Rescue a rescue 2024
Meet our 12 winners, looking for their forever home
Meet Dixie
8 year old Bull Lurcher, Dixie, has had a run of bad luck. In 2022, her owner moved abroad and couldn't take her, so Dixie arrived at Cheshire Sighthound Rescue. After 7 months, another home as found but, unfortunately, her owner's working hours increased, but she had no alternative care for Dixie.
Age and sex
8 years, female
Breed
Bull lurcher
Can live with
Adults and teenagers (16+)
About Dixie
Whilst Dixie is fun loving, active and loyal, Bull lurchers are not the easiest of breed combinations. Dixie is headstrong, whilst struggling with different environments, especially kennels. She gets so anxious, she self-harms to the point of bleeding.
Incredibly loving, once settled and in a routine, she's a warm-hearted angel who enjoys snuggling up on the sofa with her person and resting her head or paw on them. However, as she is so dog-reactive she cannot live with other animals, and needs someone patient and kind to help her learn to walk outside, without fear.
Her strength and issues make her hard to place and the rescue centre fears her staying in kennels in just compounding her trauma. They are desperately looking for someone to take her on, work at rehabilitating her and give her the loving, peaceful home she so deserves.
Dixie loves
Tug of war, sniffing on walks and her very own blankets
Dixie doesn't love
Kennels, vacuums and other dogs
Funniest habit
Haphazard zoomies
Favourite way to relax
Being on the sofa next to you, she’ll usually rest her head or paw on you
Advice from our behaviourist
Dixie is 'reactive' to other dogs. This means she may bark or lunge when seeing another dog, or if they get too close. With time, patience and commitment to training most dogs can reach a point where they can pass other dogs at a distance, but it is likely she will never want to be up close to another dog, or needing to cross paths with them whilst she is trying to enjoy her walks. It is important that she lives in an area where she can go for walks without having to see many other dogs.
Sophie White
VetMed MSc MRCVS ABTC
Registered Veterinary/Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Meet Shadow
Shadow is a big, handsome 3 year old Caucasian Shepherd dog, found abandoned on a Greek mountainside and brought to the UK, but his owner sadly became too ill to look after him.
Age and sex
3 years, male
Breed
Greek / Caucasian Shepherd
Can live with
Adults only, could live with dogs and cats
About Shadow
This curious and well-mannered boy has been waiting for over a year for a new family to fall in love with his fun and quirky personality. His favourite toys are Duck, Squirrel and a turkey-filled Kong, and he loves playing with little dogs in the park, digging in the sand and doing crazy zoomies on a frosty morning!
He needs a quiet house with a big garden as he doesn’t like being closed-in, although he will try to squeeze into furniture which is a too small for him! Bicycles, kites and windsurfers scare him, and his strong instinct to protect means he needs a child-free home, preferably in a village or the countryside, although he’s fine with other dogs and cats.
He has a delicate stomach and is on special food; and his current foster is working through a training program to desensitise him to certain worries, so a new owner prepared to continue this would really help him, as well as having an understanding that rescue dogs need time and space to feel safe. If you see him pulling his paws over his ears for cuddles, you will be smitten!
Shadow loves
Treats, toys, people, playing with dogs at the park especially pugs and little dogs. Zoomies on a frosty morning and digging in the sand.
Shadow doesn't love
Bicycles, kites and windsurfers. Shadow doesn't like to feel trapped so a garden with lots of space is important
Funniest habit
Trying to fit into furniture that doesn't fit him! Pulling his paws over his ears when he wants cuddles
Favourite way to relax
Digging and snuggling up for cuddles
Advice from our behaviourist
Caucasian Shepherds are a Livestock Guardian breed and it is important that Shadow's new family understand that this will mean he is more like to be protective of his territory and family, this is exactly what the breed has been bred to do. It is important a new family understand his breeding and background to ensure they are the right match.
Sophie White
VetMed MSc MRCVS ABTC
Registered Veterinary/Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Meet Luna
Luna is a Rex rabbit, between 4 & 8 years old. Rescued after her elderly owner sadly passed away, Luna has been at the centre for over a year, waiting for someone to take her home.
Age and sex
4-8 years, female
Breed
Rex
Can live with
Adults, teenagers (16+), dogs, cats and other small animals
About Luna
She’s a funny, older girl, with so much personality; very loveable although the return might be on her terms. She loves wicker & seagrass toys, especially balls; chewing cardboard and having a little nap after her breakfast of favourite veggies. She enjoys entertaining with her little older lady binkies, then flopping on her side to relax, but she finds her young, noisy bunny neighbours tiresome!
She does have some stomach issues but, otherwise, can lead a normal, happy bunny life with over 16’s, cats, dogs and other small animals – as long as they’re not too loud. A male rabbit partner would be just lovely!
Luna loves
Daily veggies, chewing cardboard and naps after breakfast
Luna doesn't love
Her noisy bunny neighbours
Funniest habit
Her little older lady binkies
Favourite way to relax
Fully flopped out on her side
Meet Kiki
Kiki was 4 months old when she was found in a hot water drain. The finder couldn’t keep her and so TACO stepped in to care for her.
Age and sex
12 months, female
Breed
Domestic Short Hair
Can live with
Adults and teenagers (16+), potentially other laid back cats
About Kiki
Now a year old, Kiki is a little tricky to place, but needs someone to be patient and kind and build her trust in them. Her past in unknown, but it is clear she has been abused, and she can be a bit of a Jekyll & Hyde character. Being spayed has helped, but she can still be unpredictable, and occasionally a bite will come from nowhere.
Once she has your trust, she enjoys sitting on your chest, under your chin, as well as sunbathing on the patio. She doesn’t have a special toy, but does love catnip. Kiki desperately needs someone to take the time to understand her. She doesn’t lash out from anger, but fear, and loud noises and raised voices can fuel this. Ironically, she hates being alone and, once comfortable, is at her most relaxed sleeping on someone
Kiki loves
Sitting under your chin on your chest, and sunbathing in the Catio. Once she has your trust, she loves to sit on your lap
Kiki doesn't love
Raised voices
Funniest habit
Takes herself of to bed at night time
Favourite way to relax
Sleeping on someone
Meet Holly and Ivy
Holly & Ivy are 11 months old and have been waiting for a new home for 8 months. Lovely, but shy, Holly will allow you to fuss her and follow you, whilst Ivy will take treats but avoid any physical contact, preferring to watch things from a safe distance. They love to race around playing with each other; Holly adores Whiskas treats, whilst Ivy’s favourite thing is sleeping in the safety of her snuggle bed.
Holly and Ivy have been adopted!
Here's what Holly and Ivy's new owner, Grace, had to say about how the pair is settling in:
"After only 3 weeks, It’s so heart-warming to see how confident, cheeky and loving Holly & Ivy have become. We knew instantly that a calm, loving home was all they needed to flourish!"
Yoko
5 year old Yoko is a Jagdterrier. An adventurous and cheeky chap, he came to the centre 3 long years ago, and he's made lots of best friends, but is struggling to find a new home.
Age and sex
5 years, male
Breed
Jagdterrier
Can live with
Adults only
About Yoko
Yoko became fearful and started to resource guard which was unsafe because there were young children in his original home, so he is looking for an active, grown-up family to take him adventuring with them. He’s already climbed Pen-Y-Fan, canoed the River Wye, and visited the beach in Wales with the team, although his least favourite thing in the world is having his feet dried!
Building trust and confidence with unfamiliar people is a challenge for Yoko, and he has a strong prey drive so needs to be kept on a lead or longline outside of the home. He loves all squeaky toys, and his funniest habit is digging. At the end of the day though, there’s nowhere he would rather be than snuggled on his best friend’s lap at the centre. The team all love him but they want him to find his own family to love him forever.
Yoko loves
Exploring, and anything that squeaks
Yoko doesn't love
Having his feet dried and people he doesn't know in his personal space
Funniest habit
Digging
Favourite way to relax
Snuggled on his best friends lap at the centre
Advice from our behaviourist
Yoko is a breed known for their determination and commitment to the job. he was bred for hunting and so will need plenty to stimulation and activities to keep him busy. He will also need to remain on lead or in secure areas as he won't be able to resist if there is something to chase. At home he needs someone who likes to cuddle on his terms, but can also respect his space.
Sophie White
VetMed MSc MRCVS ABTC
Registered Veterinary/Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Yoko has been reserved!
Meet Jinx
Jinx is a 3 year old Belgian Shepherd (Malinois), saved under the Animal Welfare Act from a cruel owner, who was later prosecuted. Malnourished, living in inappropriate conditions, she was heavily pregnant with 8 puppies, whom she gave birth to at Hope Rescue; she was a wonderful mum and they have all been successfully homed. After over 400 days at the centre, it's time for her to have a happy ending too.
Age and sex
3 years, female
Breed
Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)
Can live with
Adults only
About Jinx
Affectionate by nature, Jinx loves being close to her people and, despite her size, will absolutely attempt to sit on your lap any chance she gets! She is fun loving, enjoys adventures (especially in the car), and exploring new things like tennis balls and squeaky toys! Jinx is very intelligent, picking up training quickly and is super keen to learn.
Jinx has had an incredibly difficult start in life, she's not keen on being alone, and wears a muzzle out on walks. She can only live with adults and needs long walks, away from popular dog walks, and time to relax knowing her people are nearby. Despite this, everyone at Hope Rescue adores her and is rooting for her to find a forever home and discover what being a much loved family member should be like.
Jinx loves
Going on adventures, car rides, her Kong, a tasty chew and Lickimats
Jinx doesn't love
Being on her own
Funniest habit
Jinx fancies herself as a keen gardener and likes to dig up tree roots if she gets the chance!
Favourite way to relax
Quiet time with her favourite humans nearby
Advice from our behaviourist
Jinx has had a lot to contend with in her life and understandably this has had an impact on her confidence. She will need to be able to bond to a new family and have someone home most of the time to support her. A safe, quiet environment and a family committed to long term training will be vital to help her meet her full potential.
Sophie White
VetMed MSc MRCVS ABTC
Registered Veterinary/Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Jinx has been reserved!
Meet Sanders
Sanders is a 7 year old stray rescued after months hanging around KFC in Exeter, when one of the rescue centre’s followers alerted them.
Sanders has been adopted!
Here's how Sander's has settled in, from his new owners:
Kenny Sanders came to us from, his foster home, via Hector's House, on 30th September this year.
From the day we met him he has been a real darling. He's taking some time to adjust and gain confidence with us, having previously been on the streets (he was picked up at KFC - hence the name!)
Kenny is a quiet boy who likes to do things in his own time but he is already enjoying lots of cuddles. He particularly likes bed time when he joins us on his own pillow between the two of us.
Meet Cedric and Ethel
Cedric is 1 year old and Ethel, his mum, is 2. Coming to the sanctuary over a year ago as a pregnant feral stray, Ethel gave birth to a litter of 5 kittens of which Cedric is the one remaining.
Cedric and Ethel have been adopted!
The loving and playful pair, Cedric and Ethel, have gone to their new home. Here's what new owner, Sophie, has to say about how they're settling in:
They are pretty much all settled Ethel is really coming out of her shell and playing with Cedric she is such a fuss pot. Ethel hasn't quite made it to lap cat yet but she's always laying on the top of the sofa next to me. She's put some paws on but that's as close as she will get i think she will come over to laps in the winter when it gets colder and we are sat on the sofa with blankets. She's such a sweet girl she will go and tell off the boys and separate them if it sounds like their play fighting is getting a bit much.
Meet Skylor
2 year old Skylor is a Staffy x Italian Greyhound. A lovely girl, she arrived at the rescue centre aged 3 months with suspected water on the brain. In spite of a joyful spirit, Skylor has been at the centre for over 2 years as she is awaiting that special new owner who can cope with her special needs.
Skylor has been adopted!
Pictured above left with her new owner, the lovely Skylor has been adopted.
Meet Tenille
In May, a lady was shocked to find a desperately ill cat with a newborn kitten on her doorstep; she contacted Tails Animal Welfare who took her in.
Tenille has been adopted!
Here's some notes on Tenille's adoption from Tails Animal Welfare:
Adopters, Florence and Tom noticed Tenille when we were sharing how poorly she was, however, she was not well enough for rehoming then. Subsequently, they saw her frequently due to Agria's Rescue a Rescue promotion and decided to make enquiries.
As a welfare organisation, we were keen to ensure that Tenille was carefully placed as she required time to learn to trust and needed to be an indoor cat at this point because she is extremely wary of new situations. Florence and Tom ticked all our boxes and our precious Tenille went to her new home a few days ago. First feedback shows that she is beginning to settle and is already approaching her new mum and dad for the head rubs that she adores. After a truly heart-breaking start for this youngster, she now has the forever home she thoroughly deserves.
Cookie
Cookie was voted in the top 12, but has since passed over the rainbow bridge
Cookie, the Chihuahua x Pomeranian, was a loving old lady with a comical nature; perky and cheeky, she was desperate to share her love. Sadly, she passed over the rainbow bridge in the comfort of Hay Animal Rescue Centre. Cookie's complex and varied health issues had led her owner to surrender her to the centre, as she just couldn't cope, and the lovely people at Hay were taking the best care of her while they tried to find someone up to the job. They can rest knowing she's at peace now and her last 6 months with them were the best they could be.