A Wildly Different Xmas Tail charity vote: Blind Dog Rescue UK

We’re proud to work with Blind Dog Rescue UK, who have an extraordinary commitment to rescuing the most vulnerable dogs across Europe. As a small charity, their work with blind or partially sighted dogs is truly impactful, helping those that have experienced the worst of human cruelty yet somehow continue to demonstrate an inspiring ability to adapt and continue an outpouring of love. These dogs, often overlooked, are incredible ambassadors for pets in adversity around the globe, showcasing their resilience. By partnering with Blind Dog Rescue UK, we can help these deserving animals find loving forever homes, giving them the second chance they truly deserve. 

Blind Dog Rescue UK is a small but passionate charity dedicated to the rescue of blind and partially sighted dogs. We rescue the most vulnerable dogs who have been subjected to the worst of humanity yet still have an astonishing capacity to adapt, love and become perfect ambassadors for blind dogs everywhere.  - Katy Orton, Founder

More about Blind Dog Rescue UK… in their own words 

“The dogs in our care are victims of abuse, neglect, disease or trauma. Many are struggling to survive in shelters, tethered on short chains, or straying on the streets in countries where there is no infrastructure for animal welfare or animal rescue.  

“In the UK, Blind Dog Rescue UK rescue dogs who are being surrendered by their owners or being threatened with euthanasia. We so often see dogs not being given a chance to show how incredible a blind dog can be and what normal lives they can lead. In these cases, we intervene to help owners adjust to having a blind dog, or ensure the dog is surrendered into our care so that we can find them a new home.

“In Europe, countries such as Romania, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ireland and Cyprus have limited strategies in place to deal with street dogs and unwanted pets and so set up shelters with the most basic facilities and poorly trained staff. That’s where Blind Dog Rescue UK comes in. These shelters house hundreds of dogs in deplorable conditions just to keep them off the streets and many starve to death or die from disease or injuries sustained during transport to the shelter. It is incredibly difficult for seeing dogs to survive any length of time in these shelters let alone blind or partially sighted dogs. We need to get to these dogs quickly and secure their immediate release and treatment. Many may have been deliberately blinded, involved in road traffic accidents or long-term sufferers of painful conditions such as glaucoma. They need veterinary care and to be given the safety and comfort of a foster home in which to start healing. Here they are given love and affection and a warm bed – possibly the first they will have experienced in their lifetimes.

“At this point we can start assessing and promoting these wonderful dogs for forever homes. We start to find out their characters, likes and dislikes, and establish what kind of home would best suit them. Our dogs start to enjoy toys for the first time and show us their incredible capacity for forgiveness and love. Even dogs who have never enjoyed a home make fantastic family pets and quickly discover the joys of daily walks, regular meals and the love and care they deserve. Some dogs are adjusting to being blind or partially sighted whilst others may have been blind for some time. Each time they astound us with their ability to fulfil their fullest potential and adapt to their new situations and take each new step with dignity and confidence." 

How your vote could help Blind Dog Rescue UK 

“We would be able to continue rescuing dogs with sight impairments and continue saying 'yes' to the many pleas for help we get from all over the world. For example, we have been contacted by a rescue in Egypt who have several blind dogs in need of help. We would love to be able to rescue this group of wonderful dogs but the costs are incredibly high from Egypt and so it means we can currently only help them one at a time. These dogs are in enormous shelters where their welfare is poor, and we would love to bring them to foster homes as quickly as we can.” 

Helping dogs like Dillon 

“Dillon was a much-loved pet to an elderly person who, due to their deteriorating physical and mental health, was unable to care for Dillon as he deserved. Social Services asked a local charity to remove him from the home and he was placed in very temporary foster care.  Dillon was partially sighted, in a very poor state, totally matted, flea-ridden, and very uncomfortable. They reached out to us to ask if we could take him on and we were delighted to be able to help. 

So, one of our amazing fosters drove four hours to fetch him and has welcomed him into her home. We made sure he saw a vet and a groomer and when he is in good health, we will organise his neutering and vaccinations. 

Dillon is a wonderful boy and will make someone a fantastic little companion.”