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 a beautiful part of Ireland and I have the best friends anyone could wish for. I run my pet sanctuary on a voluntary basis. I get no funding from any source. Although all my pets are rescued: in truth I am the one who is rescued as all my pets bring such joy into my life.
I used to work as a self employed medical doctor but I was forced to stop working in May 2007 due to NP*. Not being able to work has meant my finances have suffered very badly so donations are very welcome or you could buy one of my photos from the gallery.

I am blessed to spend my life in the company of:

5 dogs: Tess, Bubbles, Pluto, Blossom & Pepe
2 horses: Blaithín and Blackie, both from The Irish Horse Welfare Trust
2 donkeys: Scruffy and Pixie, both from The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarrol, Co. Cork
1 tiny Shetland pony: Paddy
10 Sheep: I call them all "Nibbles" as they are so friendly they eat from my hand

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

You will meet my beautiful pets who have passed in the Sleeping Beauties Photo Gallery. I still call out their names. Gentle Jenny, my darling Buttons and sweet little Dotty.

My donkey Scruffy is named after a very special dog I had who has since passed on. Scruffy is a real entertainer and he 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 my 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 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. Bl´ithín and Blackie are very gentle and protective towards Scruffy, Pixie and Paddy. Blackie arrived here on 1/7/2008. I named him Blackie not because he is black - but in memory of another beautiful dog I once had whom I adored. 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. Bláithín arrived here on 28/4/2010 and she was in such a poor state. Now like her name, Bláithín which is Gaelic for little flower, she is at last beginning to bloom.

^*Neuropathic Pain (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. Since I am unable to work my money situation is a disaster zone. to see a short film made about me called The Knife. I have not been able to pay my mortgage since May 2008 so I have to sell up to clear my mortgage. When I relocate I am taking all my rescued pets with me.
They are my life as they have rescued me with their pure Love.