Assisi Animal Sanctuary

02/06/2026

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’re shining a light on the people who help guide Assisi behind the scenes. Our Board of Trustees volunteer their time, skills and experience to help shape the future of the sanctuary and ensure we can continue caring for animals across Northern Ireland. Today we’re introducing our Chair, Alex Harbinson.

💛🐾 Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Meet Our Chair, Alex Harbinson 🐾💛

Alex first got involved with Assisi through fostering cats and kittens and helping at bucket collections. His passion for animal welfare led him to become a trustee and now Chair of the Board.

By day, Alex works as an estate agent and local councillor, bringing valuable skills and experience to help guide Assisi’s future.

When asked what matters most in animal welfare, Alex said:
“Animals don’t understand why things happen to them. By solving their physical and behavioural problems we can help them live happily and healthily.”

At home, Alex is kept busy by two former Assisi residents, Jasper and Opal, along with a collection of fish!

Thank you, Alex, for your leadership, dedication and commitment to helping animals in need. 💛🐾

01/06/2026

💛 It’s Volunteer Week 💛

This week, we’re celebrating the incredible people who give their time, energy, kindness, and hearts to Assisi Animal Sanctuary 🐾

From supporting our sanctuary team, to helping in our charity shops, fundraising at events, transporting animals, fostering, and so much more — our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

Quite simply, we could not do it without you.

Our charity shops play such an important role in helping us continue caring for animals in need every single day — and our volunteers are a huge part of making that possible 💛

Throughout the week, we’ll be shining a spotlight on some of the amazing people who make Team Assisi so special.

To every single volunteer — thank you for everything you do 🫶🐾

31/05/2026

DYLAN 🐇💛

Taking a moment to share some amazing news about our friend and incredible team member Dylan, who has been nominated for 'Hooman’ Hero of the Year category at the National Pet Awards Northern Ireland 🥳

No-one deserves this more 💛🐾

If you've worked with Dylan, feel free to share your lovely memories in the comments below.

Congratulations on the nomination Dylan 🏅🐇💛🐾

Assisi Animal Sanctuary was founded on compassion for animals, and St Francis of Assisi himself would likely be proud of young Newtownards man Dylan Beckett, who has dedicated his life to caring for vulnerable creatures at the charity’s small animal unit. Since joining the sanctuary in 2018, Dylan...

30/05/2026

Yesterday we celebrated a very special milestone—Bonnie’s first birthday! 🎉🐾💛

Our much-loved golden retriever marked the occasion with her sanctuary family, plenty of cuddles, and a pup cake fit for a queen. 🎂👑

In the short space of time she has been with us, Bonnie has brought so much happiness to everyone she meets.

Please join us in wishing Bonnie a very happy first birthday! 💛

🐶🎈

28/05/2026

🎵 Nhyla just want to have fun! 🎵

If you’re looking for a companion to bring a burst of pure sunshine, laughter, and playfulness into your life, look no further. Meet Nhyla, our fabulous 2-year-old Terrier cross who is officially on the hunt for her forever home 💛
True to her terrier roots, Nhyla is a little bundle of joy who views the entire world as one big, exciting game.

Whether it’s chasing a tennis ball, playing tug-of-war, or doing her signature happy-dance when you walk into the room, she is all about making the most of every single day.

She loves people and greets everyone she meets with an open heart and a wagging tail. Because of her bouncy, fun-loving energy, she can happily live with teenagers who can keep up with her games and give her plenty of belly rubs.

She promises to keep you smiling, keep you active, and give you a lifetime of loyal, loving companionship 💛🐾

https://www.assisi-ni.org/animals/nhyla/

26/05/2026

Hoppin' into Tuesday like .... 🐇🐾🌞🎶

The bunny garden has been full of zoomies, binkies and sunshine this week! With the lovely weather, our happy buns have been making the very most of their outdoor time!

'In the summertime, when the weather is fine..... you've got bunnies on your mind' 🐇🤣🎶🌞💛

☀️☀️