Hello from all of us at Horn Head Pet Sanctuary!

This Web Site is for animal lovers and people with a true love of Nature. My name is Annette Hunter. I am a very lucky person as I live in the most beautiful part of Ireland and I have the best friends anyone could wish for. I run my pet sanctuary on a voluntary basis and although all my pets are rescued animals, in truth I am the one who is rescued, as all my animals bring such joy into my life. I am blessed to spend my life in the company of:
5 dogs: Tess, Bubbles, Pluto, Blossom & Pepe.
2 horses: Gentle Jenny, my old age pensioner aged 33 & stunning Blackie from The Irish Horse Welfare Trust, aged 9
2 donkeys: Scruffy & Pixie, both aged 4 - from The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarrol, Co. Cork

10 Sheep: I call them all "Nibbles" as they are so friendly they eat from my hand

(I had another horse called Holly – who you will see in the Photo Gallery, but I had to re home Holly as she was an overweight pony and needed more exercise than I could give her. So she is now in a riding school where she gets plenty of exercise and she is well cared for. I adored Holly but I knew it was best to re home her for her own sake. I miss her so much but it’s not about me, it’s about what was best for Holly).

My donkey, Scruffy, is named after a very special dog I had who has since passed on. Scruffy is a real entertainer and he just loves to be petted on his forehead. Poor Scruffy had to endure losing his best friend, Dotty, who died here on 11th February 2008. I had named Dotty also after another special dog I had who too has since passed. The Donkey Sanctuary always gives 2 donkeys to a foster home as donkeys pair off as “best friends” so they are not separated when they are sent to a foster home. The Donkey Sanctuary Welfare Officer, Ernie Somerville, makes regular visits to make sure I am taking good care of the donkeys and he gives me expert advice on any questions I have. I am honoured to be a foster home to Scruffy – and was so honoured and blessed to have known poor Dotty. Now we have found a new mate for Scruffy as he must have a “best friend” to be truly content. Scruffy's new mate is Pixie. He arrived here on 5/4/2008. Scruffy and Pixie made instant friends. They stay so close to each other that they make only one shadow when the sun shines. It is lovely to see Scruffy happy again. Jenny and Blackie are very gentle and protective towards the Scruffy and Pixie. Blackie arrived here on 1/7/2008 from the Irish Horse Welfare Trust. I named him Blackie not because he is black - but in memory of another beautiful dog I once had whom I adored. She was called Blackie. I know my dog Blackie will love the fact that I named an exquisite black horse after her. My dog Blackie was rescued from a life of beatings and neglect but thankfully we had many happy years together before she sadly passed on.

Neuropathic Pain (NP)

I used to work as a self employed medical doctor but I had to stop working in May 2007 due to NP. Only recently did I speak out about my pain condition on my web site as my web site is about my rescued pets: NOT me. However, I had to finally tell the truth about me: the person behind Horn Head Pet Sanctuary. Without me there is no Horn Head Pet Sanctuary. Not being able to work has meant my finances have suffered very badly. So any donations are very welcome. Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCla6QJUgC8 to see a short film made about me called The Knife. I have to relocate to be nearer the hospital in Dublin and so I am sad to say that my beautiful cottage and farm are now up for sale. In truth I have not been able to pay my mortgage since May 2008 which is the main reason I have to sell: to clear my mortgage. Disaster. Don’t worry! If and when I manage to relocate I am taking all my rescued pets with me. I would never desert them because I adore them. They are my life: as they have rescued me with their pure Love. Since I can't work as a doctor anymore my rescued animals keep me going. Like I say, they have now rescued me.