From Wine Connoisseur to Animal Advocate: Cassie Gould’s Journey of Love and Giving Back
When you think of a wine connoisseur, the image that may come to mind is of someone who spends their time among vineyards and bottles of vintage wines, hosting tastings and living a life centered around fine dining and luxury. But for Cassie Gould, the face of Butlers Wine Cellar in Kemptown, this was only a part of her story. Behind her role in the world of wine is a deeper passion for animals, one that has become her mission in recent years. What started as a lifelong love for animals evolved into a heartfelt commitment to helping rescue and care for the very creatures that had, unbeknownst to her, brought her so much joy and comfort during the darkest times.
Cassie Gould’s journey into animal advocacy began not just out of a love for animals but also as a personal response to a painful chapter in her life. It was a period of unimaginable stress and heartache when her husband, Henry, received a shock cancer diagnosis. As Cassie worked to maintain the stability of her business, support her husband through his treatments, and process the stress and uncertainty that cancer brings to a family, something unexpected and profoundly life-changing happened. A cat appeared on their doorstep, and it was that cat that would change everything.
A New Companion During a Dark Time
It was a quiet day when the cat arrived. Cassie and Henry had been adjusting to the new reality of cancer treatment, hospital visits, and the emotionally exhausting rollercoaster that comes with such a diagnosis. Amid the chaos, a stray cat appeared on their doorstep. At first, Cassie hesitated. She was in the midst of a busy schedule, managing both Henry’s health and her professional commitments. The idea of adding a new responsibility to her already full plate didn’t seem appealing. But the cat persisted, sitting outside and crying to be let in.
After weeks of this, Cassie finally relented, letting the feline into their home. This cat, whom they later named Mabel, was more than just a pet. In a way, she became the emotional anchor that Cassie and Henry needed. During a time when their lives were filled with uncertainty and anxiety, Mabel’s presence offered comfort. Her playful antics and unconditional affection helped them both navigate the difficult days.
Cassie reflects on this period with profound gratitude. "She brought us comfort and joy, especially during Henry's treatment, when I was also running the business," she recalls. "Her presence gave us a much-needed distraction and a new focus for both of us." It was through this bond with Mabel that Cassie’s perspective on animal welfare shifted, transforming from a casual love for animals into an unwavering commitment to help those in need.
A Longstanding Love for Animals
Cassie’s love for animals was not something new. It had been a part of her life from an early age, deeply ingrained in her by her family. Growing up in a household where animals were seen as family, Cassie was introduced to the importance of caring for all creatures. "From a very young age, I was aware of the need to care for animals," she says. "There was never an animal in need that we wouldn’t take in. Our home was a sanctuary for all kinds of creatures – dogs, cats, a tortoise we found on the side of the road, and even a swan that we named Charlie that was nursed back to health."
Charlie, the swan, would even come into the house, sticking his head through the cat flap to ask for food, creating a memorable and heartwarming family story. Cassie’s mother also had a passion for rescuing horses from abusive situations, and Cassie was often seen riding a rescued Shire horse as a child, an experience that cemented her love for animals and the importance of animal welfare.
However, as Cassie grew older and entered the hospitality industry, she found that her career kept her away from home for long hours, making it difficult to care for a pet. It wasn’t until the pandemic struck and the world was forced into lockdown that Cassie had time to reflect on the profound impact animals had on her life.
A Call to Action: From Comfort to Advocacy
During the lockdown, Cassie became acutely aware of the challenges facing animals, particularly those that were exploited or abused for profit. The pandemic had led to a surge in demand for pets, particularly as people began working from home. Unfortunately, this created a market where some breeders took advantage of the situation, breeding dogs in unhealthy conditions and selling them for high prices. The result was a growing number of unsocialized, untrained dogs that were eventually abandoned when people returned to their pre-pandemic routines and no longer had the time or resources to care for their new pets.
It was during this time that Cassie began to realize how important it was to channel her passion for animals into something tangible. She could no longer sit idly by while so many animals were suffering. The experience of caring for Mabel had opened her eyes to the healing power of animals, and she knew she wanted to give back to the animal community.
In 2021, she decided to take action. Inspired by the work of local charities and animal rescue organizations, Cassie signed up to participate in the "50 Miles in May" challenge to raise funds for the Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, an animal rescue and sanctuary based in East Sussex, near her hometown. This was the beginning of her active involvement in animal advocacy.
The Role of Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare is a sanctuary that provides a safe and loving environment for animals in need, from dogs and cats to farm animals and exotic species. The charity also works to promote animal welfare and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. It was through her participation in the 50 Miles in May challenge that Cassie first connected with the organization and began to learn more about their work.
One day, while getting her nails done, Cassie mentioned to a woman sitting next to her that she’d love to walk a rescue dog, particularly a Staffie, as part of her fundraising challenge. Coincidentally, the woman’s dog, a rescue Staffie named Pepper, had been adopted from Raystede and was in need of a walker. The two struck up a conversation, and it felt like fate.
Walking Pepper became a life-changing experience for Cassie. The bond they shared during their walks fueled her desire to get more involved with rescue animals. She began to learn more about the process of adopting rescue pets and soon signed up to adopt a dog herself.
The Adoption Journey: Saving a Maltese from Abuse
In November 2023, Cassie received an urgent call from a rescue organization called Many Tears Rescue. A Maltese dog in Wales was in desperate need of help. This dog had been used and abused by breeders for her entire life, forced to breed repeatedly until she could no longer produce. Once deemed unworthy, she was discarded, left in a state of severe malnutrition and neglect.
The dog, whose name was later changed to Daisy, was in grave condition. She had very little fur, had never known kindness from humans, and her health was deteriorating rapidly. The breeders had no intention of providing her with medical care, and if she wasn’t rescued, it was likely she would be euthanized. Cassie and her husband Henry immediately sprung into action, organizing a rescue mission to bring Daisy to safety.
Within two weeks, they drove to Epsom to collect Daisy, bringing her into their home and giving her the care and attention she desperately needed. Cassie and Henry were determined to provide Daisy with a loving home, and they immediately began her rehabilitation, which included regular vet visits, special food, and plenty of love and attention.
A Future of Compassion
For Cassie, adopting Daisy was not just about rescuing a dog; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and the ability to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. "It’s been a life-changing experience that has brought so much meaning and purpose into our lives," she says.
Cassie continues to be a vocal advocate for animals, using her platform and influence to raise awareness and funds for animal welfare organizations like Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare. Her work has proven that no matter the size of the gesture, every action counts in the fight to protect vulnerable animals.
Her journey, which began with a cat on a doorstep, has grown into a full-fledged commitment to helping animals in need. Through her support of animal rescue organizations, adoption of rescue animals, and continued fundraising efforts, Cassie Gould is proving that one person, driven by love and compassion, can make a lasting impact on the lives of countless animals.
The next chapter in Cassie’s story is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: her love for animals will continue to guide her as she works to ensure that no creature is left behind.
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