Words by Smiley Team
A charity which rescues disabled dogs from around the world is fundraising to open a one-of-a-kind rehabilitation and adoption facility.
Wolfie’s Legacy was founded in 2017, and is committed to saving the lives of hundreds of disabled dogs a year who would otherwise have been put to sleep.
Their rescues - who come from countries including Hungary and Macedonia as well as from breeders and vets in the UK - are rehabilitated first by the charity and then adopted to new homes around the country, with ongoing support provided.
The dogs rescued by Wolfie’s have often been mistreated and needed to have amputations, or have genetic conditions limiting their mobility.
Founder Gill Daghistani has saved more than 500 disabled dogs since she started Wolfie’s, and now wants to expand the charity’s work into a £250,000 purpose built centre in Wales.
She said: “These dogs can live a happy life in residence at Wolfie’s, we will never turn a dog away for being too disabled.
“So many veterinary professionals default to recommended euthanasia when a disabled rescue dog comes into their surgery. There is an intrinsic fear of the unknown, scepticism for ‘who’s paying the vet fees’, and an inability to look beyond the x-rays and scans, at the life that dog could live, given a chance.
“The dogs we save go on to have the most fulfilled lives. I challenge anyone to meet a Wolfie’s dog and believe otherwise.”
Wolfie’s Legacy Rehabilitation and Adoption Facility is envisaged as a haven for disabled dogs, many of whom will find a forever home, while others will be long-term residents receiving round the clock care.
The new centre will also provide an opportunity for both trainee and experienced vets to learn about disabled dogs, and members of the public, schools, and colleges will also be able to visit and get involved with walking, bathing, and playing with resident disabled dogs.
Retired solicitor Pamela Leadbetter adopted her dog Faith from Wolfie’s. She said: “Faith is my unofficial therapy dog who is beyond compare. It is hard to put into words the benefits that a Wolfie’s dog brings, but I think they have special souls that bring out the best in everyone that comes into contact with them.”
To find out more about Wolfie’s Legacy visit their website or follow them on Facebook. You can also donate to their fundraising campaign for the new adoption centre.
