From a small cattery at Wethersfield Manor to the animal rescue home caring for animals across Essex today, the story of Danaher Animal Home began with a love of animals and a legacy that continues to shape its future.
Every animal deserves a chance at a better life. At Danaher Animal Home in Wethersfield, Essex, that belief has been at the heart of its work for decades. But the story of the Home began long before the rescue centre people know today, with one family's determination to help animals in need and the generosity of Margery Danaher.
In 1978, Mr and Mrs F. L. Danaher established a cattery at their home at Wethersfield Manor. Over the following 12 years, approximately 2,600 cats were cared for there, providing a lifeline for animals needing somewhere safe to go.
As the need to help unwanted dogs grew, it became clear that more accommodation was urgently needed. In 1980, Miss Sylvia Jenkins began rehoming unwanted dogs through a fostering and referral service, highlighting the growing need for dedicated kennel facilities.
The road to establishing an animal home was not always straightforward. Plans to develop the Wethersfield Manor site faced planning difficulties, with applications refused and appeals dismissed. Determined to find a way forward, Mr and Mrs Danaher purchased Thorley Farm in Wethersfield in 1986. The property, a farmhouse with 6.5 acres of land, offered the potential to create a dedicated home for animals in need.
Planning permission for development was granted in April 1987, and the work to establish the new facilities continued.
In 1990, the kennels, cattery and one of the semi-detached houses at Thorley Farm were leased to the North West Essex Branch of the RSPCA, alongside the existing Wethersfield Animal Shelter. The first dog was admitted in February that year, followed by the transfer of cats from Wethersfield Manor in June.
A pivotal moment came when Mrs Danaher gave the freehold of the Wethersfield Animal Shelter to the branch. This brought the two properties together, allowing them to be developed into a comprehensive animal home serving Essex.
The resulting RSPCA Danaher Animal Home for Essex was established to provide accommodation for domestic animals needing care and rehoming, short-term care for injured wildlife, and education in animal welfare.
It was a significant step in the development of a Home that would go on to help thousands of animals.
Memories that bring the history to life
While historical records tell the story of how Danaher developed, it is the memories of those connected to the Home that help bring its early days to life.
Dorothy Lee, who has volunteered at Danaher for an incredible 32 years, remembers Margery and her beloved whippet, Jasmine. Her memories offer a glimpse into the people and animals behind the Home's beginnings.
Dorothy also recalls a time when dogs were sent from Liverpool to Danaher to make use of the available kennel space, highlighting how the Home helped provide accommodation for animals beyond its immediate local area.
For Dorothy, volunteering has been meaningful in its own right. Reflecting on her time at Danaher, she said: "Coming here has helped me enormously."
Her words are a reminder that the impact of an animal home can reach beyond the animals it cares for, touching the lives of the people who give their time, compassion and commitment to helping them.
A legacy that continues
Margery Danaher's contribution forms an important part of Danaher Animal Home's history. The gift of the shelter's freehold helped bring together the foundations of the Home, creating an opportunity to develop a more comprehensive service for animals across Essex.
Today, Danaher continues that work as an independent, self-funding animal charity. Caring for animals, providing veterinary treatment, supporting their rehabilitation and helping them find loving homes all come with significant costs. The generosity of supporters remains essential to making that work possible.
There are many ways to support a charity, from volunteering and fundraising to making donations during your lifetime. For some people, leaving a gift in their will is another way to support a cause that matters to them, helping a charity continue its work for future generations.
For Alison and Craig Dewar, their connection to Danaher is a personal one. Having welcomed two rescue dogs from the Home, they have seen first-hand the difference that its team makes. They have chosen to leave a gift in their will to help ensure that future generations of animals can benefit from the same care and compassion.
“Leaving a Gift in our Wills to Danaher Animal Home is really important to us. We’ve had two rescue dogs from Danaher and have seen first-hand the huge amount of care, love and attention provided by the wonderful Danaher team. We hope that by leaving a legacy now, we can help that work to continue in the future, so many more animals can benefit too.”
- Alison & Craig Dewar
Danaher's own history is a reminder of how one person's generosity can help shape what becomes possible. The legacy of its beginnings lives on in the work carried out every day and in the lives of the animals who come through its doors.
As Danaher looks back on its history, it also looks to the future, recognising the people whose kindness has helped build the Home and the role that generosity can continue to play in protecting its future.
To find out more about Danaher Animal Home and how to support its work, visit www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk/legacies
