A little over a week ago, our centre team was brought to a standstill when a stray ten year old lurcher arrived in heartbreaking condition, the gentle girl we later named Lili.

The smell of petrol clung to her coat, and she urgently needed a bath. But even more shocking was the large mass hanging from her mammary area. She struggled to walk, and on closer examination we discovered her body was covered in smaller tumours as well.

Lili was taken straight to our vets for a full assessment. Her tumours were advanced and due to her age and frailty, surgery simply wasn’t an option. Although devastating, we made the kindest and most compassionate decision we could for her: to let her go peacefully.

This year, our team has faced some truly harrowing cases, the kind of cruelty and neglect that too often goes unseen. Dogs are being abandoned at their most vulnerable moments, left for rescues like ours to pick up the pieces when they desperately need love, safety, and care.

In the short time Lili was with us, she knew nothing but kindness.

She quickly stole hearts with her gentle nature and expressive little face. She adored cuddles, pressing her nose into your side as if asking for just one more moment of affection. She spent sunny afternoons pottering around our paddocks with her favourite people, and received constant visits from staff checking in on her. Lili may have lived ten years without the love she deserved, but her final days were filled to the brim with it.

We urge anyone who is struggling and feels unable to care for their dog to reach out to a rescue centre for help. Abandoning them in their hour of need is never the answer. Sadly, Lili’s story is far from unique - we are seeing more neglect and abandonment than ever before.

It is incredibly tough on our team, but we choose to work with strays because they have no one else looking out for them. 

If you’d like to support our work and help dogs like Lili, please consider giving a regular gift from as little as £5 a month. Every contribution helps us continue to be there for the dogs who need us most. You can make you donation below.