Each week I edit a picture and bio of a dog sent to us by staff from Jerry Green Dog Rescue in Lincolnshire who are searching for a fur-ever home for their four-legged friends.
I often wonder what becomes of these dogs – housed across three centres in South Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and East Yorkshire – a hub for community support and Home from Home rehoming.
Some animals have been abandoned or mistreated, or their owner has died and they are taken to the centre to be looked after.
So here are a couple of happy tails about two dogs Willow and Benji who have been matched with new owners for a paw-fect ending.
Willow was desperately underweight. PHOTOS: JERRY GREEN DOG RESCUE CENTRE
Willow the German Shepherd captured the affection of the centre’s supporters when she arrived in their care in a heart-breaking condition.
She had been found straying, severely underweight at just 27kg and was a shadow of the dog she was meant to be.
Covered in sores, her fur was thinning, every rib was visible and her skin was in poor condition which reflected a story of neglect and hardship.
Willow the German Shepherd arrived in the centre’s care in a heart-breaking condition
Despite her past and physical suffering she was a gentle spirit and had amazing trust in humans.
Her sweet nature and playful personality meant she quickly stole the hearts of the team at the centre.
Willow was adored by the team and a beloved addition to the centre for her spirit. Although her recovery wouldn’t happen overnight, she was extremely resilient and her transformation was nothing short of remarkable.
Willow’s ribs were visible and her fur was thinning when she first arrived at the centre
Over the course of two months, Willow’s weight increased from a dangerously low 27kg to a healthy 34kg – her coat, once patchy and dull, began to shine again, and her energy levels soared.
The sores that once covered her body healed, and her fur grew back, thick and full.
Jo Hickson, manager at the South Lincolnshire centre said: “It’s been truly incredible to watch her blossom into the strong, vibrant dog she was always meant to be.
Willow is back to good health. PHOTOS: JERRY GREEN DOG RESCUE CENTRE
“We were thrilled to share in October that Willow had found her forever home.”
“Willow’s story shows one of hope and resilience, and we are so grateful for our supporters who make it possible for us to help so many dogs in need like Willow.”
Willow is now thriving thanks to the care and support at the centre and finding her paw-fect family
This year, the charity released their Meet&Match® programme which highlighted the transformative impact and the life-changing difference a dog can bring to those experiencing loneliness.
The heart-warming campaign followed the parallel of the two lives – Benji, a golden Labrador who was surrendered into the charity after his owner died – and Peter who was grieving in a quiet home with the struggle of adapting to life without his partner.
Likewise, Benji was grappling with the unfamiliar world of a rescue shelter and for both, the emptiness they felt was profound.
Willow and her fur-ever family
Peter discovered Jerry Green Dog Rescue and wondered if adopting a dog like Benji might bring a renewed sense of joy and purpose back into his life.
The two were brought together, helping each find companionship comfort, and a fresh start.
Benji was grappling with the unfamiliar world of a rescue shelter
For further information about Willow’s story visit https://www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk/donate/appeals/willow-the-stray/ and her recovery https://www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk/news/willows-remarkable-recovery/
Benji was taken to the centre when his owner diedPeter was feeling lonely and it was perfect match with Benji the LabradorBenji was matched with Peter and now has a fur-ever homePeter tells his story to a centre workerPeter and Benji are the paw-fect pair
For further details about Peter and Benji’s story visit https://www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk/peter-and-benji/
Jerry Green in figures
Jerry Green Dog Rescue Centre reveals the current adoption figures for 2024 across their three centres in North Lincolnshire, South Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and East Yorkshire – their hub for community support and Home from Home rehoming.
Adoption figures (January to November): 428 adoptions
January to November 2023: 329 adoptions
In October they saw 66 adoptions which is the highest number of adoptions across their centres since before the pandemic
2024 Intake Figures (Jan-Oct)
Surrender from owner (personal): 58%
Surrender from owner (financial): 2%
Surrender from owner (behaviour): 8%
Strays brought in via local authority: 8%
Strays brought in via pound pullers: 11%
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