Angie’s Furever Acres
A safe place for pets while their people recover.
3.2 acres
Set in the absolutely beautiful Devon countryside
Loving care for your family pet
Dogs, cats and eventually rabbits too!
No time limits
A flexible stay until pets can return home
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Welcome to our little piece of heaven!
Hi, my name is Angie. I’m a devoted mother, grandmother and lifelong lover of family pets, especially dogs.
This site is being created by my son Darren, who, like Mum, is a MASSIVE animal lover—especially dogs!
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How the project began
The idea for this project grew from a number of emotionally raw conversations about the loss of family pets. Anyone who has lost a much-loved pet will understand how painful that can be. Sometimes, though, a pet is lost because their owner is hospitalised with a long-term illness. That is exactly what happened to my mum, Angie.
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Angie’s illness and the separation from her pets
In 1994, Mum became mentally unwell and was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. Her life was completely upended, and she really did hit rock bottom. After an unsuccessful suicide attempt, she was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Years of psychiatric treatment followed, including electrotherapy and the long-term use of antipsychotic drugs. In the meantime, her marriage had acrimoniously broken down. Her lovely home was sold by my step-dad, and Mum lost all future contact with her family pets—especially Bonnie, her beautiful and affectionate Sheltie sheepdog.
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Bonnie, and the cost of keeping a pet safe
By the time Mum had been somewhat rehabilitated, many years had passed—and Bonnie had too. This has undoubtedly been one of the most painful things Mum has had to contend with during her many years of recovery.
When someone becomes seriously mentally unwell, loses capacity or is hospitalised, agonising decisions may have to be made about rehoming a family pet rather than paying for long-term boarding. Full-time boarding for a medium-sized dog can cost £7,000–£18,000 a year, depending on location. That does not include flea treatment, worming, grooming or veterinary fees.
In circumstances like these, family members may feel forced to rehome a pet—not because it is what the hospitalised person wants or what is best for them, but because of a reluctant and excruciatingly difficult financial decision.
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Bobby and his litter
Fast forward to 2026: conversations about Bonnie still come up quite often. They feel especially close now that I have recently lost my absolutely adorable six-year-old “puppy”, Bobby. A very aggressive tumour was discovered in May 2026.
I say puppy because I hand-delivered Bobby at approximately 3:30am on his birthday, alongside his four brothers, Rocky, Alfie, Nieko and Charley, and his sister Eva. You can see his adorable
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The Furever Acres vision
We want to provide flexible, low-cost, top-quality full-time care for dogs and cats, and eventually rabbits too. All we will ever ask you to pay is the cost price of your pet’s food, plus any additional veterinary treatment fees if needed.
“No time limits, no demands—just the pet support your family needs until your pet is ready to return home to their rightful owner.”
We will provide flea and worming treatments completely free of charge. Furever Acres will not operate like a traditional kennel or cattery, where you must collect your pet by a previously agreed time or date. We understand that you may be facing very exceptional and possibly distressing circumstances. We will lovingly care for your pet until they are ready to return home.
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A not-for-profit project in Devon
The project will be strictly not for profit. Its legal structure will be either a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) or a Community Interest Company (CIC), depending mainly on the level of local support for this valuable and unique service.
So far, we have partially secured almost 3.2 acres of land in the beautiful Devon countryside. More details and photos will follow soon.
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Volunteers needed
If you think you could help bring the Furever Acres vision to life, please get in touch with Darren. We will need:
Just to be clear… we are not looking for a veterinary nurse who is odd!
For any enquiries, please use the contact form below. It will help us arrange a very relaxed and informal chat.
A little piece of heaven, being built with care in Devon.
A story held close
A little place for Bobby’s story
Visit Puppies, a heartfelt dedication to Bobby, with photographs from his earliest days and a place to remember a much-loved companion.
Bobby as a puppy
The start of his story
A stronger sanctuary, built together
Explore how local people and organisations can support Angie’s Furever Acres. Every partnership can help keep pets close to the people who love them.
PROJECT UPDATES
Follow the next steps
Follow the sanctuary as it takes shape. Our News page will share updates on progress with the Devon land and the plans being developed for Furever Acres.
· Get involved
Help us bring Furever Acres to life.
Have a question, want to volunteer, or have an idea for supporting the project? We’d love to arrange a relaxed, informal chat. The sanctuary is still being planned, and every offer of help matters.
You can also email me at: Darren@fureveracres.com
Start a conversation
Angie's Furever Acres is a not-for-profit community project in early stage development
its legal structure and charitable status is still being carefully considered.
Furever Acres © 2026