Sponsor a dog
With over 600 million stray dogs in the world, the sad truth is that there are simply too many dogs in need of rescuing to help through rehoming alone. That’s why we work closely alongside a group of incredible international rescuers to provide safe shelter for those still looking for love, and to implement sterilisation and education initiatives to help get to the root of the problem, preventing the further suffering of thousands more strays.
By sponsoring a dog, you’ll be providing vital support to our partner shelters on the ground, helping fund much-needed food, veterinary treatment, medication and shelter for those dogs that aren’t fortunate enough to have a home of their own.
From just £10 a month, you could transform the life of a stray dog in desperate need of care. Your support will make the difference between a life of struggle, pain and hardship, and the chance to experience safety, love and shelter from a world that can be all too cruel.
Meet the dogs
Meet our beautiful family of “lifers” from all around the world – whilst they might have a home of their own, each and every one deserves our love and support. Your sponsorship will ensure that these dogs, and many more like them, can live a healthy and happy life, safe in the care of our partner shelters.
Click on each dog to find out more about who they are and set up your monthly sponsorship…
Miltos
Miltos is a sweet-souled boy who we have no doubt could have been the most adorable pet…if he hadn’t have received such cruel treatment from the first humans he came into contact with. Sadly, poor Miltos was conditioned to mistrust human kindness – before he was rescued, he suffered months of torture whereby he’d be lured over with food, only to be kicked. Naturally, this treatment left him confused, anxious and very wary around people. It took Vassilia, our rescue partner in Lesvos, months before she was able to get near to him without him trembling all over or running away.
Luckily for Miltos, Vassilia never gave up on him and, thanks to her patience and love, he is learning to enjoy human interaction. He loves a head scratch or a chest rub, even if he’s not quite graduated to “cuddle monster” just yet! Miltos loves all the other dogs at the shelter and has a wonderful way with timid dogs – he’s been an amazing mentor for some of the more nervous new arrivals and has helped to build their confidence, readying them for a life in the big wide world. He’s a special boy who deserves to know nothing but happiness for the rest of his days.
Why Miltos needs your sponsorship
It’s taken Miltos a lot of time and trust to gain confidence around Vassilia, and he really values the bond they’ve built together. After all he’s been through, he finds a lot of solace in the consistency of the shelter and its routine, and he’d hate to be parted from the first human he ever learned to love.
- Gentle soul
- Likes his peace and quiet
- Personality 3
Sumlee
Sumlee spent the first 6 months of his life living as a street dog in rural Northern Thailand, where food, shelter and other highly-prized resources were the subject of fierce competition amongst packs of strays. As a young pup, Sumlee had to learn to be assertive and resourceful in order to survive. It’s these “street smarts” that led him to chase chickens in search of his dinner – until one day, tragedy struck. When he was 6 months old, Sumlee was shot in the back by a farmer which cause him to be paralysed from the waist down.
Thankfully, Sumlee was found by the rescue team at Streetdog SOS, our partner shelter in Thailand, and was given the life-saving surgery he needed to survive. Sumlee still cannot use his back legs, but he has is very own wheelchair which means he can race round the beautiful grounds at the shelter he lives in and finally experience freedom without the threat of punishment or injury.
Sumlee spends most of his time with his girlfriend Namtarn, who was the first dog to convince him that other dogs in the shelter weren’t so bad after all. Together, they like to lie in the shade under their favourite tree, or take a leisurely wheel around the shelter.
Why Sumlee needs your sponsorship
Due to the trauma Sumlee lived through at such a formative age, he can be wary of people he doesn’t know. Having found the perfect safe-haven at Streetdog SOS where he has his friends, all his favourite creature comforts, and – of course – his beloved Namtarn, he’d prefer to stick with the rhythms and routine that shelter life can provide.
- Romantic at heart
- Super speedy
- Loves his creature comforts
Blanca
Beautiful Blanca was abandoned at the side of a road in Romania with her litter of young pups. Her chances of survival were slim, but fortunately she was rescued by our wonderful partner, Anca, and taken into care.
Blanca was the most amazing mum, raising a healthy and happy brood of puppies who have all since been happily adopted – including WAHF’s very own Reggie! But Blanca herself remains incredibly nervous around people and other dogs. Despite her sorry beginnings, Blanca can now relax in the safety and consistency Anca can provide for her. Her big beautiful eyes speak straight to the soul (usually asking for treats!) and we’re so pleased she can finally know the love she deserves.
Why Blanca needs a sponsor
Rather than being re-homed, Blanca is best off where she is, receiving the expert love and care she needs from someone who knows her and her needs. That’s where you come in! From just £10 a month, you can help Blanca get everything she needs: the food she loves; the veterinary care she might need; and the safety and security she so deserves.
- Shy girl
- Loves a snack
- Gentle at heart
Otis, Mabel and Sid
The Desperate Greekies Family – Otis Mabel and Sid are gentle souls who unfortunately have had a tough start in life. They were discovered abandoned near our shelter out in Greece, each suffering with a severe case of Mange. During their treatment, they had no power to react to anything and entered a complete ‘shut down’ mode. At points it was touch and go, but with the incredible work and dedication of Michelle and her shelter, they recovered their hair and are (medically) doing very well.
Why Otis Mabel and Sid Need a Sponsor:
The ordeal of this little family is sadly not uncommon. Whilst they have made an incredible stride towards a happy future, the impacts will remain with them. The psychological damage this has caused is long-term and whilst we continue to treat them with kindness, compassion and understanding, their trust in humans can only be restored to a certain level.
Whist we are not sure where they have come from, we believe that Mabel is the mother to Otis and Sid, therefore, they will be staying together for the rest of their time at the shelter. These three have an incredibly strong connection after their ordeal and we have no intention of ever splitting them up. Due to this and their nervous nature, we will not be rehoming them and they will spend the rest of their days learning to love a select handful of people.
We are so relieved to say that they are out of danger and with a shelter they can trust and find happiness in. Your sponsorship will go directly to the care and recovery of these 3 beauties. Supporting the shelter with their ongoing food, bedding, veterinary needs and love can make the world of difference to giving them the life that they deserved all along.
How does it work?
We know our dogs would love to say a huge thank you to their sponsors, if only they had the words! That’s why we’ll send you regular updates and photos on their behalf.
Our sponsors will receive:
- A personalised update from your dog of choice 3 times a year
- A sponsorship certificate to say thank you for your sponsorship and support
Your sponsorship contributions are used to help your sponsor dog and their shelter mates. Your sponsorship money is used to cover the costs of running our partner shelters (costs such as food, veterinary care, vaccinations, toys, bedding, and maintenance) and help support our work in finding forever homes for as many dogs as possible. Sponsorship starts from £10 p/month:
- £10 p/month covers basic care: food, veterinary treatment, bedding, etc.
- £25 p/month also provides sterilisation support for dogs at the shelter and in the local area, preventing the birth of many more unwanted dogs
- £50 p/month provides support with all the above, and also contributes to the vital upkeep and maintenance of the shelter
We’re so grateful that these dogs have the option to live long and happy lives in the safety of a shelter, a relative luxury when compared to the horror many street dogs face on a daily basis. Together with our partners – we remain absolutely committed to finding a loving home for each and every dog that we possibly can. Thank you so much for your support in this vital mission.