Can you give a forever home to the UK’s most inseparable lovedogs
Two close-knit ‘lovedogs’ are looking for a forever home, after warming the hearts of a local community on their journey back to full health at a pet rescue centre in Doncaster.
Abandoned, cold, starving and frightened, the two lurchers, Samir and Sabiha, who are thought to be between three and five years old, were taken in by Tia Rescue in January after being found by a local dog warden, stranded in a nearby field.
With their tails tucked under, fur thinning, ribs showing, and sores all over their hurting bodies, all they had in the world for comfort was each other - but they never gave up hope.
Due to the bitterly cold January weather, volunteers at Tia Rescue believe the pair may not have survived alone in the field for much longer, had they not been rescued at that time, huddled together for warmth - but seven months on, the transformation in both Samir and Sabiha has been incredible.
Slowly building up their confidence and inner strength, Samir and Sabiha the ‘lovedogs’, a name affectionately coined by the rescue in recognition of their togetherness, cuddled and comforted each other through the winter, spring, and on into the summer, putting on healthy weight and wagging their tails for the first time in a long time.
Throughout their struggles, volunteers say the two never left each other’s side. Huddled together constantly and grateful for every ounce of food and love they were given, Tia Rescue describe them as the ‘perfect dogs’.
While in care, the inseparable duo also spent time greeting visitors in Tia Rescue’s cafe, going on school visits and representing the rescue at local fundraising events. However, the perfect new owner is still yet to walk into their lives.
Although the pair also spent a week in a local dog pound before arriving at Tia, it is not entirely known for sure where they came from originally, how long they have been together, or even how long they were stranded in the field.
However, the journey to where they are now began from day one at Tia, with a serious, much-needed dose of TLC, and according to rescue volunteers, the pair are now visibly happier, and in a far better condition.
In 2018, Tia Rescue was awarded a £50,000 grant from Support Adoption For Pets, the UK’s largest grant giving animal charity, to help towards upgrades to its kennel facilities. The construction of a brand new rehabilition block has also meant the rescue has been able to offer the very best level of care for dogs such as Samir and Sabiha, giving them a second chance of happiness.
Amy Angus, charity manager for Support Adoption For Pets, said: “It has been a real privilege to be able to help such an important rescue centre that works tirelessly to care for and rehome pets in need.
“SAFP truly believes that every pet deserves a forever home and we are doing everything we can to help Samir and Sabiha find their forever home.
“What they have been through is sadly not uncommon for pets coming into rescues - but what is truly remarkable about these two is their unique bond. We are appealing for a loving owner to come forward for this gentle pair.”
Tia Rescue, based in Doncaster, can house up to around 100 dogs, mainly greyhounds and lurchers, at any one time, and often has another 30-40 on the waiting list.
Debra Rothery, owner of Tia Rescue, said: “As far as we know, Samir and Sabiha have always been together. They were in an extremely bad way when we first found them, and they might not have even survived for much longer had we not - but they have both truly blossomed together.
“Since they’ve been with us, we’ve been able to closely monitor their weight, skin condition, exercise levels, and general progress thanks to our special vet and kennel facilities.
“It’s been nothing short of amazing watching them develop together. They’re more than ready to be rehomed now, but they’re absolutely inseparable - you just couldn’t possibly imagine them ever being apart.
“We’ve had several families interested in Sabiha over the past few months, but these two are a pair and they always will be. They are the perfect pets for a family who are looking for two peaceful additions to their lives.”
Volunteers at Tia Rescue believe that a retired couple could be the most suitable owners for Samir and Sabiha.
Debra added: “All our rescue pets get a loving pat on the back every night before bed - I just hope this tradition can continue wherever they end up living.
“They both love their food, and they’re so grateful for anything they are given. They’ve both got such loving, calm personalities. They have never caused us any trouble, and they really are a joy to be around.”
In 2006 Pets at Home founded the charity Support Adoption For Pets. Since then it has helped more than 1,000 rehoming centres and animal welfare organisations across the UK. In addition to its fundraising work, it also runs dedicated adoption centres in Pets at Home stores.
To find out more about Samir and Sabiha, or to enquire about adoption, please visit https://www.tia-rescue.org/ or call 01302 772 935.
To find out more about Support Adoption For Pets, or to donate to the charity to help more pets like Samir and Sabiha, visit www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk
