We are only on week two of 2025 and already demand at Hope Rescue has exceeded all expectations, with the rescue taking in welfare cases from across South Wales by the hour, many in incredibly poor condition.

Hope Rescue CEO, Vanessa Waddon said: "We’re very aware that it’s just ten days in to the new year, and our news feed is filled with upsetting stories. Sadly, this is the reality for our small, grass roots rescue and we will always say it how it is."

"Even by our standards though, the last couple of weeks has been unprecedented. Brooklyn and her seven-week old puppies were handed in to a local vets after a drastic change in her owners circumstances and the intervention of a kind friend.

"As you can see, they all need some TLC and they are being treated for their skin condition. The puppies are Dachshund x Chihuahua and are tiny so were extra vulnerable. Our team are ensuring they are getting the very best care now though.

   

Earlier this week we posted about Pilau being abandoned whilst she was giving birth. Poor Pilau was abandoned at a local vets over the festive period whilst still giving birth. Sadly a puppy had got stuck and passed away, but she went on to deliver five healthy pups. Despite arriving in such awful circumstances, Pilau quickly settled in kennels, and although she is a little timid she is gaining in confidence daily. She is a very dedicated Mum and all the pups are thriving thankfully. 

Following on from Pilau, and with temperatures below freezing, this week we rescued two German Shepherds who were abandoned on Bedwas mountain to safety. Whilst we don’t hold the Caerphilly CBC contract ourselves, their pound kennels are currently closed so of course we stepped in when asked.Lois and Clark, as we have named them, are in a bit of a mess sadly.

They are extremely underweight, with matted fur and caked on mud. Despite their ordeal, whilst they are a little bit worried, they have shown to be a lovely pair. After a good night’s sleep in a warm kennel and a small meal to start building their strength back up, we’ll start to gently get them cleaned up as soon as they are feeling more comfortable.

These are not isolated cases, and as we reported last year, it is a symptom that the puppy boom has gone bust due to the pandemic boom in dog ownership, cost of living crisis, rising vet bills and lack of subsidised neutering schemes.

Last year alone we had 46 puppies born in care and we took in another 190 dogs under six months old. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re deeply saddened to see the current crisis in animal welfare. We’re as committed as ever though to ensuring we are there for the stray and abandoned dogs that rely on us, ensuring no dog is left behind. 

We need your help though, now more than ever! A one off donation or a regular gift from just £5 a month would help us to continue our life-changing work for dogs like Lois and Clark, as well as mums like Pilau and Brooklyn and their pups.This crisis is only getting worse and your support really would mean the world to us. Donate HERE!