I was disappointed about a comment I read on social media where someone had said “If you have children, best to get a dog from a breeder because rescue dogs are feral and unpredictable and impossible to train”. That comment sparked my rescue mission. It saddens me to think that people have this perception of rescue dogs, a misconception that is so widely adopted. Every dog my family and I have ever had has been rescued and (Winston in particular) is intelligent, loyal and obedient beyond words. Sure, sometimes its a lot of work, but so is any dog, from anywhere.

Instead of replying to the comment and getting in some sort of debate over the internet, I’ve made it my mission to prove the contrary.

In my free time, I visit local shelters and work with a handful of dogs at a time, training them basic obedience and some fun tricks to show off their potential and eradicate the negative perception around rescue dogs. I hope to help find these amazing dogs their forever homes with loving families and raise awareness for the local shelters. On top of this I am also offering my 8 years experience with rescue dogs to new owners, to help reduce the likelihood of the dog being returned to the shelter, and cementing the bond between adopter and dog. Communication is key and sometimes we all need a little bit of support when bringing a new dog into the home. Similarly with dogs that we have had for many years but have recently experienced a change, whatever it may be, and feel we could do with an outsider’s perspective to really try to get to the bottom of how the dog may be feeling and figure out how to make life harmonious once more.

I strongly believe that dogs are a gift. They bring us so much happiness, companionship, fulfilment and joy. It is only right that we do our best by them and strive to better the lives of all the dogs in need of a proper home. After all, we all need a comfy sofa to rest on at the end of a long day!

Please follow me on my journey to give rescue dogs a better reputation, and in some cases, a second chance at life. I will also post basic dog training tips and hints to help you with your own rescue dog, to the best of my abilities. Please share my mission with your friends and family, to help me spread the word.

Here’s how you can help…

There are many ways in which you can join me on my mission. Rescue centres are always in need of donations and helping hands to care for the dogs. These donations will cover food, medication, shelter repairs/maintenance and so much more. Please donate directly to your chosen shelter and refer to Stephanie’s Rescue Mission in the comments of the payment if possible, (and I hope that the shelter will let me know!) so I can keep track of my progress. Alternatively you can let me know how much you donated by dropping me a message.

If you are unable to donate, you can still help by spreading the word about my mission! You can like/share/comment/follow any of my posts whether its on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Keep swinging by my page for updates and information on local rescues and share the mission with your family and friends.

Rescuing isn’t just for dogs…

I am also proud to announce that I am the Social Media Manager/Graphic Designer/Brand Manager for the wonderful Catland Javea!

All over Spain there are colonies of cats that are growing by the day. These cats are living in terrible conditions and rely on volunteers to feed and care for them. This is not a long-term solution. This is why we are starting with our local community – we are building a cat shelter.

We are building a shelter for cats and kittens that would otherwise be living on the streets. We have raised enough money to start the build, but we need your help to finish and open the shelter.

For more information, please visit their website here.

About Stephanie’s Rescue Mission

Here’s how you can help…