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.

Sponsor Sumlee

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.

Sponsor Blanca

When Lucky was first rescued, he was brought into our partner shelter in Bahrain. We don’t know what happened to him but he was missing a leg, and it was clear he’d been abused as he was a nervous wreck and was terrified of everything.

After everything he’d been through, he struggled in the hustle and bustle of the shelter, and would cower in the corner of his kennel, too scared to interact with dogs and people alike. However, his rescuers knew that with a bit of socialising, Lucky could be a happy chappie, so they took him out of the kennels and made him a home in the shelter’s office! This turned out to be the perfect home for Lucky and he quickly made friends with the other dogs who live here. Interacting with humans on a regular basis also helped him to come out of his shell and finally learn to trust.

Now Lucky is a staple resident of the shelter’s office, and does a brilliant job of keeping an eye on all the paperwork (although his Excel skills could do with a little work!) After all he’s been through, this gorgeous tripod deserves to be as lucky as his name suggests.

Why Lucky needs a sponsor

It’s taken Lucky a long time to get used to his surroundings and learn to trust, and he’s incredibly bonded to the dogs and people who helped him to do so. At seven years old, he values his routine and would struggle to adjust to a new home – but your support will help him live the rest of his life in the comfort he deserves.

Sponsor Lucky

With her signature “one ear up, one ear down” look, Star is a beautiful dog with the most affectionate personality who has had more than her fair share of bad luck. When she was just 10 months old, she was dumped at the shelter’s gates. It was clear she was sick, and she was very thin and frail. Star was given all the love and care she needed to nurse her back from the brink, but sadly it transpired that she had contracted an incurable blood disease.

Thankfully, Star was given a chance to live a long and happy life. Her rescuers sought the treatment she needed to survive, and continue to give her the medicine she needs to keep her healthy. And thank goodness they do, because this girl’s personality is as bright and shiny as her name suggests! Star is a friendly girl who loves nothing more than a fuss – whether it’s out on a walk at the beach with her favourite humans, or rolling onto her back for tummy tickles.

Why Star needs a sponsor

Many dogs like Star would not have survived past adolescence – too sick to be rehomed, many shelters around the world would make the decision to euthanise. However, Wild at Heart Foundation work only with ethical shelters who love all the dogs that pass through their doors – be it for a few weeks, or many long years. Your sponsorship will ensure that Star continues to get the medical care she needs, all whilst enjoying the love and safety of a shelter who truly cares about her wellbeing and happiness.

Sponsor Star