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.

From stray pound to forever home Mr Ted celebrating his 9th gotcha day with his lovely family ♥️
05/01/2025

From stray pound to forever home Mr Ted celebrating his 9th gotcha day with his lovely family ♥️

Happy 2nd gotcha day Kali living your best life thank you family ❤️❤️
05/01/2025

Happy 2nd gotcha day Kali living your best life thank you family ❤️❤️

04/01/2025

Prince update - one of my favourite foster dogs watching this little dog come out of his shell he was a hard one to let go but he found the most loving family we could wish for so lovely to see him so happy and so beautiful.

Thank you lovely family ###############x

Had the most beautiful update from CeCe from her family ♥️CeCe and I wish you all the best for a happy and safe 2025!As ...
03/01/2025

Had the most beautiful update from CeCe from her family ♥️

CeCe and I wish you all the best for a happy and safe 2025!

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude for choosing me to share in CeCe’s life. These past 152 magical, adventure-filled days with her have been the happiest I’ve had in years. She’s such a friendly, happy, brave, curious, and cheeky little soul, and I adore her more than words can say.

She has a special friend, Maxi, a Bichon Frise who belongs to Jacky, the lovely lady who joined me when we met with you, Sara, and CeCe. The four of us walk together almost every day, rain or shine. CeCe loves splashing in puddles, chasing leaves, and rolling in the grass—she turns even the simplest moments into pure joy.

Right now, we’re stretched out on the sofa. She’s cuddled up next to me, lying on her back with legs akimbo, looking like a piece of doggy origami gone wrong! Flexibility is her middle name. But in a heartbeat, she’s up, jumping from sofa to sofa, playing “floor is lava” with her favorite toy, a panda—the one she had when we first met. She’s absolutely delightful.

CeCe is my little love, my heart, and my everything. Thank you for trusting me with her and bringing her into my life.

With love,

Little Cassie from the stray pound has first break in the campervan took to it like a pro ♥️
03/01/2025

Little Cassie from the stray pound has first break in the campervan took to it like a pro ♥️

Happy 1st gotcha day Willow a little Spaniel who was a stray found in such a terrible state we were scared for her recov...
01/01/2025

Happy 1st gotcha day Willow a little Spaniel who was a stray found in such a terrible state we were scared for her recovery 😭

She now lives her best life with the most amazing family who have another Starfish dog too ❤️

Here is her update ❤️

I hope you and the family are all well and looking forward to Christmas 🎄

I have done a little video and photo and below is a little update on our Princess Willow to celebrate her 1st Gotcha day.

Willow …… our story started just 12 months ago 🐶🩷

I had been following your story on the Starfish page after seeing the harrowing unforgettable pictures of a very gorgeous Princess who had been so badly treated at the hands of so called humans ….

We already had 3 fur babies …. Who were soon to become your siblings 🐶💙 Goose aka shoe carrier, Martha aka nanny Martha big girl with an even bigger heat 🐶🩷 Beatrice aka baby Bea 🐶🩷 pack protector - but I just knew we had enough space for you in our family 🐶🐶🐶🐶🩷🩷💙💙

Just before Christmas 🎄 last year I wrote our application - poor Gilly and team must have thought what a long application - as I included everything about our lives and our fur babies, as it was super important to ensure we were the right family for you my darling 🩷🐶

Aunty Alison was your foster mommy and what an amazing 🤩 job Aunty Alison did in giving you reassurance in trusting to be loved 🥰 at Christmas you had a stay with Aunty Janette & Uncle Steve - we were so lucky that we were given little updates and videos on how well you were doing - this enabled us to get to know some of your likes before you joined us - tennis balls 🎾 and cuddles 🥰

On 29th December 2023 after successfully passing our home 🏡 check we travelled with Goose, Beatrice & Martha to meet you for the first time 🕰️ 🐶🩷 we were in love with you before we met you.

In 12 months lots has happed you had your op, so no more puppies 🐶 and lots of loves, you lost 🐶🩷 your big momma Martha. Henry joined the family another Starfish Rescue 🛟 🐶💙, you have had two family holidays to Cornwall, you have chosen a favourite grandchild Darcy-Mae (just don’t tell the others 🩷🐶) we have had another two grand babies 🩷🩷 you took part in the Starfish annual walk, you have had many road trips, pub visits and outings with the family 🐶🐶🐶🐶💙💙🩷🩷.

Everyday my darling you teach me what unconditional love really is 🩷🐶 you are always by my side and always ready to give cuddles 🥰 you are so patient especially with your baby fur baby brother Henry 🐶💙 you are always so very well behaved and always first to be kitchen assistant during food prep.

You have our hearts my darling Willow now and forever 🩷🐶

❤️❤️🐶🐶🐶🐶🩷🩷💙💙

The biggest thank you ever to Starfish and the team especially Gilly, Aunty Alison, Uncle Steve & Aunty Janette - without you all we would not have our Princess Willow 🩷

The video is just some of the highlights of the last 12 months of loving you Princess Willow 🐶🩷

Happy New Year to Team Starfish this to everyone however small or big  who have played their part on helping change dogs...
31/12/2024

Happy New Year to Team Starfish this to everyone however small or big who have played their part on helping change dogs (and cats) lives one at a time ❤️❤️

Everyone just keep doing what you are doing it works ❤️

Another Starfish to fly the nest is little Mel or Melanie when was naughty.. She has settled down a treat with her new f...
31/12/2024

Another Starfish to fly the nest is little Mel or Melanie when was naughty.. She has settled down a treat with her new family and is very happy as you can see bless her.

Thanks to lovely Aunty Janette &, Uncle Steve who were her stepping stone to her new life wonderful job as ever thank you ❤️

Rita had a day out yesterday at the Malvern Hills was so busy with people, other dogs etc and she handled it like a pro ...
30/12/2024

Rita had a day out yesterday at the Malvern Hills was so busy with people, other dogs etc and she handled it like a pro she has come a long way ❤️

Silver & Alvin in their Christmas jumpers don't they look super ❤️❤️Just lovely to see them ❤️
30/12/2024

Silver & Alvin in their Christmas jumpers don't they look super ❤️❤️

Just lovely to see them ❤️

Beautiful Noah now called Roo has sailed through the rescue system and is already with his new family, such a lovely lit...
29/12/2024

Beautiful Noah now called Roo has sailed through the rescue system and is already with his new family, such a lovely little boy he came in with his brother Daniel after being handed in as strays to the Council Pound.

He is now loved, adored and the centre of his new Daddy's world he could not have found a better home.

Congratulations to Aunty Laura on her first dog she did amazing from start to finish and welcome to the Starfish Team.

As the year draws to a close another happy ever after story for Daniel now called Rubert Daniel Lewis.His foster family ...
28/12/2024

As the year draws to a close another happy ever after story for Daniel now called Rubert Daniel Lewis.

His foster family Aunty Deb & Uncle John fell in love with this little special boy who had been through away like rubbish with his brother earlier in December.

We could not be happier for this lovely family who have helped too many dogs to count over many years and he will now live his best life with this special family .

Congratulations to you all

Rita - 2-year-old Belgium Malinois bitch being fostered in Gloucestershire in adult family home with other dogs, visitin...
26/12/2024

Rita - 2-year-old Belgium Malinois bitch being fostered in Gloucestershire in adult family home with other dogs, visiting dogs and people.

Before you even think about applying for Rita please read her full profile - She is a very special lovely dog and because of the time and love invested into her to get her to this point please give us the respect of not being a time waster or applying for a dog that you as a family are not suitable.

To save some time you reading all of this if you are looking for a guard dog stop reading now, she would be useless. She will need another dog and proper rescue people who are experienced and understand intelligent working dogs ie Collies, GSD etc.

Rita's past is unknown picked up as a puppy in April 2023 in Spain as a stray she has been first living with a group of other rescue dogs and then later on in September 2024 brought to the Rescue's kennels which is where I first met her.

A little back story we have been working with the Charity Noahsarc she was saved and kept safe for over 12 years now.

Although we do not home from Spain anymore since the UK got so terrible and being only a small foster based rescue we are heart breakingly turning away dogs in UK on a daily basis because of lack of space.

BUT !! Gilly twice a year spends holidays in Spain with her dogs and always volunteers at Noahsarc with the lovely friends she has there.

This October was no difference but her friend kept saying wait until you meet Rita a Belgium Malinois.

Must admit not keen not my first choice of breed especially for a small foster home based rescue they come with many problems mainly cause by the idiots who get hold of them, try to train them to be protection dogs or bite dogs do it all badly and you end up with a screwed up extremely intelligent, sensitive breed who is completely confused what is right or wrong.

When I first met Rita, she did not even know how to walk on a lead, she was so very nervous, unsure and no difference to any other rescue dog who has been dumped by humans like rubbish and never known love properly.

But I could see why my friend knew I would love her - everything about her cried out please help me I will try really hard and be brave if you help me trust you.

So, for the next 6 weeks in Spain, I spent loads of time with Rita with the help of the Noahsarc team we got her used to walking on lead, jumping in the van and then eventually going out and about.

This was in the beginning terrifying for her but she is a bright clever dog and each time got easier. I

took her home to where we were living in Spain to meet my dogs to make sure she was going to be safe with them.

The first time I took her back she was very scared about coming into the home the second time she could not wait to get in, she had walks with our dogs she never put a foot wrong temperament wise with people, dogs everyone was so helpful in Spain my friends helped mix her with their dogs, the volunteers in Charity Shop in Spain made such a fuss of her with treats and love, so many people involved in her story which got her to the next stage the life line of a foster home in UK.

When I first met her in Spain

https://youtube.com/shorts/uGwmKt6BkBo?si=YOtDF64d08rUSwcQ⁩

https://youtube.com/shorts/LX5b1OcXuCA?si=mFvPG334MkU8zK1v⁩

With my friend

https://youtube.com/shorts/X81b-3E38yQ?si=1pDHddGry2RB62lb⁩

She very easily convinced me I should help her

https://youtube.com/shorts/00_psalxKzo?si=jzF9x1KOB2RfOy5y⁩

Those first walks out of the kennels in Spain

https://youtube.com/shorts/OfsHz7Npe8o?si=_LDFguuSmiB-6O0M⁩

The lovely volunteers in the Charity shop were so kind as she was so nervous

https://youtube.com/shorts/FyerVit2ozw?si=VgkD0ATyUEjJZPXW⁩

https://youtube.com/shorts/p5AqsfNEK1U?si=odPgajqNOEmJQtIU⁩

We then started to bring her back to where we were staying and introduce her to our dogs

https://youtube.com/shorts/SA-9yJhu38E?si=FG848u0y07ySuQxB⁩

She smashed it bless her

https://youtube.com/shorts/8t_x9EZGCho?si=UQbThqggstTXozVN⁩

https://youtube.com/shorts/RYWaw1UMqVs?si=6jqvXmbTlqtS4Zfj⁩

In the flat for the first time

https://youtube.com/shorts/3Mk10AplQvo?si=0e0R8B2vM-O_q4dO⁩

This was the second time and she remembered where we were

https://youtube.com/shorts/NsJYfhayH2E?si=CT0lNfUVkwNIvUWB⁩

So lovely Rita arrived in UK 3rd December with Harrison, another lovely boy who we threw a life line too.

We have spent the last few weeks just letting Rita get used to home living, walks, meeting new people, just learning to live a normal pet dog life.

She was very bonded with Harrison when she arrived but soon became best friends with Lucy, in fact the 3 of them that first week they played and played - we were lucky to have access to a secure field where they just had fun and slowly decompressed.

When she first arrived

https://youtube.com/shorts/D0VRClxCh84?si=Xs6lNtnoxYEROqLn⁩

With her friend Harrison when they first arrived with foster dad

https://youtu.be/WyttlF3SyfQ?si=PR4u8SrN2maYdIrg⁩

Both Rita & Harrison although not kenneled together did develop a lovely bond and Lucy was soon accepted as part of that

https://youtube.com/shorts/pjLuNsB2diA?si=0NJ-0F6yilLoHqzL⁩

https://youtube.com/shorts/jQTsv9JGZyk?si=IVE1a393S_Q1YSqW⁩

Harrison then joined his forever family.

So, we continued with Rita exposing her to more people and more dogs on walk, baby steps her confidence grew, she was soon off lead in public places, pubs, cafe's and meeting other dogs and people you would never have known her background of never being exposed to this, although there are
still signs are the lead when you go to put it on, she gets nervous and will put her head down but have ignoring this and with lots of treats she is learning nothing bad is going to happen.

She again has not put a foot wrong temperament wise, she meets lots of different dogs on her walks and always saying hello with a waggy tail, she did try to avoid people out but now does not take any notice mainly, she loves her walks especially in our woodland where the squirrels are a new thing to her and she loves running full pelt around trying to find them, seeing her forget about being scared, nervous and just relaxing and running around with Lucy her foster sister is a joy.

Out on walks in the woodland

https://youtube.com/shorts/rj1NkdNj0gQ?si=Ock-yfTAPgbxG6Nw⁩

In the house she is very quiet, she has discovered the sofa and will lay down for hours happy and content with head on the pillow now, she is a very easy dog to live with in the home, I have taught her to sleep in a crate in the kitchen with other dogs and knows the word get in your bed, as she is still learning which are toys and which things are not ie shoes, remote controls, she sleeps peacefully at night with no issues.

She has been left for a few hours in the crate and out the crate with no issues too.

Her house training since day one she never has had an accident in the house sometimes in the morning she is reluctant to do that first wee and poo in the garden and will only do it once we go out on a walk.

She loves the Sofa

https://youtu.be/vsRxq82Gh1o?si=k3De_HbVBsZIYkfO⁩

She soon discovered all about home comforts

https://youtu.be/pa7OzAmCpNY?si=9QB7-FlzE-ePPx36⁩

She has accompanied us to agility classes

https://youtu.be/GGpIIqsZ8c4?si=xqc8wOWOh624I6GV⁩

She lives with the other two dogs with no issues, Lucy her foster sister is very good with foster dogs she is an extremely confident happy dog and so good with our foster dogs and Rita has really bonded with her, our other dog a Spaniel who actually thinks he is human will usually have nothing to do with the foster dogs he just ignores them and because of this she ignores him.

She has met many other dogs in the house and out the house and is nothing but friendly.

Love playing with Lucy

https://youtube.com/shorts/r9pR_RmkqG0?si=LNSpbe64u5ZPoCPY⁩

She spent a busy Christmas day - she got involved with the present opening and choose to stay with us with our adult children but when more family came later she was happy to say hello to everyone gently but did retreat to the sofa she loves in the other room.

Opening her Pressie

https://youtube.com/shorts/WIajqm0Pk1M?si=vJf3-FGH9Tz9kjV5⁩

I have done training with her not a lot just basics and very gently with lots of treats for rewards as she is such a sensitive dog, she walks nicely on her lead now, she travels well in the car although jumping in and still sometimes get a bit nervous about this, her recall is good but she does get distracted by the squirrels but she will always run full circle back to you.

She sits and has learnt down. She has put on weight and grows stronger in her body and confidence every day.

She has enjoyed multiple walks on the Malvern Hill which can be quite busy, local walks and woodlands and even a day trip to the beach.

At Malvern

https://youtube.com/shorts/1aOlphgJWfk?si=CWCYMMFmnN15H0i2⁩

Lots of people and dogs

https://youtube.com/shorts/IKfEBhdBGzs?si=VBre-VAqZNTCNXT3⁩

https://youtube.com/shorts/NktzDV9JwiU?si=fgNgqXJBjezp_mNu⁩

Ogmore Beach

https://youtube.com/shorts/gw0BgMjZIfc?si=MxDgwV-J1OOIjNRq⁩

https://youtube.com/shorts/Bcn5vaQAjJk?si=695m6WmxxhLHy33D⁩

Out locally

https://youtube.com/shorts/1g02qPqeygI?si=WdW7QlyhGvSwhud5⁩

So that is all about Rita and her story so far.

She is pretty amazing and is very loved and cherished by her Starfish foster family and going to be a difficult one to let go as we have done a long journey to get to this point.

But unfortunately, in this world we live in there are many Rita's out there through no fault of their own stand zero chance of finding a forever home and need a life line like she has been given so once she finds her forever home there will be another one soon to replace her.

But if the right home does not come along, she will stay where she is.

Rita will need to go to an adult only home with people who have experienced of rescue dogs and dogs who are highly intelligent working dogs ie GSD, Collies, Rotties Malinois etc.

We have not exposed her to children I am sure she would be no threat but she is such a sensitive dog and needs a quiet gentle home.

So, Rita is a Belgium Malinois it's my firsthand experience of this breed.

Wary because of social media and what I have read, I am going to ignore most of that as most of the problems caused to this breed are by people who have less brain cells that the dog and cause the problems.

Having read their history they are very much like a Collie and they were actually bred in the first place to herd sheep, another very intelligent breed which often goes wrong also in the wrong home and environment.

I would say yes she is high energy and needs two good walks a day off lead.

As she settles and everything, she is being exposed to becomes normal she will need more than your normal pet dog in the way of training ie agility, hoopers, scent work somebody who enjoys doing stuff with their dog she will be ideal for.

She will need another dog, another friendly big dog for her to play with and get her confidence from she is not going to be the type of dog that will be any good as an only dog.

I have put up some videos her time in Spain and then in UK so you can see her progress and I hope to give you the essence of this special dog.

I have been fostering dogs for years and they are all special but some get that little bit more into your heart than others and the only way you can let them go is to someone can offer her exactly what she needs.

Rita is spayed, vaccinated, had her blood tests, chipped, wormed/fleaed. You can email at [email protected] for our questionnaire so we can learn more about the home you can offer her in the first instance.

Darling Cassie another little soul who is enjoying her first proper Christmas.Another little one who's life turned aroun...
25/12/2024

Darling Cassie another little soul who is enjoying her first proper Christmas.

Another little one who's life turned around from stray kennels to the life she was to live ❤️❤️

Happy Christmas to Noah & Daniel who only a few weeks ago were in a council pound ❤️❤️
25/12/2024

Happy Christmas to Noah & Daniel who only a few weeks ago were in a council pound ❤️❤️

I wonder if Harrison every knew how much he knew his life would change a month ago look at him living a dream life in Co...
25/12/2024

I wonder if Harrison every knew how much he knew his life would change a month ago look at him living a dream life in Cornwall with his new family on Christmas Day ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you family so very much ❤️❤️

25/12/2024

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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