As temperatures drop and living costs soar, more dogs than ever are being left out in the cold - abandoned, neglected, and alone.

Last year, over 1,000 dogs and puppies arrived at Hope Rescue. This winter, we expect at least 300 more to come through our doors, many in poor health and desperate need of warmth, care, and compassion.

One of those dogs is Buffy.

Buffy, a West Highland Terrier, was found shivering and alone on a freezing night in Coytrahen, Bridgend. A kind member of the public brought her to Hope Rescue, where she was rushed to emergency vets. Buffy was suffering from a painful skin condition, severe dehydration, and extreme lethargy. She’s now receiving treatment and recovering in a warm, safe foster home.

But Buffy is just one of many.

This year, the number of stray dogs entering our care has risen by a staggering 43%. Behind every statistic is a dog like Buffy -  frightened, sick, and in need of urgent help.

• Many have been deliberately abandoned to avoid long rescue waiting lists.
• Some arrive with complex health or behavioural needs.
• Others are heartbreakingly discarded at the end of their lives, when love and comfort should matter most.

Our team is doing everything possible to offer kindness, medical care, and a safe place to rest, but our resources are stretched to the limit.

2025 marked Hope Rescue’s 20th year. We began with optimism, but it’s been a year of difficult decisions and growing pressure. We’ve weathered the storm so far, but we’re not out of it yet.