Starfish Dog Rescue

Starfish Dog Rescue We are a small team dedicated to rescuing, providing medical care, and rehabilitating dogs. Join us in making a difference, one dog at a time.

From rescue to finding forever homes, we strive to give each dog a chance at a happy, healthy life. Starfish started many years ago now Easter April 2011 to be precise, before the name Starfish was given the founder was involved for many years with a larger Organisation and then proceeded to help smaller ones in the form of fostering/rehoming, photographer etc, it was something that was organicall

y growing for many years without really realising it as she gained more experience, more like minded people. In April 2011 while in Spain she visited a small rescue there full of the most beautiful dogs over 50 dogs with no hope of every finding homes run by a group of lovely individuals also feeling very overwhelmed - she said she would help two of them and go from there and that was how the Starfish name was born - already knowing this lovely poem and still to this day use it as our ethos you cannot help them all but these one you do "it makes a difference that one"

To run a rescue properly the dogs need Vet care, assessing properly, behavior issues worked with, matching up with the right home not just any home and back up for life - do this properly seem very overwhelming but seeing the forgotten souls in Spain helped make her brave and Starfish has slowly grown since that day collecting along the way a team of like minded people who worked together for the greater good of the dogs in their care. Still to this day she helps the rescue in Spain where it all started with helping with photographing, assessments, spreading the word with the local people in Spain but sadly because of the current situation in UK where us along with other rescues are completely overwhelmed with the number of dogs that need help we are unable to justify bringing dogs over from another country. Our Vets SPA are an invaluable part of the wheel for Starfish without them we think it would be impossible to do what we do and their help, support and love for our dogs is part of the magic of our rescue. We do not help dogs in big numbers as we are a small team but the dogs we do help nothing is compromised from their health care to end result their forever home so please do not be offended if we do not feel you are a match Starfish is always about the dogs and they will always be our priority. We provide ongoing support for the lifetime of the dog, we know things change and issues may crop up and we want to ensure our adopters always feel supported. If there are ever issues we cannot resolve or changes in circumstance which cannot be overcome, we offer full rescue backup for the lifetime of our dogs – this means they will always be rehomed by us after all avenues are explored.

23/11/2025

Gracie now Winnie 🥰

Found as a stray unwanted and unloved she is now one of the most loved dogs in the world 🥰

Beautiful Skye a very sad hand over to us by her previous owner but she found the most wonderful home where she is growi...
22/11/2025

Beautiful Skye a very sad hand over to us by her previous owner but she found the most wonderful home where she is growing into a beautiful adult.

Hi everyone 👋. Just a quick catch up. Skye is totally fabulous,she is definitely one of the pack now, we love her to bits 💓.

21/11/2025

Beautiful Florence dumped outside Tesco's and ended up in the stray pound.

Fast forward 3 years ......

She is so beautiful.......we tell her everyday......in fact she thinks her name is Beautiful 😍 .......love to you and the Starfish crew x

20/11/2025
Happy 1st Birthday to the Frenchie babies 7 of them rescued earlier in the year in a terrible state nursed back to healt...
20/11/2025

Happy 1st Birthday to the Frenchie babies 7 of them rescued earlier in the year in a terrible state nursed back to health by our wonderful foster team ❤️

Now look at them so loved 😍

19/11/2025

**Ernie – 12-month-old Miniature Pinscher (mix possibly)

Meet Ernie — a tiny boy with a huge heart, and the brother of little Eric. Will be fostered in Gloucestershire around the middle of December.

Both boys were found abandoned together in a garden in Spain, clinging to each other for comfort.

When we met Ernie, just like his brother, we knew we couldn’t leave him behind. He deserved a lifeline — and now he has one.

Ernie hasn’t known much of the world. We don’t believe he’s ever been harmed, just emotionally neglected and left to grow up without proper socialisation beyond the house and garden. But despite this, he remains the sweetest, kindest little soul.

He’s been one of the lucky ones — he landed the most dedicated foster mum who has poured her heart into helping him.

Ernie now lives happily alongside another dog and even attends daycare, which has been a huge step for him.

Playing with his foster sister

https://youtu.be/-EmfHR_jXo0?si=zmNxDAb51t582Gq4

https://youtu.be/LJt5V_QZcLM?si=EMdVx2MpOtmU20Qu

At day care walking with the other dogs

https://youtube.com/shorts/-RcL_GMktYw?si=4tOY2IzVVaQg-pMy

Mirror mirror on the walk who is the fairess of them all

https://youtu.be/omyC38G1KpI?si=ls6uXodrPG70LX5S

Like Ernie, he can be wary meeting new dogs — not because he’s had bad experiences, but simply because he hasn’t met many. He may be a little reactive on the lead at times, but with the right person guiding him (as you’ll see from his videos), he will get there.

Underneath the worry, he is such a friendly, gentle boy.

Out and about, the world still feels big and overwhelming to him — but he tries so hard. His instinct is always to connect with people; he just needs someone patient enough to help him find his confidence.

Meeting new people out and about

https://youtube.com/shorts/jPGxdZvOUNA?si=R0RdgMkg4DZ81NjR

Ernie and Eric were reunited recently at our fundraising day in Spain — and yes, they remembered each other. It was a beautiful moment.

Meeting up with his brother

https://youtube.com/shorts/gRaGtOqLfPQ?si=EWK5E6zqFH9FRYOh

Fund raising day with the one of the volunteers

https://youtube.com/shorts/8VLPKVDqfSA?si=VUOgPempKC5t5UTH

A few words from his foster mum:

“He’s quite a little sweetie and learns very quickly. His recall is excellent, even with distractions. He eats well and is totally house-trained, apart from one small accident when the clocks changed — easily forgiven! He loves collecting things like shoes and socks, but doesn’t chew them, just cuddles up with them. He settles well at night and knows not to jump on the bed. He adores chasing around the garden and the pool, and loves a good ball game. He’ll go for a paddle but not a swim.”

Ernie is neutered, vaccinated, fully blood tested and has his Passport.

This little lad has so much love to give — he just needs the right home.

We’re looking for someone with experience of rescue dogs or similar backgrounds, someone who can put in the steady, confidence-building work he needs to truly shine.

If you feel you could offer Ernie the loving home he deserves, please email us at:

[email protected]

18/11/2025

Eric – around 12 months old

Miniature Pinscher cross Spanish Terrier (Bodeguero) we think.

Will be fostered in Gloucestershire

Little Eric was found in Spain with his brother, both dumped on an urbanisation – sadly, something we see far too often.

He’s been at the rescue centre for a few months now. I’ve been working with this rescue for over 14 years, spending time there twice a year to help with training, assessing, and taking the dogs out and about for videos and photos. After getting to know them, we bring a few back to the UK to find their forever homes.

Eric caught my eye early on. He’s a typical terrier in many ways – bright, busy, and full of character – but what struck me most was how clever he is. He picked up lead walking almost immediately, constantly looking up for guidance, trying his best to get it right. He really is such a trier, and my heart melted.

The first weeks highlights from various videos I took

https://youtube.com/shorts/XPm43yC5y3k?si=uwucdx-BmlT44ajY

Because of the noise and excitement in kennels, Eric had been kept on his own. Like many terriers, he gets easily wound up by other dogs barking and can react, but underneath that bravado he’s actually a sensitive little soul. When I first walked him through the kennel block, he was so anxious he kept jumping up for reassurance, so now I just carry him through and he feels safe.

He’s since mixed happily with two other small terriers who are also UK-bound – they all play together well, and when one of them told him off for being a bit over the top, he immediately backed down.

At the shelter with his friends Skip & Charlie see how he is fine with the other dogs behind the fence

https://youtube.com/shorts/GBusYh4FMCw?si=XFPQrTC2fWSygWDu

I’ve had him out and about with my own dogs in Spain too. He’s joined us on walks, been to the beach (the waves were a bit of a shock at first!), and come along to cafés and shops. He can be a little anxious in new situations but relaxes more each time.

He’s now confident in the car – he had to be lifted in the first time, but now he jumps straight in, tail wagging, ready for adventure.

Back with my dogs for the first time

https://youtube.com/shorts/Iva5vDDjKuw?si=SMQZr0vlbs5vTsv_

Walking with my dogs this is after 5 mins of meeting

https://youtube.com/shorts/anvOC90-tAo?si=oCus1hX-cTIEvlDO

Same day walking along the front to the beach

https://youtube.com/shorts/LuV8u7fGmHo?si=uc3BaMEGvr-UzvII

https://youtube.com/shorts/0JUN4Tbup_g?si=-Sa7--hpV-od-lKG

In a secure field, he runs like the wind and absolutely loves it. His recall still needs some work, so I wouldn’t trust him off-lead yet, but that will come with time and bonding.

The boy can run very fast

https://youtube.com/shorts/pfmK8NPNnAA?si=3DIY0e1wn3sZchZn

Out for lunch with a friend see how he does not wait to be asked to sit

https://youtube.com/shorts/kG8li0DhBtQ?si=ArlBYMfa6_xAWalO

Eric has a lovely temperament – he’s affectionate, gentle with people, and enjoys being with you.

He can be a bit cautious when meeting new dogs, which is understandable after his start in life.

So loving this is with strangers

https://youtube.com/shorts/s9pjGnWfKF4?si=_Km4x2JBiIbXsShd

For such a young dog with very little experience, he’s come on brilliantly in the three weeks I’ve been working with him. He’s quick to learn, eager to please, and will make a fantastic companion in the right home.

Eric will need proper exercise and stimulation – a quick walk around the block won’t be enough for him. He’d suit an active home, ideally with someone who enjoys training, agility, or similar activities.

He’s bright, fast, and loves to use his brain.

Was rubbish on lead this was after 10 mins of training

https://youtube.com/shorts/zlovf00I7M8?si=BRjQ1_v6fXX8y1u1

He could live with another calm, steady dog but would struggle in a home with very excitable dogs. I’ll know more once he’s settled here in the UK and will update accordingly.

Eric is neutered, blood tested, vaccinated, and has his passport ready. He’ll be travelling to the UK around 12th December.

If you think you could offer Eric the kind of active, loving home he deserves, please email [email protected] for an application form.

Happy Birthday Starfish Daisy 🥰Happy 5th birthday my sweet angel of chaos. Never stop being crazy Daisy. Also congrats o...
16/11/2025

Happy Birthday Starfish Daisy 🥰

Happy 5th birthday my sweet angel of chaos.

Never stop being crazy Daisy.

Also congrats on making the NY times u superstar

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Our Story

STARFISH DOG RESCUE - Starfish Rescue has been many years in the planning I feel and this is the time and point it was meant to happen where it will go I cannot tell but I believe in fate and God and we will see where it takes us. Starfish will be a non profit rescue with every penny being spent on the dogs - we have no overheads of kennels or staff it is completely run by volunteers. After many years of fostering, rehabilitating, working for one of the largest organisations as Rehoming Officer learning all the time something happened that has given that push to start up a New Rescue - I know there are lots of Rescues around and I will continue to work closely with them as I always have. Starfish is about making a difference not only to dogs but to people too - over the years having helped people who have been through no fault of their own having to make the heart breaking decision to rehome their dogs I know how much it has meant to them knowing that their dog will be in a foster home rather than a noisy kennel being loved as a family member until their perfect home is found a lot of people have found comfort in this especially with updates and pictures of them in their new life that has been a great comfort. We have also helped people find homes for their dogs while they continue to live with their owner and again a heart breaking decision that has been made that bit easier. What has finally pushed me forward is as a family we spend a lot of time in Spain and this year I approached a local Dog Rescue to see if there was anything I could do to help - my life has not been the same since - many dogs have been sitting there for years with little chance of finding a home - lovely well balanced sweet natured dogs - I could not let this happen - its a very overwhelming problem half of which is caused by the British that have moved to Spain and with the current economic situation have moved to England and abandoning their dogs in droves. My aim on a small scale is to get some of these lovely dogs back to UK and into family homes again - everyone wants the small dogs and puppies in Spain not the older dogs or x breeds. All dogs will be kept in fostering homes where they will be loved as part of that family and assessed as to what sort of home will suit them best. We are very limited to what we can do by the strength of our resources, both financial and human - we are short in both areas and will also need help from people either to raise funds or foster. Because of us being a small rescue based on foster homes we cannot help dogs that are aggressive with other dogs or people as most of the foster homes will have residents dogs, cats, children or visiting children. Why Starfish - I was so overwhelmed by the problem in Spain but also here in the UK how could I make a difference and this poem kept coming to me for some reason and maybe you will understand my motivate after reading it... The Starfish An old man was walking down the beach just before dawn. In the distance he saw a young man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea. As the old man approached the young man, he asked; "Why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?" The young man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun. "But there must be thousands of beaches and millions of starfish, exclaimed the old man. "How can your efforts make any difference?" The young man looked down at the small starfish in his hand and as he threw it to safety in the sea, he said; "It makes a difference to this one!" DONATIONS We are always grateful for donations. Our paypal address is [email protected] Dogs for Adoption ADOPTION PROCEDURE Please note everyone who helps or fosters does this voluntary - we all work and have families and do this totally for the love of dogs and helping them onto a new life - most of us have dug deep in our pockets to make this happen - we have to charge a donation fee to cover the expenses of the vets, transport and pet passports otherwise we could not keep going and continue to help other dogs so please understand this that is what you are paying for not the dog. If you are interested in one of our dogs please email in the first instance for one of our adoption questionnaires which answers all our questions. All homes will be vetted. All dogs will be neutered, fully vaccinated before homing. Donation fee is to help towards these expenses. Please note with the Spanish Dogs we will have to charge a higher donation fee as we have transport costs and Pet Passports to pay for and would be unable to help anymore. I am the reason, The dogs before me are the reason. As are the ones who come after. Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given. We would die if not for you