“We saved each other”, says owner who rehomed RSPCA rescue dog.
A laid-back Lurcher who was rescued from the clutches of a criminal gang has found a forever home after being rehabilitated by the RSPCA.
Gentle Buddy was rescued from a life of fear and cruelty when the charity’s Special Operations Unit smashed a wildlife persecution gang.
He had sustained terrible facial injuries when his previous owners forced him and their other dogs to take part in illegal fights with badgers and other wild animals.
Now the chilled eight-year-old is enjoying life as a much-loved pet after being nursed, nurtured and rehomed by RSPCA Blackberry Farm Animal Centre in Buckinghamshire.
Buddy is having the time of his life, enjoying the company of his new owner Paul Adams and taking long walks around the village home they share near Milton Keynes.
Paul said they hit it off as soon as they were introduced at the centre - where staff had grown to love Buddy’s calm, mellow temperament and love of people.
He said: “We’ve gelled so well it’s unreal, it really is. I kept his name because it’s perfect - we are such good buddies. After what he’s been through, it’s good to have him with me.
“Buddy has been a saviour to me. I’ve saved him and he’s saved me and we’ve really made a big difference to each other.
“When I went to Blackberry Farm, they said ‘I think this dog Buddy would be good for you’, and as soon as he walked in, he put his head straight on my lap and I fell in love with him.”
Paul added: “I have had dogs for most of life but didn’t have one at the time and thought it was time I got another.
“I know what Buddy has had to go through and that’s what made me want to save him even more. “
Paul joked that Buddy wakes him every morning by clambering onto his bed and pushing him to one side - before they head off for the first of their three daily walks.
“Where I live, there are so many different parks it’s fantastic. We’ve got the Grand Union Canal, there are some big open spaces. We go to lots of different places together all the time. He loves it.
“He sticks by me all the time. He only moves away from me when he wants to use the toilet. I can’t believe it. It’s unreal how he doesn’t want to leave my side.
“Even at home, wherever I go, he follows me. He’s like my shadow. Even when I’m trying to have a shower, I’ll suddenly see this dog’s head come through the curtain. “
After his rescue two years ago, RSPCA carers helped treat Buddy’s physical injuries and nurse away the stresses of his difficult early life with constant attention and understanding.
Grace Gray, dog supervisor at the centre, said he is a gentle and quiet soul who has been fully rehabilitated and will make a loyal companion for Paul.
“I’m so happy for Buddy. He’s a lovely dog and he really deserves this second chance at life with a loving owner.
“He’s really, really nice and calm. He absolutely loves people and all he wants to do is be with them. He wants to say ‘hello’ to anybody he comes across and have a nice fuss. “
Paul added: “After taking Buddy in, I’d recommend rehoming any dog who’s had a difficult start in life. I’d say ‘save them’ and you’ll be surprised how much love they’ll give you back.
“All they need is that special bit of care. I’ve no regrets and I’d say to anybody ‘take’ em.’ They’ve had a rough time, just save them.”
If you think you can offer a loving home to a rescue pet like Buddy contact Blackberry Farm Animal Centre on 0300 123 0752 or Blackberryfarm@rspca.org.uk or the RSPCA pet search page.
Summer should be a season of joy for animals. Long walks on golden evenings. Zoomies on the beach. Stretching out in the garden to soak up the sun. But there’s a side to summer you don’t see. For thousands of animals, it’s a season of pain, fear and suffering, when cruelty peaks. Support the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Appeal at: rspca.org.uk/endcruelty.
