Meet Anne and Biscotti (@BiscottitheNaughty)! They live in London and this is Anne’s story on how she came to give Biscotti a second chance.
Tell us about yourself.
I moved to London about 3 years before adopting Biscotti. I have a full time job as a secondary school teacher and I always knew it would be tricky. COVID came at a time which was timely – I was settled in my job and I had the lockdown periods off to do research, look through information and understand rescue dogs. Then when Biscotti finally came along, I knew it was supposed to be and I was ready with the time to put into the initial settling and training period.
Tell us about your dog.
Biscotti is a mix breed dog with an unknown back story. He was rescued by a charity which rescued him from a seven day kill shelter. Beyond that, I don’t know anything else about him. Prior to adopting him, I had received videos from the rescuer where Biscotti was walking on lead and being alright with that – which was a big factor to consider since I was living in a flat.
What made you decide to rescue?
There are so many animals out there which deserve a home. It wasn’t their choice to be born into their circumstances. They do not have the same appeal as the pure bred dogs, but they are no less deserving of a warm, comfy home to call their own. I have also volunteered with shelter dogs and rescue dogs since I was 18. I watched so many dogs wait year after year after year at the shelter. I also knew that they came from a tough background sometimes and so understood that it may take more time than purchasing a puppy, but it would be so worth it in the end.
How did you choose your rescue dog?
As I was living in a flat, lead-trained and also a smaller size was a priority and there are plenty of rescue dogs out there that fit this criteria. It was very difficult for me to adopt in the UK as they were much stricter about the size and layout of the home and also the amount of time that I would be working. It meant that I ultimately adopted from abroad. I count my lucky stars because Biscotti is the most wonderful pup and I could not imagine my life without him.
Tell us about the rescue/shelter you adopted from.
They are an UK based charity which has connections with many rescuers in Romania. The rescuers based in the country go to the kill shelters and luckily the rescuer who picked Biscotti out put him at a vet whilst he was on the cards to be adopted.
How easy was it to get your rescue to the UK?
Once the whole adoption process was complete, it was very easy. Apart from the fact that Biscotti got kennel cough just before he was due to travel (luckily he was at the vets), it was a seamless process. Being in London meant that it was one of the first stops coming over to the UK, so I got to meet him three days after the date of departure from Romania.
What did you think about rescues before adopting?
I’ve always worked with rescues prior to moving to the UK, volunteering at dog shelters to not only physically exercise the dogs, but I was also the new volunteer coordinator for the rescue. It was a no brainer when I finally decided I was ready for a dog that it was going to be a rescue dog.
What do you think about rescues after adopting?
It is so fulfilling. I can only think about the life that he led prior to coming to the UK and how strong he must have been (as I adopted him at the age of 3) to survive those prior years. It is also so rewarding watching them acclimatise to their new environment and it just goes to show how adaptable they are. Now he is living his best life in London meeting so many new friends, human and dog alike.
What is your message to anyone who is thinking of getting a rescue?
Give them a chance if you have the right circumstances. I am fully aware that it is not the route for everyone, but if you have the room, time, and space in your heart. Definitely do your research and follow a range of rescue dogs on social media to ask people for advice. Just be patient and give them the time and space that they need. You really cannot push them and when they’re ready, they will blossom into the dog with the biggest heart and make everything so worthwhile.
What have you learnt from rescuing your dog?
I have learned that they really are so loving and they do not ask for very much at all. I have definitely become more patient and good at setting boundaries (at the beginning … he is now sleeping on the human bed!). All they want is your company and your time. Biscotti has reconfirmed my love for rescue dogs and I am so proud of how far he’s come travelling in and around London. It makes me so proud to tell people that he’s a rescue dog.
What are your favourite things to do in London with your rescue dog?
We love going to the heath and having long off leash walks in nature. We also love going shopping together in Battersea Power Station and it’s so nice having some company. We also have met so many other pups on Instagram and have met them at different events through the year.
GIVING SECOND CHANCES
Anne and Biscotti 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. Together with The Dog Vine, we will share their stories on Rescue Dogs of London over the next couple of weeks.
The inaugural meet will be at Queen Caroline’s Temple, Kensington Gardens from 11.00am.
This is a ticketed event. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
All proceeds for the event will be donated to two deserving dog rescues: ZEM Rescue Megara in Greece and Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors in China.
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.
The tickets are just £20 (plus Eventbrite fee) and 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.
Come and meet some of the Rescue Dogs who have adapted to life in London.
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.
