Meet Alison (@aliwood_14) and Jet, a chihuahua cross, aged 7. They live in London with Ivy, a cockapoo. And this is Alison’s story on how she came to give Jet a Second Chance.
Tell us about yourself.
I live in Parsons Green in a flat with a small courtyard. I had been a city worker up until recently, often travelling for work and have been lucky to find an amazing dog walker and sitter (Lorena from Chelsea Hotdogs) who has helped me with dog day care during the week but especially when I have had to travel for work.
Tell us about your rescue dog?
I had already adopted Ivy as a puppy when we met Jet and then decided to adopt him. I thought it would be great for Ivy to have a companion as she is a cockapoo who is fiesty and filled with love.
Jet was a UK rescue, we don’t know a lot about his backstory. He is part Chihuahua but I am not sure of his other genes – just bigger than a Chihuahua and very devoted.
When we met Jet he was very nervous and had obviously suffered before he came to us. He was petrified of most people and noises. He would cower when anyone approached him.
What made you decide to rescue?
Having one dog already I felt made it easier to adopt a rescue. I initially looked for a rescue before I adopted Ivy but it was really hard to adopt through the rescues I looked at as they all wanted someone who was always at home. By the time Ivy was one I understood a lot more about rescues. She had originally gone to daycare at Shoreditch Dog House, they did a lot of work with Dogs Trust and both of the women working there had rescue dogs. It allowed me to learn more about different charities and I could see how wonderful the dogs were. I then met Jet and the rest is history.
How did you choose your rescue dog?
We met Jet a couple of times and Ivy liked him. Although he was scared he had the eyes of an old soul. He also seemed to trust Ivy from the first time they met. She showed him great kindness when we met Jet and I knew that we could give Jet the right home for him.
We only met Jet so it was more a case of he was the right dog for us when we met him.
How easy was it to get your rescue?
Jet was rescued by Merlin’s Haven, a Cyprus rescue which rescues dogs from Greece and re-home to the UK. Occasionally they rescue in the UK as Jet was.
It was very easy. I had initially been put off rescuing as it seemed so hard to meet all the hurdles – being at home all day, having a garden and a house. However, it was in reality really easy. We met Jet a few times and had a home check completed and then Jet came to live with Ivy and I.
What did you think about rescues before adopting?
I didn’t know a lot about rescues before Jet – I had thought it may be hard to train a rescue (belief that one couldn’t teach an old dog new tricks) and hadn’t been sure about the ability to bond like I could with Ivy who I had adopted as a puppy.
What do you think about rescues after adopting?
It’s quite special, the look of love that Jet gives both Ivy and I is amazing. It did take time for him to find full happiness and feel completely safe but when I see him smile and his cheeky side comes out it is an amazing feeling to know that we helped to bring this out in Jet. He is Ivy’s shadow, he looks to her whenever he feels unsure or scared and amazingly she steps up, checks everything out, warns off anyone who scares Jet and although younger she makes an amazing ‘older sister’ to him.
Jet conversely takes on bodyguard duties for Ivy and I. If Ivy drops too far behind when out walking he stops and makes everyone wait for her. He always walks just a little behind me unless he sees a squirrel!
What is your message to anyone who is thinking of getting a rescue?
If you can adopt a rescue you won’t regret it. The love that they give is quite special and your heart will melt when you watch them play and smile for the first time.
What have you learnt from rescuing your dog?
That there is always room in your heart for more than one dog. I do think having Ivy at home made it a lot easier for Jet to feel safe. Over time, more and more of his true personality emerged – his playful nature, his love of small toys, how he cheekily teases Ivy. I would definitely recommend a rescue dog and I think for anyone who is older snd unsure about raising a puppy, a rescue may be perfect for them.
What are your favourite things to do in London with your rescue dog?
Our favourite things to do in London are walking in Kensington Gardens, afternoon tea in one of London’s many dog friendly hotels and going to the cinema.
GIVING SECOND CHANCES
Alison and Jet is one of the many stories about Second Chances.
By choosing to rescue a dog, you’re making a statement against the unethical practices associated with puppy mills and irresponsible breeding. You affirm your commitment to giving a loving home to a dog in need, regardless of their past circumstances.
In the days leading up to our inaugural Rescue Dogs of London & Friends meetup in Kensington Gardens on Sunday, May 12th, we will feature some of the Second Chance stories we know. We want to share their stories on how and why they chose to rescue dog(s) from all different circumstances that have left those dogs homeless.
The inaugural meet on the 12th May will be at Queen Caroline’s Temple, Kensington Gardens from 11.00am.
Come along and meet some of the Rescue Dogs and see how they have adapted to life in London.
This is a ticketed event. All proceeds for the event will be donated to two deserving dog rescues: ZEM Rescue Megara in Greece and Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors in China.
The tickets are just £20 (plus Eventbrite fee). CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
Here’s what’s included:
- Entry for one dog and up to two humans
- Your candid photo with Andrew of Raven Imagery
- A wag-tastic goodie bag (one per four-legged ticket holder), filled with amazing goodies from brands we love: Beautiful Joes, Caboodle, Wunderdog Magazine, James & Ella, Pawer Water & Project Harmless
- Plus, there’s an option to treat your pup to some delicious special edition Rescue Dog Cookies from Darcy’s Bakery.
With Thanks to our Rescue Dogs of London Event Sponsors:
- Wagworks: WagWorks is the happy place for city dogs. Dog daycare, dog grooming, training and vet services in West London.
- Biome9: Gut microbiome test and health report for dogs. Unlock the complex biology of your dog’s inner world using cutting-edge AI.
- PAWD DRINKS: PAWD DRINKS is a range of preventative and functional liquid health supplements for dogs scientifically designed to target common health-related issues.
- The Rockster: Rockster quite simply has established a new standard in calibre of ingredients, dog nutrition and palatability never seen before in the industry. Hailed as “more than just food”, Rockster is the only Bio-organic dog food in the world that is certified as a superfood in its own right, having transformed the lives of many dogs.
- Raven Imagery: Renowned dog photographer Andrew Richardson from Raven Imagery captures stunning portraits of pups against a backdrop of the capital and beyond.
- Darcy’s Bakery: Darcy’s Bakery is an artisanal dog bakery specialising in catering for parties, events and brand collaborations in Central London.
