101 Dogs Rehomed

2024 has certainly been a year to remember for our small (but big hearted) charity. Not only did we turn 40 years old, but we have also broken our previous rehoming records and found forever homes for more than 100 dogs this year! Traditionally, our aim has been to try and rehome one dog each week, but this year we have achieved well over double that number. This has only been possible due to the consistent efforts of our dedicated volunteers, raising awareness of RATS. 

Unfortunately, with the cost of living increasing and irresponsible breeding being dangerously out of control, more dogs than ever are being surrendered by their owners to rescues like RATS. According to a 2023 survey conducted by Mars Petcare, there are 67,000 stray dogs living on the streets in the UK. And according to PETA, 21 dogs are euthanised every single day because there is a critical lack of space in shelters.

At our kennels, a quarter of the current space is occupied by long-term residents who cannot be rehomed but who we would never give up on, but we have managed the capacity by recruiting a team of fabulous fosterers. These truly amazing people have allowed us to double our intake this year and without them many dogs would have needed to be turned away. Our fostering team is always poised to offer sanctuary to dogs in need, at the drop of a hat.

We'd love to tell you the story of every single of the 101 RATS dogs we have helped to find happiness this year, but here are the stories of three, who particularly touched our hearts.

Ralph

Deaf and blind double-Merle Collie Ralph stole our hearts with his loving, friendly nature, and his incredible zest for life. He’s a shining example of how we should never be held back by our disabilities.

After spending some time at the kennels, this lucky lad’s dream foster home came along surprisingly quickly. Helen and her family stepped forward for Ralph within days of our online appeal, and they offered him a temporary home with their other dogs. Ralph settled in immediately, becoming best friends with Mickey, a fellow Collie with the same disabilities. They fast became inseparable and the photos of them both gently guiding each other on their walks and snuggling together on the sofa melted our hearts.

Helen and her family then found they couldn't bear to part with Ralph, so his temporary home became his home for life! It was amazing to see how he settled into his new family’s life like he had always been there. Ralph recently passed his exams to become a qualified therapy dog which was a huge achievement, and we're so proud of how hard he and his foster family has worked to allow him to bring such joy to others. 

Zack

Poor Cane Corso puppy Zack was heartlessly dumped and ate scraps as a stray for three months before arriving in our care. He was just a baby and had already been through traumas that no animal should ever be subjected to. 

This gentle giant was so terrified and shut down, it was heartbreaking to see. He quite rightly had no faith in humans, but our team at the kennels worked hard to restore that trust. Zack was with us at the kennels for four months until he found his way to Niall, the most compassionate and patient adopter.

Niall has continued our work since adopting Zack in July and the change in him has been incredible. Too petrified to leave his kennel for months on end, Zack now adores going for long walks with Niall and loves a snuggle. We're so grateful to Niall for taking a chance on Zack and helping to turn his life around.

Muffin

At 17 years old, Muffin the Westie was deaf, blind and incontinent. When she was surrendered to us, we wanted to make sure that for however long she had left, she would be loved immeasurably and treated like a true princess.

She spent her final few months with a very special lady, our fosterer Karen, and her pack of fellow elderly doggies at ‘Karen's Care Home’. Muffin instantly became best friends with Arthur the sausage dog, who’s also blind. The two quickly became inseparable and enjoyed many sniffy walks together. They were bonded by their disabilities and found comfort in each other.

Muffin’s health sadly deteriorated drastically after just eight weeks. Although we could see that she was fighting hard, her poor little body was giving up. She and Karen spent a final weekend together, with chicken for dinner every evening and endless cuddles. Karen then took Muffin to our vets to help her on her way. 

The care Muffin received from Karen was awe-inspiring. The final two months of her life were filled with love, enrichment and enjoyment. Karen found her calling when she started to care for elderly and disabled dogs, and whilst days like the day we said goodbye to Muffin are incredibly sad, she somehow always finds the strength to carry on caring for those dogs who are most in need of love and comfort. 

Since Muffin, Karen has taken another three RATS dogs into her home: Pebbles, a 12-year-old Bichon, Betsy, a 14-year-old blind Shih Tzu and Tugo, a 15-year-old deaf and blind Jack Russell.

Although our incredible year of rescues is cause for huge celebration, it's equally very worrying from a financial perspective. 

The costs that we incur through the direct care of each dog (food, shelter, water, vet bills, and behaviourists etc.) significantly outweigh the adoption fees that we charge. Every dog in our care is spayed/neutered, vaccinated and for the vast majority, we also pay for behavioural support pre- and post-adoption to give them the best chance of a successful future.

Going into the new year we hope to continue to rehome many more animals in need, but this won’t be possible without continued support from the public.

Please consider making a small donation (even of as little as £1) to help us to rescue and rehome many more animals in 2025 and beyond. You can find out more here: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk/donations

There are many other ways you can help RATS too including donating as you shop, becoming a member, volunteering for us, giving unwanted items to our charity shop in Biggleswade, running your own fundraiser, leaving a legacy in your will or fostering an animal - the list is endless! 

Please continue to spread the word about us and come and see us when we're running a stall at a local event. The more people know about us, the better chance we have of finding the animals in our care their forever homes.

From the bottom of our hearts and on behalf of the 101 RATS dogs rehomed so far this year, thank you for your kindness and generosity. With your help, we can continue to change the world for so many animals, for many more years to come.