets and their needs.
