14/10/2026
A change of direction for Shenanigan Stud Therapy Herd.
This is a post I’ve been thinking about writing for some time, and one that hasn’t come easily.
Over the past year, I’ve become increasingly uncomfortable with asking people to donate towards the upkeep of our herd when I know there are tiny, independent sanctuaries doing incredibly difficult work, often quietly and with very little recognition, who desperately need every penny they can get.
One of those is our local Hullabaloo Sanctuary.
They take in dogs who have been abandoned, dogs who have reached the end of their time in council dog pounds, and dogs whose breeds or circumstances make them incredibly difficult to rehome. They provide lifelong sanctuary for so many of these dogs, including those who need veterinary treatment, and ensure that those needs continue to be met for the rest of their lives.
That is a huge commitment, emotionally and financially. These little sanctuaries take on the responsibility that nobody else can, and they keep going because they care too much to turn away.
I’ve found myself thinking more and more about where people’s limited charitable donations can make the greatest difference.
Fate has intervened and I’ve made a decision.
We are incredibly fortunate at Shenanigan Stud Therapy Herd.
Our numbers are stable, we generally know what our animals need, and we can work out our financial commitments as we go along. We’ve always been predominantly self-supporting, with donations from our wonderful supporters providing much-appreciated help that goes directly towards the herd and the other members of our animal family.
This year has been particularly difficult for so many people. The economic consequences of wars and conflicts around the world are being felt in our everyday lives, and I know that many of you are struggling with the rising cost of simply keeping your own households going.
We are feeling those pressures too.
But I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to return to full-time work, allowing me to support our life here without needing to rely on outside financial assistance.
So that is what I am going to do.
This decision has also come at the end of a particularly emotional twelve months for our family, during which so much of my time, energy and attention has been devoted to Louis.
Louis wasn’t simply one of our dogs. Fourteen years ago, following a brain injury, he was the lynchpin who helped me find my way back to life. He was there as I rebuilt myself, as we navigated the world together, and as we slowly created the life we have today.
He was a constant. A familiar presence. Part of the very foundations of our family.
Louis crossed Rainbow Bridge this week, and we are all trying to adjust to a world without him in it. His absence is enormous, and we need some time to find our feet again.
Perhaps that has helped me see things a little more clearly, too. Life changes, circumstances change, and sometimes we have to make decisions about what we can realistically give, what we need ourselves, and where we can make the greatest difference.
This isn’t the end of Shenanigans. The herd are all still here, our life together continues, and nothing will change in the care they receive or in our commitment to the animals who depend on us.
We will still be here for the people who need a little peace, a connection with animals, or simply somewhere to spend time away from the noise of the world. I’ll continue sharing our regular videos, stories and insights, because I know how much enjoyment, comfort and laughter so many of you find in following our little corner of County Fermanagh.
That part of Shenanigans has never been about money. It has always been about connection, kindness, and the extraordinary things that happen when we allow animals to be themselves.
I will continue to do everything I can to make sure our animals have the lives they deserve. I’ll simply be taking personal responsibility for funding that life through my own work, rather than asking others to contribute financially.
I know this may come as a surprise to some of you, but it feels like the right decision for us at this point in our lives.
There are so many small charities and sanctuaries doing essential work, taking on the animals who are overlooked, unwanted, abandoned or simply too difficult for others to accommodate. If I can manage our own needs without asking for donations, then I feel those donations are better directed towards the organisations that have fewer options.
This isn’t a judgement on anyone who fundraises for their animals. We all have different circumstances, different responsibilities and different resources available to us. There is no shame in asking for help when it is needed, and I will always be grateful to everyone who has helped us along the way.
But for us, this is the path forward.
To everyone who has donated, shared our appeals, supported our work, followed our journey or simply taken the time to enjoy our animals, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
You have helped us along the way, and every bit of kindness has been appreciated more than you probably realise.
We love you all.
Shenanigans will continue. The horses, ponies, dogs, goats and cat will carry on being their wonderfully ridiculous selves, and I’ll still be here to share their adventures with you.
We’re just turning a page, finding a new balance, and carrying on in our own slightly unconventional way.
With love, as always,
Jo, John, and all the Shenanigans ❤️🐴🐕🐐
