"My parents were Welsh and like a lot of Welsh people, they had a dairy in London so I grew up in the East End. My father was the last cow keeper in London.
I've always loved animals. Even when we lived in Stepney, we always had a couple of cats and a dog. At one time, I kept ducks and would block the drain in the back yard and flood the area so that the ducks could swim around!
My parents returned to Wales after retiring and settled in Gilfachreda. My husband Brian and I moved back in 1962 to help look after my father when he was ill. When we first came back, we took in one or two dogs from the RSPCA. We were aware that a lot of animals had to be put down and asked if there was anything we could do to help. We got involved and started a sanctuary for the RSPCA in Gilfachreda.
My husband built kennels and other facilities but we still felt there was a tendency to put animals down rather than keep them until new homes could be found. We decided to part company with the RSPCA and carry on on our own. As the sanctuary developed, we moved to a house in Caerwedros which had three acres of land. Then in 1980, we moved to Tŷ Agored in Cribyn with seven acres of land and we've been here ever since.
We take in animals of all kinds - dogs, cats, ponies, donkeys, goats and sheep as well as wildlife. We once had a Red Deer brought in which was found in someone's garden. We've also had injured badgers, foxes, squirrels and rabbits. We get calls from the police, vets, schools as well as members of the public and in 2005, we cared for about 2,000 animals.
With wildlife, we return the animals to the wild as soon as they're strong enough. With domestic animals, we do our best to find good homes for them. We have them all spayed before they leave in order to reduce future problems. The longest visitor we've had was Bozo, a medium-sized with dog with black markings and a lively temperament. He was here for six years.
One of the strangest incidents I can remember happened on the day I was doing the open air market in New Quay. I came back in the evening to find a police car in the drive, with a baby foal in the back. It had been in a field with a stallion and a mare when the stallion started attacking the foal, kicking it into a ditch. The farmer moved the stallion and put the foal back with its mother but she then tried to kill it. The RSPCA couldn't help as their office in Swansea so the local vet suggested he was brought here and the police were called.
The officer who turned up was in plain clothes (probably CID) and he climbed down a 20 foot ditch in his smart suit in order to rescue the foal. When they arrived here, the police looked as if he was carrying a dog not a horse - it was so tiny. We had to hand rear him on a bottle and I slept with him for several nights. On the third day, however, he collapsed. I called the vet who came rushing here and gave the foal an injection of adrenalin. He came around and he's still going strong today. We named him Sefton after the horse who survived the Hyde Park bombing and he now lives in Talley.
People come from far and wide in search of an animal. We've had visitors from all over Wales as well as parts of England. We've also seen one dog go to Holland, a dog and a cat to the USA and a corgi to Canada.
All our services are provided free. We raise money through our seven charity shops - two in Lampeter and one each in Newcastle Emlyn, Llandovery, Llanidloes and Machynlleth, with a mobile shop in New Quay Memorial Hall which is open 9am - 12pm every Friday.
All the items we sell in our charity shops have been donated - clothing, bric-a-brac, furniture, toys and all sorts. We store everything in a big green building here in Cribyn. The shops are all run by a fantastic team of volunteers - local people who give their time free of charge. They do an incredible job and we'd be lost without them although we're desperately looking for more people to join the team as our older volunteers retire. Even just a few hours helps.
Last year, £500,000 was spent on the sanctuary although that did include adding new buildings and creating more kennels and catteries. We employ three full-time staff to look after the animals and a few schoolchildren come and help out at the weekend. They get £20 a day and many stay for years - especially if they want to be vets.
We're at a crossroads at the moment. Brian's 76 and I'm 66 and we need to retire. We had hoped to retire five years ago and have some time to ourselves but we couldn't afford to employ people to do the work we'd been doing. What we'd like to do is sell the house but keep the land so that the sanctuary could continue. A trust would be set up to carry on the work."
By Barbara Packham from Tŷ Agored animal sanctuary.
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Beryl Horsley, Ceredigion.
Bea, a border collie, had four different owners in her first two years. I saw her in the kennel climbing up the wire fence. I fell in love with her and took her home. I had her for 13 years. On Monday the 14th Sept 09 she died. What a wonderful dog she turned out to be, so loving, so loyal, so funny and inteligent. I miss her so much, goodbye my darling.
Fri Sep 18 07:30:27 2009
Liz, Swansea
We had our lovely samoyed/collie cross sasha from Ty Agored when she was 6 mths old - she's now nearly eight, and has been a real softy and perfect family dog - my youngest was only one when we had her and he used to hold on to Sasha to help him walk... we hope Ty Agored is still going strong and carrying on Barbaras good work ... thanks
Tue Aug 4 17:21:39 2009
Emyr Vaughan from Bancyfelin
Our black lab, beauty is now 14 and has been with us since she was 2. She is a gentle loving bitch and we are so glad we went to Ty Agored all those years ago to look for a replacement for our previous dog.
Mon Jul 13 19:04:31 2009
Colin and Cathy Bowcott, Aberystwyth
In August 1995 after our collie cross Muffin died at the ripe old age of 16+ years we decided our home was just not right without a dog to look after and give us pleasure.. We visited Ty Agored one day to see what puppies they may have.. When we arrived we were taken to an area where we could view two puppies.. there was only two sat huddled together.. Two balls of fluff, you could place them virtually in the palm of your hand.. it was love at first sight.. a cross labrador and cross welsh collie.. We named them Bob and Ben.. What lovely puppies they were.. They grew to be 2 wonderful%! 20companions.. they were inseperable.. When Bob suddenly became ill we thought he may have swollowed a ball or something.. He went to the vets and after an exploritory opperation it was discovered that he had Cancer of the Liver. Bob survived for another Month after that opperation He died aged only Six Years old..Ben pined so much for his companion at one stage we thought we would lose him also.. Eventually he came around and become one of the best Dogs we have ever owned.. Sadly last week we lost our precious friend, at the age of fourteen years old.. he became to weary to continue in this life and has gone to find his old mate Bob.
Wed Jun 17 11:10:29 2009
Janine Glacier, Aberstywyth
I'm not very happy with ty agored animal sanctuary in aber. They rang me and my husband on wednesday 22nd april to arrange to see one of their dogs a japanese akita so we went today 23 april drove neally 30 miles and when we get there they said the dog was already reserved it ad been reserved since tuesday 21st april we wasted 20 pound petrol and got no dog im still fuming.
Fri Apr 24 10:10:42 2009
Sue and John Woolley, Cardiff
We have had all 3 of our rescue dogs from yourselfs both whilst babara was running crybin and since it has been taken over. James helped us pick your collie and our samoyed seren as she was then called she passed away a month ago now with tumours and it is a sad time we not long after had bryn our labbie from the new pepole and have also rehomed a rabbit a long the way as well you couldn't wish for better staff over the years and hope all is well with them all we are now again waiting for another special to come along for us hopefuly soon thanks 4 every thing keep up the good work
Thu Apr 9 19:43:14 2009
Tony Cronin, Swansea.
I had a Lab x Staff from the centre, he was mad as a hatter, came to barbara with many problems, I trained him as a specialist search dog, he went to Florida in the US and the following year won the regional bomb dog trials, then going on to come second in the National trials, he was one in a million.
Sun Mar 22 16:39:22 2009
Gwen & Tammika Hopkins - Pontypridd, S.Wales
Whilst living in Aberporth during 1993, we visited the sanctury and brought back a cross alisation/lurcher called Sam, who was 7 months old and we had been told that before arriving at the sanctury, had been locked up, beaten and starved, and did a lot of barking.Sam has been my devoted companion since that day and is now 16 years old.Sadly in the morning I have to say goodbye to my beloved Sam, as he has to close his eyes for the last time, due to old age, his back legs have now gone and he has an illness that comes with old age, the vets has advised us this is the best for Sam.I am in tears as I write this but I want to thank you for giving me my precious Sam who has had a wonderful caring life with us and will never be forgotten.My heart is breaking but I know it his time to cross Rainbow Bridge. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of love you gave us. We will always be grateful to you. x
Tue Jan 20 09:28:48 2009
Janette Fellman
My dog Bonnie will be 14yrs next month,I have had her since she was 5months old,She is a lovely well natured dog and a good friend .She is a border collie.
Thu Aug 14 09:27:35 2008
Wales
I rescued a few cats from here and one I recently rescued passed away the day after I got her home she had a lot wrong with her...
Fri May 16 15:08:43 2008
Keely Hilton
elo my name is keely hilton and I live in Wales and I have a dog called scamper she is a mungrel and I have got a sheepdog pup his name is bobbie and I have two ducks donald and daisy lol and three horses there names are bradley, tasha, thyme and two catz molly and micky.
Thu Mar 20 11:10:53 2008
David Holt, Machynlleth
7 years ago we had a beuatiful border collie cross labrador puppy from ty agored we named her bess aged 12 weeks.She brought us so much happiness, always full of love. she loved swimming and long walks with her 2 sisters meg and pampi they loved her too.Unfortunately we lost bess february 2008 she had a rare disorder her immune system was attacking her red blood cells very traumatic,the vet tried everything but we still lost our beautiful bess. she died in her sleep at the vets.we thanks ty agored as although our time together wasn't as long as i'd liked we were very lucky to have bess
Sun Mar 16 19:49:05 2008
Gill Winstanley, Cumbria
Its a long time since we lived in Mydroilyn but we knew Ty Agored well. We had a beautiful collie/lurcher from there, we called her Rovers and she shared our lives for 15yrs. We still have a huge white tom, Cracker, now 13, who was a scrap when we collected him. Our friends, the Finlaysons, have had at least 3 Ty Agored collies - they say theres none better! Best wishes to the Packhams for a long and happy retirement.
Tue Mar 11 16:36:19 2008
Barbara Daniels
I volunteered at the sanctuary, and also in the Newcastle Emlyn shop. I wish Barbara and Brian a long and happy retirement. Their dedication to all animals was never failing. I remember the little lamb the farmer didn't want. He had a deformity, but lived a long and happy life at Ty Agored.
Tue Mar 11 10:28:40 2008
Karen Hawkins
We adopted Toby our GSD from lampeter he is now 2 1/2 what a gorgeous dog he has turned out to be he was named taz at the sanctuary but we renamed him with his new life. He is as soft as you can get wich is brill seeing as we have had our 4th baby since having him and they are very close she climbs all over him and he just lies there and lets her. I just hope that his parents and siblings got a loving home as he did. You are doing a wonderful job, I hope that it carries on forever except I hope that animals stop getting treated soo badly they need rehoming. Enjoy your retirement Barbera.
Sun Sep 9 15:59:28 2007
Gwyneth James from Llandybie
We had a beautiful poodle (Sally) from Ty Agored and had 17 very happy years with her. She became blind, and deaf, but was no bother at all. We loved her so very much we haven't been able to face another dog until now. Searching for a small dog suitable for two pensioners!
Mon Jul 30 12:00:30 2007
Clive Norling from Swansea
We had our little Westie called Timothy from Ty Agored. He is the best thing that has happened to us and is a real blessing. We are so glad we found the sanctuary and thank you for the good work carried out there.
Tue Jun 26 17:47:40 2007
Linda Roberts, Aberystwyth
I had a little pony from you about 7 years ago. During that time I have battled on with him even though he suffers from laminitis. I now have him trimmed by a barefoot trimmer and this, along with restricted grazing seems to be doing the trick and he is much loved and still going strong.
Thu May 17 10:49:16 2007
Tracy Phillips, Llanelli
I recently visited Ty Agored with my partner & children & wish to thank the amazing staff. We were lucky enough to bring home Max (a 7mth old lurcher) & Tom (a 14th old collie now renamed wylie coyote!) Both have settled in amazingly well & are thoroughly enjoying all the cuddles & treats. Thanks again to Ty Agored for looking after them so well until we found them & completed our family.
Wed Apr 18 12:28:27 2007
Simon Howlett
To update this story Barbara and Brian achieve their wish and have now retired.
The Sanctuary has passed through many highs and lows recently and at times our future has seemed very uncertain. However throughout it all the welfare of the animals in our care has always remained at the heart of everything we do and we can now happily announce that the future of the Ty Agored Animal Sanctuary is finally assured.
With the appointment of a new Chairman and Charity Director, Jeff Hide and Gloria Cottingham, the sanctuary and wonderful work you have supported and helped to build over the past 35 years can now continue. With this foundation and their drive and enthusiasm Ty Agored is ready to develop and grow to face the many challenges before us. Their welcome arrival allows us to continue to provide care and support for the welfare of the many animals in our care as well as many more in the future.
Mon Mar 26 08:57:46 2007
Kate
I work up there now and i love it up there. I have been working there for a year and a half i had a year off because my back its much better now. before I used to work full time up there.
Sun Mar 18 13:02:37 2007
Alex Deal from Felinfach
I worked at Ty-agored for 6 years whilst i was at school. I love the place and it will also remain close to my heart. I have rehomed 2 dogs, 3 rabbits, a cat and a blind guinea pig - and gladly more!!! love you all and admire the work you do as i know it can be hard at times.
Sat Feb 10 11:18:18 2007
Kate Evans
I used to work there and i love there.
Fri Jan 26 10:54:17 2007
Claire and Steve, Aberystwyth
We had our dog, Patch, a Bull terrier/ Border collie X form Ty Agored and he is a wonderful, loving little dog. Ty Agored do a fantastic job. Keep up the good work!
Fri Dec 15 09:29:33 2006
sally james from Pontyates
I would like to wish Barbara a happy healthy retirement-what a dedicated compassionate person she is and,in my opinion deserves recognition for devoting her life to unwanted animals.We"ve had 2 dogs from her & I would like to thank her for them.
Fri Dec 1 17:43:41 2006
Kate Evans, Dyfed
I used to work up at ty agored and i love it up there
Wed Nov 1 10:01:34 2006
Claire Cornish, Halton on Lune, Lancashire
I had a lovely black spaniel/collie/lab cross dog from Ty Agored in March. She's been a bit of a handful but is a lovely dog and now winning at all the local shows - getting first in show against pedigree dogs. I would love to know how her sister Lily is getting on, my dog was called Bella (renamed Jess).If you have Lily do let me know how she is, or if she's too much for you I'd love to consider re-homing her myself, back with her sister. If you are enjoying having her as a pet as much as I enjoy having Jess then you are doing well! I for one am heartily glad that places like Ty Agored exist for dog lovers who can't afford pedigree animals and would like to give a dog a good home.
Fri Aug 25 09:38:16 2006
Are you familiar with the work of Ty Agored animal sanctuary? Have you taken an animal there or had a pet from there? Add your stories and comments here:
