Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Paige Freshwater

Desperate plea to rehome disabled dogs who don't know what it's like to be loved

They've spent their entire lives living on the streets or in rescue centres - and are yet to experience what it is to be loved by an owner.

Disabled dogs Charlie, Melody and Honey would all be dead if it wasn't for Paws and Claws Animal Group, a small charity who work to rescue dogs dumped on the streets of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Despite being rescued from the hardships on the streets, the poor pooches are yet to find true happiness, as they keep being overlooked in rescue due to their disabilities.

All three dogs require wheelchairs to get around - something which puts potential owners off in seconds.

Pauline Brand, who moved to Riyadh with her husband after serving 18.5 years in the RAF, said: "We all think of Saudi Arabia as an oil rich and wealthy country.

Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.

"The country and its people like so many are truly amazing, however there is a great lack of animal welfare - in fact, it doesn’t exist.

"There are no government shelters, no animal welfare, and there are zero animal charities as it’s deemed illegal.

"Many of the animals dogs and cats can be found in the many pet shops, many live in cage on top of filthy cages without any form of bedding, no water and a minimal amount of food.

"The back-yard breeders will continue to breed to keep the pet shops full, once the animals are of no more use, or are so dirty or unrecognisable they discard them on the streets like a piece of rubbish."

Wanting to make a change, Pauline assembled a small group of animal lovers who work tirelessly to improve the lives of the country's forgotten dogs and cats.

She has issued a desperate plea to rehome three wheelchair-bound dogs to the UK after watching them be ignored by all potential owners in Saudi Arabia.

Pauline said: "We desperately seek help for three of our wheelchair babies.

"We have tried numerous organisations that help disabled dogs but all tell us they are full.

"Our wheelchair babies are ready for homes, they have been locked up in crates for months, often only getting five to 10 minutes per day outside if a volunteer can get to the vet clinic to see them.

"They have rarely seen a grass area, they haven’t been able to run and smell the fresh air, but one thing they all have in common is that they are willing to forget the hurt humans did to them, all have soul, and all have love to give given the chance.

"We are desperately seeking help. We are happy to pay to send them to London Heathrow if someone can open their hearts and homes to them."

While the dogs have never lived in a home before, they're said to have "truly amazing personalities" and could make great pets to the right owners.

She added: "Melody is shy, Charlie more outgoing and Honey is calm and loving. Honey was found with five babies that we managed to rehome.

"All of these fur babies have never had a home so need a nice garden or places where they can go and explore.

"This mixed breed of dog are wonderful loyal dogs, providing your willing to put the time in to help socialise and train. Like all dogs, they just need firm but fair training.

"They would suit families with older children and preferably experienced with larger dogs. And of course somewhere to accommodate their wheels."

If you're interested in rehoming Charlie, Melody or Honey, or supporting the animal charity with a donation, visit their Facebook group.

Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.