Take a look at our news stories to find our what’s going on with Waggy Tails.
Meet Harley!
Harley is a lovable 7-year-old Mastiff cross Labrador with the heart of a puppy and the soul of a snuggler. She was found as a stray and taken to the Pound, along with her doggy friend, Louie. A wonderful group called Pound Pullers reached out to us and asked if we could help the two dogs as their time was running out. With Harley being such a big girl and also black, the chances of her finding a safe place or home were less than usual. So many people are put off by dark faced animals, and being gorgeously huge, didn’t help! We were committed to finding the right place for her no matter how long that took.
Within weeks it was clear that Harley decided she would very much like to live with Nicky and Paul who have experience of labs and larger dogs. A huge sigh of relief at the Sanctuary as this means we all see more of her whilst saving some biscuits for the other dogs. Harley has turned out to be super friendly with people and other dogs, she’s a true social butterfly who greets every visitor at the door—usually carrying one of her beloved soft toys as a welcome gift.
A proud couch potato, Harley is happiest lounging in comfort, especially if it involves big cuddles and belly rubs. She’s known for her signature move: perching on the arm of the sofa like a mountain goat, patiently waiting for your attention and affection.
Harley is food-motivated and adores her treats, but she’s also playful and enjoys a good game of fetch with tennis balls or footballs. Just don’t expect her to befriend any cats or squirrels—those are not on her list of favourites.
Despite her age, Harley has the playful spirit of a puppy and gets excited for her daily walks. In fact, she’ll often bring you her harness and lead when she’s ready to head out on an adventure.
She is content and loved – what more could she ask for (perhaps a treat or two more!)…read more
Alfie & Vinnie are two former Waggy Tails boys living their dream. On the left is Alfie, who was adopted in February 2022, and on the right is Vinnie who appears as a puppy at the top of the dog page. They are very much best buddies.
They meet up almost once a week early in the morning at Steamer Point, next to the Nature Reserve near Highcliffe Castle and head down to the beach for lots of ball fetching and throwing and splashing about in the sea, whatever the weather or the temperature. It’s so wonderful to see them so happy together, and to see how pleased they are to see each other – lots of squeaking and play boxing as they greet each other.
Trixie’s elderly owner was no longer able to look after her so she is now brightening the life of one of our fosterers who has lovingly decided to give her a forever home.
Trixie lost a leg when a puppy but is still very active despite her senior years. She loves her walks, demanding to go by repeatedly nudging her owner’s leg if he happens to be delayed in getting ready. On her walks she investigates all the doggy smells and loves to meet her doggy friends.
Trixie hates water, walks round puddles and has to be encouraged to go out if it is raining.
She has a wonderful nature demanding affection from everyone she meets.
Although she is good with dogs she will not let them in the house, she sees them off if they get near the door.…read more
Buddy came to us in August 2021, less than a year old, he is now 4 years old.
Buddy was very frightened when he first arrived at the Sanctuary and this was his 4th home. He had had no socialisation at all. We believe he may have suffered some abuse; he was very hand shy and would not accept any affection. He has been one of the most scared dogs we have taken in. He has a noticeable squint and we do not know whether this is a result of trauma or birth. It does mean he tends to look at things in a slightly strange way and can react to sudden movement as he may not see what’s coming. Finding Buddy a home is an ongoing process and we hope one day that he will leave us for his forever home. This will take a special person who understands the breed and his history.
Over the last 3 years, this boy has come on leaps and bounds (sometimes literally). He is one of the most loving, fun, playful dogs. He has made walking friends with several of our bigger dogs and enjoys their company outside. He is ruled by his stomach and loves treats, cuddles, playing ball on the field and chasing birds. We sometimes need to watch from a distance as he has the best zoomies ever seen! One of his favourite times, is with Emma on a Saturday night watching Strictly on tv. He meets new people and is no longer terrified by anything slightly “different”. A wonderful turn around for him. We hope for the best and a home but in the meantime, he is a very loved semi-permanent resident!…read more
Hello to all my friends at Waggy Tails
It’s Alfie here – remember me?
Well, I’ve settled in at my forever home so quickly and already I’ve had lots of wonderful adventures. My new family keep telling me that I’m a good boy and are very kind. I’ve learned really quickly to go to bed at night when they tell me to, and I don’t bark at night, so I know they will get some sleep too. Also, when it’s their dinner time I sit quietly on my bed nearby so they can eat in peace – they really seem to appreciate it when I do that, but they do eat very slowly whereas I can finish my dinner in a couple of minutes.
My new family take me out every morning for a long walk with my new best friend Harvey, and the other day when they weren’t looking, I stole his big dog biscuit. That wasn’t very kind of me, so I won’t do it again. Harvey didn’t seem to mind though. I’ve made lots of doggy friends and they were all so eager to meet me. Their humans were too and some of them gave me treats. I go out again in the afternoon, and if I’m lucky I get to paddle in the River Mude, which is just down the lane from my new home.
I’ve been out in the car, which I like quite a lot now, although I was a bit nervous at first. I’ve been to the toy store which my family call a pet shop. They very kindly bought me some new blankets, some toys and most important of all some food. I have my own special cupboard for all my bits and pieces, including a huge pile of lovely towels to dry me off when I come home from a walk all wet and muddy. My new family do seem to use their washing machine a lot though.
I’ve been to meet my new Vet who gave me a clean bill of health. She also gave me an injection which she called a booster – hope that doesn’t happen too often! All the staff at the Vets were lovely and came out from behind the desk to say hello and give me a treat.
My next big adventure is I’m going to start a 6-week training course at The Friendly Dog Club at Barton on Sea – the name sounds alright so I’m sure it will be fine. I would like to run around off my lead, so my new family are going to arrange for me to go to a secure field near to a place called Brockenhurst wherever that is. Once I’ve mastered the idea of coming back when I’m called then they tell me I can run around off my lead at the field near my new home. So, I had better concentrate at the training course and make sure I don’t mess up.
My family tell me that I’m quite clever really as I know so many words – I know what to do when they tell me words such as sit, down, leave, bed, paw, walk, stay, and wait. I must admit that sometimes I still pull on the lead, particularly when I see a doggy friend that I want to go and have a chat with. I know I shouldn’t, but I just forget sometimes because I’m so excited and happy.
All in all, I like this forever home and on balance I think I’ll stay!
With a big woof and a paw to you all.
Alfie.
When Buddy first came in to us, he was very nervous and distrusting of humans. Over time, Buddy has become a very friendly and playful boy. He very much enjoys his one-to-one time and is learning how to show affection in his own special way!
He loves nothing more than a speedy sprint around our field and will happily play fetch with a football or tennis ball until he is tired out. Treats are also a favourite of his.
Buddy is good and attentive when out on a walk and walks nicely on a lead. Owing to his lack of socialisation when younger, he can be a bit vocal when he sees other dogs out on a walk, but with further input and more socialisation this can be addressed.
As a Lurcher, Buddy has a very strong prey drive and is interested by small wildlife when out walking and small pets in the house. Therefore, Buddy would be suited to a house where he is the only dog without other pets or animals.
Pearl is a beautiful 5 year old French Bulldog. She came into Waggy Tails Rescue in March 2020 due to a change in her family’s circumstances.
When she arrived she had a terrible skin condition and very infected ears and was also having a false pregnancy. The skin and ear infections were long standing issues and were the cause of her crumpled ear.
Treatment was started immediately and Pearl went into a foster home soon after she arrived. The treatment is on going and Pearl is now looking fabulous but it will be a life long battle to keep her well.
In July 2020 she was adopted and she has settled happily into her forever home along side a very bossy cat. Pearl is a real clown who loves to play especially with her football, she loves cuddles, getting muddy and sleeping in the sun shine.…read more