Our Gentle Footprint
A few villages across…
Small acts of kindness, quietly compounding.
Animals hold a very special place in our hearts, and as a nation, I think most of us would agree.
Mark and I have always had soft spots for animals in need. Over the years we have rescued pet rabbits from the side of busy roads, taken poorly hedgehogs and other small creatures to animal 'hospitals' and even extended our family with cats from overcrowded farms, or cat mums who, pregnant again, could no longer care for their youngest litter — our cat Monty came to us at just four weeks old exactly this way, and Ted followed in the next batch, making them half brothers.
Locally, we are lucky to have Babworth Animal Rescue Kennels, who have been caring for rescue dogs and cats for over 20 years. Founded by Elaine and Darren Shaw, BARK is entirely self-funded through donations and adoption fees, meaning every blanket, every bowl of food, and every vet bill relies on the kindness of the community. Their fundraising shop in Tuxford is one of the ways they keep that support going, and when we spotted it, we immediately wanted to support their great work.
I took a drive over and was greeted by Di, the shop’s manager, who was so welcoming. We had a lovely chat, I introduced who we were and asked if we could donate some of our products, ‘absolutely’ was the reply. A few days later we returned with a selection of items, wrapped up like parcels ready to share. Di and the team were genuinely excited to see what was inside.
Ready for their journey to a new home
Di and her team welcomed our donation with such warmth. Baskets, florals and some of our most-loved gifting items found their way onto the shelves, ready to raise funds for the animals in their care at Babworth Animal Rescue Kennels.
a note from the BARK shop
“As a self-funded rescue kennel, rehoming cats and dogs for over 20 years, we are quietly grateful for the kindness of local businesses like Little Cottage Loves, whose thoughtful donation of end-of-line pieces helps us raise vital funds for our rescue work.
There’s no singing or dancing, no flashes of lightning or bolts of thunder; just a gentle collaboration, where local business minds come together to reduce waste, honour the value in every item donated, and keep quality items in circulation a little longer.
In much the same way that Little Cottage Loves believes in conducting business ethically and with an awareness of their carbon footprint, there is a natural parallel between their mission and ours; they hope their goods will leave gentle footprints in the hearts and homes of their customers, just as we help rescues leave their own paw prints in the hearts and lives of the families who welcome them.
Together, we’re finding simple ways to support one another; and tread a little more lightly.”
Knowing that these items are going on to live a second life while keeping local paws safe and cared for is exactly the kind of connection we foster at Little Cottage Loves. If you ever find yourself passing through Tuxford, do pop into the BARK shop for a browse. It is a truly wonderful space run by people with the biggest hearts.
Rosie & Mark xx
In total we donated just over £500 value in items to this genuinely wonderful cause.
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