Julie from Liverpool, lives with her 3 dogs and 4 rabbits.     

For as long as I can remember there were always rescued animals in our house! Growing up there were dogs and cats, rabbits, horses and even a goat! They were just part of the family. Now I’ve got my own home things haven’t really changed. I have my three rescued collies and four rabbits and stray and homeless cats, rabbits, and hamsters are also always finding their way to my door!

As a teenager, I got involved with animal rescues – cleaning kennels and walking dogs. The more I learnt the more I got involved. When I became aware of the hidden plight of animals in laboratory’s and factory farms, I knew that I didn’t want to be part of their suffering and felt compelled to do more. I feel very strongly that all animals deserve to be treated with respect and need a voice.

Over the years I have spoken to so many people about what goes on behind the closed doors of a circus, laboratory or factory farm, and more often than not they listen and make informed decisions based on the information I’ve given them. I think it’s important to spend time helping people understand the reality of these kinds of places – how else will there be a change.

As a teenager, I chose to be vegan and live my life in the most compassionate way I can because I genuinely respect all animals. To be honest, I don’t see this as any great hardship – it really isn’t a big deal! I love food and am never short of delicious foods to eat and place to go to eat out. There are so many alternatives to leather now that clothes and shoes are also not a problem. I also truly believe that organic, chemical free products are the best. They are the most natural, healthiest, and obviously also cruelty-free. I can’t imagine living any other way!

I started my career supporting adults with learning disabilities; a job I truly loved. Here I supported some amazing people who will always remain in my heart. It was this work that inspired me to return to education and complete my Master’s in Social Work. I currently work in the area of adoption and find this work both rewarding and positive. It’s a fabulous feeling when you see children, who have been through so much, find their forever family and start to recover from their past experiences. I feel very privileged to be part of their journey.

I adopted my three collies from Freshfields Animal Rescue and could be described as collie mad! I fell in love with the breed, after taking in a stray, many years ago and now can’t imagine having any other dog. They are so loyal, clever and energetic, they are a big commitment, though needing lots of exercise, grooming, and stimulation – but you get so much back! For me, the rewards come from rescuing your animals and knowing that you are giving them the life they deserve. I would never buy a dog or any other animal when so many are unwanted.

I rescued my four rabbits from a free advertising site and local rescues. They live in two separate pairs in my back garden and have plenty of space to run around. Rabbits are not easy pets to care for and need a lot of commitment. They must have daily health checks, vaccinations, companionship and exercise, but they are such gentle creatures that it’s hard not to fall in love with them. It makes me so sad that rabbits are officially classed as the most neglected pet in Britain, and the majority spending their lives locked in small hutches on their own.

I think I lead a pretty active life. In my spare time, I love nothing more than hanging out with my dogs, taking them on long walks, and going on dog-friendly holidays to Scotland. I also like to windsurf and practice photography and socialise with my friends and family. I support local rescues, home checking prospective owners and fostering when I can. I don’t think I could ever have a boring 9-5 job and then sit in front of the TV all night!

I don’t know if it’s because of the way I was brought up, or because of the things I learned along the way, but I know for definite that I will always be the way I am now – and I’m very happy about that!