International Dog Day 26th August

As International Dog Day approaches and we celebrate the wonderful companionship and joy dogs bring to our lives we can't help but think too of the 200 million stray dogs that are suffering around the word. So here are a few stories of dogs that have found love and a second chance at life and the wonderful people who sacrifice so much to save and rescue them.

Lucky by Ruth Sanderson

I first met Lucky on 19th May 2023. He was at the kennels of Kanita Sofic in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He immediately came to me and wanted to be picked up.

He'd had a very tough start to life and nearly died from Parvovirus when he was a tiny puppy. Eventually after a lot of care he started eating and turned a corner and came to the UK on 2nd November 2024.

First steps to recovery

He settled in immediately with all my cats and dogs. There was no language barrier as i already had a Bosnian dog and three Bosnian cats!!

Today, he loves running in the field and looking after his 13 year old sister Angela.

Sara by Amanda Bright

In July I visited the lovely Ingrid and Steve of MiaPLus7 in Bulgaria. At the time of my visit they had 16 dogs in their care. 7 of whom they hope to find forever homes for. All these dogs will have the inoculations they need including rabies. They will all be neutered and will have their passports ready for when they move on . Ingrid and Steve are also feeding strays in their village and when funds allow will get them neutered too. Most have heart breaking stories of being abused and dumped, but they are all so happy now.

Little Sara had a prolapse, Steve and Ingrid approached her owner and offered to pay for Sara's surgery. The owner accepted their offer but once she had had the operation, the owner didn't want her back. So she is now with MiaPlus7 looking for a forever home. She is absolutely gorgeous, a proper pocket rocket who loves to eat pears?!!!

Sara before surgery

Sara now

Of the other dogs waiting for forever homes, are Sox and MInnie, who were found with several deceased pups. Sadly the other pup didn't make it, they all had Parvovirus... but after a worrying time, Sox and Minnie are thriving. Since I've left, Ingrid and Steve have taken in another gorgeous dog they have called Summer who was dumped outside their house. they have also found the pups mother and are currently feeding her and keeping aneye on her situation. Two other dogs will be off to their forever homes soon.

i feel very privileged to have been able to spend some time with MiaPlus7 Steve and Ingrid dedicate their lives to helping these poor dogs find a better life. They also look out for cats. especially one called Gangster, who is always elusive when i visit .'

BELLA by Mark Hellier

We rescued Bella from A New Lead on life north west. We were told that she was unfortunately let out the back door on purpose and then found herself in the pound. In the pound she was placed on the 7 day euthanasia list. Luckily A New Lead on Life stepped in. During this time we lost our amazing Staffordshire Bull Terrier Lacey who managed to get is 14 years old.  Because Lacey was such an important part of our family it was unlikely at this point that we would have another dog. I have struggled with the loss of Lacey and there was a huge hole in the family. With a very random recommendation from a work colleague, we decided to go and meet Betty (now Bella). The connection was there from the start, I saw my wife and kids light up. I have always wanted to have a rescue dog and we have the perfect setup to offer her. Bella settled in really well and it was a little strange giving love to another dog and grieving at the same time. Lacey had so much personality and we wanted a dog that was the same. Bella is a cross, Lurcher/Staffy or Dalmatian/Staffy with some parsons in there. She has so much personality it is off the scale and it has been so nice taking her everywhere with us. Lacey was a reactive dog so was always very hard taking her out. 

Bella gives so much love everyday and I did read that a rescue dog is like this. She has this family for life and we are so pleased that we made the decision to get another dog.

You can find out more about MiaPlus7 and A New Lead on LIfe North West Rescue by clicking on their links on our website www.exercisingkindness.co.uk