http://www.darlingdogsofmay.co.uk/

Darling Dogs of May, Darling Buds of May, Thatcham (2025)

20/09/2025

Such a handsome boy! Meet Duke 🤴!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Stuart and Megan

Dog(s) name:
Duke

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
3yrs 11mths

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
We adopted our boy at the end of March this year, and he just wanted to be loved. Outside the home he was very overstimulated and nervous reactive to other dogs - it became clear that he didn’t get the socialising and work needed since being a puppy, and we were determined to help him with this.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
In the last 5 and a half months, we have worked continuously with our boy at he has really cemented himself as part of our family, he has really come out of his shell. Duke is incredibly affectionate, goofy, mischievous (hide the socks!), and is still learning how to cope/adjust to dogs - he is making so much progress at group classes and is learning how to make friends with other dogs.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
To be able to help a dog in need, to give them a loving home and encouraging them to flourish is SO rewarding and also makes your heart feel full. When you adopt a dog with baggage and trauma it can sometimes feel overwhelming on tough days - but in the right home and with the right family, the continued work, training, devotion and support pays off. To see Duke come so far and grow in such a short time, and be with a family that adores him, means everything. We have more and more good days, and are determined to keep going!

17/09/2025

Meet Koru! What a great name!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Amy

Dog(s) name:
Koru

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
9weeks

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Very quiet, scared, timid, and cuddly, always needed to be held, or cuddled, and did not like to be alone at all. 2kg, and as small as the palm of my hand.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
The kindest, funniest and fun loving young man. He loves to walk, play, be around others, play with his best friend (one of our rescue cats who also comes on walks with us). He reduces anxiety for the whole family, but in particular my son with Autism and Learning disabilities. He is now going through training as an assistance dog as he is so placid and calm, whilst creating a safe space for all around.
He loves to be involved, and join in, but will happily also stay in bed (under the duvet, with a cuddly toy and head on a pillow). He just loves to be around people, and learn, and enjoys training sessions, and using his mind.

He was absolutely the piece to this family that we didn’t know we were missing. He’s my best friend and companion.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Have time, patience and a lot of love. Do not try to rush them, and try to empathise with how they may be feeling and experiencing life.

13/09/2025

Meet snoozing Bonnie!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Jenny

Dog(s) name:
Bonnie

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
1 year

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
She had been very ill when handed into Dogs Trust care. Over a period of 4 months with numerous vet visits, the rehoming centre got to the bottom of her illness, and we took her home

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Healthy, lively, very affectionate and lots of fun

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Do it. Adopt don’t shop!!!
There is always back up (from the rescue centre) when you rescue.

06/09/2025

Such cute pupps! Meet Max and Athena!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Becky Salmon

Dog(s) name:
Max and Athena

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:
Romanian Dog Charity
Rescue Organisation’s

Dog’s age when rescued:
Max was 12 weeks and Athena was 6 months.

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Max was very small and didn’t like to be on his own. Athena was very scared of men in particular and cries and barks when on her own.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Max is a big softie, he is very protective and doesn’t like other dogs but would protect his family. Athena is still scared of men and people coming into the house but has the biggest heart and loves her closest family. They both love each other and are super close. We would never be able to separate them.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
They take time, effort and a lot of patience. But are the most rewarding.

03/09/2025

Look at that face! Meet Rocket!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Rachel Peters

Dog(s) name:
Rocket

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
9 weeks

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Very affectionate and well trained despite the difficult circumstances of his rescue. Good around other dogs, loved lap cuddles and sunbathing

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Still very affectionate, loves cuddles, humans and other dogs. Loves chilling in the sun and treats

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
So many dogs to be rehomed. I’d always suggest seeking out a rescue pup rather than from a breeder.
Make sure tot know what size and type of dog would fit your lifestyle and then register for dogs that meet that criteria.

30/08/2025

What a trio! Meet Neo, Apollo and Flora!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Harriet Tice

Dog(s) name:
Neo, Apollo and Flora

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:
Dali D.O.G Cyprus

Dog’s age when rescued:
5 months, 5 months and 3 months

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Neo and Apollo were both adopted at 5 months old. They were dumped in a box outside the pound in Dali, Cyprus. There were 7 siblings, 6 boys and 1 girl. Apollo loves people from day one but Neo was very nervous and took a while to settle. Flora was found in a
hedge in the countryside in Cyprus by a tourist at a few days old, no parents or siblings to be found. She was very young when she flew to the UK and found the flight and road transport quite frightening.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Apollo continues to love everyone and everything, as does Flora. Neo loves being at home but continues to be quite fearful of people or situations he doesn’t know.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
With time and patience it is an unbelievably rewarding experience and you won’t regret it. Rescue dogs are the best!

27/08/2025

Very pretty with the 🌼 chain! Meet Buster!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Katie

Dog(s) name:
Buster

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:
Binfield Dog Rescue

Dog’s age when rescued:
5

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Frightened, didn’t want to go outside to used the bathroom so he would urinate in the house.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Loving life, walks, sitting in the garden and generally just having fun

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
It’s very rewarding, it can be hard work but it is worth it

23/08/2025

Such a cutie! Meet Sol! Dogs just know sometimes when we need some support.

Dog Owner’s Name:
Michelle Biggs

Dog(s) name:
Sol

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:
Rescued from Bulgaria via Bulgarian Dog Rescue

Dog’s age when rescued:
18 months

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Sol was quiet, unsure of us but was desperate for love. He definitely followed the rule of three. It took three days to settle, three weeks for him to find his voice and three month for him to show his true self.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
He is chilled and so well behaved. He loves bum scratches, long walks, digging in the garden and going to the dog park. He ‘talks’ to me and is always nearby.
He’s been my rock over the last year, never leaving my side while I went through chemotherapy, sleeping next to me, keeping watch over me.
He’s now learning to play since we added an assistance dog in training to the family.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Remember the rule of three. Give them three days to settle - provide a safe place for them to retreat to and give them space to come to you.

20/08/2025

Upsetting images but great to see a happy ending! Meet Walter.

Dog Owner’s Name:
Zeffrienne

Dog(s) name:
Walter

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
9 years old

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
He had covered in sores/skin infection, mostly bald oozing skin, infected ears, blind, mouth infection, tumors, reactive, extremely weak- couldn’t walk up or down stairs/couldn’t stand up from a sit, emaciated, very empty- he was not there mentally at all there was just nothing and very slow/ could get stuck easily even just trying to walk through a door

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Amazing, he’s so friendly with people and other dogs- even became a therapy dog, all tumors removed and teeth removed/ treated, fur has grown back (mostly except some areas where the skin was too bad like where his collar was digging into his neck), ear canals removed and is currently traveled to the uk (from the Channel Islands) for eye surgery to try give him some sight back, he does agility (not well but he participates 😂), learning tricks- slowly, very slowly, off lead, fit walking 10-15 miles per day, loves attention, loves rolling in rocks so we’ve made him a rock pool in the garden to roll in, he’s so sweet and is definitely super greedy and spends hours sitting by the treat jar crying waiting for someone to give him one.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Take time to meet the animals and speak with the rescue and find one that will best fit you and your lifestyle. Spending a bit of time getting to know the animals and letting the rescue get to know you will help make everything much smoother and easier for both you and your new family member. I foster animals regularly and I always make sure I do my best to match them to the best fit, sometimes it’s not that a home isn’t suitable for any animal but just the one animal in particular and they would be better off with a different personality.

16/08/2025

Meet Paris! Such a smiley dog! ❤️🐶

Dog Owner’s Name:
Paula

Dog(s) name:
Paris

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
2

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Paris was very shy, she was scared of people, she was afraid to go for walks, she would bark at visitors and run away and hide. She was underweight.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
She is a shinning star ! She got very confident, she is very loving, she always wants to make sure the she is as close to you as possible , she loves her walkies and meeting new people, visitors are not scary any more ! Now it’s a chance to make new friends, she got a little chunky as well :)

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Before you do have a good think about what sort of personality you are looking for in a dog but at the same time remember that rescue dogs had traumatic past and it takes them time to come out of their shell, but please do give them the chance that they deserve!

13/08/2025

Meet Barney & Fred!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Carole & Craig Garrod
Dog(s) name:
Barney - Saluki and Fred - Lab Pointer
Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:
Barney from Battersea Windsor and Fred from a kill-shelter in Portugal
Dog’s age when rescued:
Around 9 months
What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Barney was a pleaser. Very quiet and the day we got him, he refused to walk our way, so about face we went. As the days and weeks went on, and with Fred giving him some confidence, he improved but always had that wistful look. We were told by Battersea there was no chase instinct which is why re-homed by travellers.
Fred, clearly had a traumatic crossing from Portugal. So very shy, didn’t want to come in the house, drooled and panted constantly especially when a car journey was on the cards (we had vomit for weeks in the car), and wore a nervous dog collar. Had never lived in a house and everything was about survival for him and being so very scared of everything.
What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Barney - a ball chasing, paddock loving, aloof and “on my own terms” Saluki. He smiles, he chats, he shows affection when he wants to. My husband is clearly his human.
Fred - affectionately called little brown terror, waga-muffin, bunny chaser (and bunny p**p eater) and my absolute soul dog. The only thing he is afraid of now, is missing out on an adventure!
Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
My tips - give them time.
It is so true the 3’s approach. It took months for Barney to feel secure enough to show his cheeky and mischievous nature. Go at their pace and read the body language. Think how overwhelming the world and everything is - they don’t know that you will keep them safe with all the new things, until you show them and they experience it for themselves.

🐶It isn’t too late to get involved too and share your story. It’s easy to do on our website and takes a couple of minutes. AND everyone who takes part gets a FREE visit to Darling Dogs!

09/08/2025

PART 2
What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Bella Bear is a completely different dog to when we first met. It’s taken a long 3 years co there to realise that people aren’t the enemy. Through the patience of myself, my children and Bruno Bear, she is nothing short of being a light in our world. We thought we were saving her but she became our saviour. She now greets people, loves being stroked and my favourite part is when we are out walking and she decides to have zoomies on the lead, I literally hold on for dear life! When she’s running around feels, looking like something out of Bambi, she looks and feels like the true definition of what happiness looks like. I will forever be grateful to Hungary Hearts for saving her life and bringing so much happiness into ours.
Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Patience and lots of it. Don’t try to train, expect that it can take years to see small improvements but when they do come, the immense proudness is completely overwhelming and filled with so much joy.

Darling Dogs of May

20/09/2025

17/09/2025

13/09/2025

06/09/2025

03/09/2025

30/08/2025

27/08/2025

23/08/2025

20/08/2025

16/08/2025

13/08/2025

09/08/2025

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