Remarkable Rescues
Whilst all of our dogs have incredible backstories, every now and then, we meet a pup that has overcome some truly inspiring obstacles. We began our Remarkable Rescue fund to help dogs in serious need of veterinary treatment – without which, they wouldn’t have a chance at survival. Our past Remarkable Rescues are dogs that have been through the worst of it, from abandoned with shattered bones, to being shot in the face for sport – or even having had their nose removed.
Here at Wild at Heart Foundation, we believe that if a dog has the chance at a happy and healthy life, they should never be put down. However, this includes dogs that, unfortunately, do not have a family to fork out the vets bill. To us, giving a dog a second chance at a happy life should never be dependent on money – and it’s thanks to the support of our incredible community that we have been able to see these dogs flourish.
Each of these dogs have been though so much so we can return their quality of life and allow them to live free of pain. We’re sure you agree that every dog deserves a chance at a happy life full of love and wagging tails. Unfortunately, around the world, a lack of education surrounding dogs has lead to us seeing cases like these all too often.
We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce our Remarkable Rescues and show you new ways to support! From our wonderful Maggie, to the magnificent Mitya, These special individuals have overcome amazing odds at every hurdle and really are an inspiration to us all. We’d also like to take a moment to thank you. Your donations have changed these dogs lives, without which, they wouldn’t be here.
Meet the Remarkable Rescues
Meet our beautiful family of “lifers” from all around the world – whilst they all have a new life and a spring in their step, we continue to meet dogs in desperate need of our help. Your funding, purchases and donations allow us to treat these dogs without delay. Every second is crucial. Follow us on social media to stay updated on where your money is going!
Click on each dog to find out more about who they are.
Maggie
Maggie was rescued by WaHF in 2008, she was found tied up on the side of the road: both eyes had been shot out; one ear cut off; pregnant; and left for dead. Later, x-rays showed the true extent of abuse: Maggie’s skull was so peppered with pellets that it became clear she had been shot in the head over and over. There is no justifiable reason for this: this is not ‘sport’ or ‘target practice’, this is animal abuse.
Maggie’s surgery was an incredible success and though she had an ear removed and lost both of her eyes, we are all delighted at her incredible recovery. She came over to the UK when she was well enough to travel and has adapted perfectly to life without sight. Maggie will never feel the pain and fear that she once had to go through, thanks to our Remarkable Rescue fund.
- Gentle Soul
- Lovable Lady
- Centre of Attention
Peggy
In December 2018, just as Christmas fever was beginning to set in, we were contacted about a sorry tale that we just knew we had to help with. A puppy had been discovered in a field, abandoned in a box with her ears and tail slashed to ribbons, and – most disturbing of all – her entire nose gouged out. That this was the work of human hands was immediately obvious, though the reasons for committing such a horrendous act of mindless cruelty are, as always, near-impossible to fathom. What we did know was that this was a dog who would be overlooked by most, written off as “too damaged” and therefore not worthy of saving.
In spite of everything that had happened to her, Peggy remained a sweet, loving and happy dog. In January 2019, Peggy flew to the UK where she was treated at an expert facility, and found the perfect family to give her the love she so sorely deserved. With her amputated ears and tail, and her tailor-made nose, Peggy certainly is a one-of-a-kind dog
- Loving
- Trusting
- Loyal
Mitya
Similar to Peggy, Mitya had suffered the distressing past of having his nose disfigured as a very young puppy. We do not know how this had happened and he was abandoned in the woods, having to fend for himself and with a bleak future. It was very lucky when he was spotted by a Wild at Heart Foundation friend, covering in some bushes near her house.
Aided by a lot of patience, kind words and chicken, Ksenia coaxed the pup into her care, and fell instantly in love with his big brown eyes and the “tr-tr-tr” noise he made when breathing through his throat. She found it so endearing that she named him Mitya after a well known Russian children’s book character – a loveable tractor!
But after multiple attempted surgeries to rebuild his nose, it became clear that Mitya would need specialist help. In fact a number of vets had suggested that Mitya be euthanised – finding him a home where he could get the love and treatment he needed was a matter of life or death. However, he is now living his best life, with an incredible family and some doggy siblings of his own.
- Big Boy
- Loves a snack
- Gentle at heart
Millie
Adopted sister to Maggie, Millie is no less recognisable, with her big tongue on show and her renound head tilts. Millie has had a long journey but surprised us all with the bubbliest and most energetic personality. Millie was very young when she was shot in the face at close range. She lost part of her nose and has a severely shortened muzzle where most of her jaw had shattered and could not be saved. But she hasn’t let her facial disfigurement dampen her spirits and continues to be the most fantastic and characterful pup!
Although she was able to breathe through a makeshift tube, this came loose soon after her arrival in the UK (she sneezed it out during a particularly rambunctious play session – testament to her love for life!) Thanks to the funding raised by the WAHF community, Millie was fitted with a permanent metal implant which allows her to breathe and eat as comfortably as any other dog. She is now the life of the party and lives as happy a life as any.
Sadie, Sampson and Suki
One of the oldest breeds in the world, Salukis have been bred for centuries, admired for their speeds and stamina. Sadly, in a country where dog racing is an increasingly popular part of the culture, these skills have inevitably been exploited by humans looking to make a financial gain. The intense demand on dogs to perform well and win races, leads to such abhorrent practices as injecting them with human steroids.
As you can imagine, these “experiments” fail horrendously with horrific results. These three beautiful, innocent souls were left with permanent limb damage and a bleak future ahead of them. Now unable to race, they were deemed an unnecessary burden and subsequently dumped in the Askar region of Bahrain, in a junkyard renowned for such abandonment. Our three Salukis are just three of who knows how many that have been used, abused and tossed aside; the forgotten by-products of a cruel, greedy sport.
These three are now in homes in the UK and settling into a much happier life. Their medical needs have not come to an end, but with the funding we have been provided, they will be back in their prime in no time!
- Funny
- Excited
- Curious
Our Remarkable Rescue Shop
