Success Stories

Some of our rescue dogs and cats in their new homes

Benjie

is a beige Terrier who came back to visit us with his family. They kindly donated a bag full of dog blankets & goodies for the dogs that are still at our rescue centre. Benjie is pictured on the right, with his family.

Tulip

is a wiry haired Terrier who spent Christmas at our rescue centre but went to her new home in Castletownbere in time to celebrate the New Year with her family. She has been renamed Maya and her owners think she's an alsolute sweetheart.

Molly

is an English Pointer who went to her new home in England in 2011. Her owners say "Molly has settled in brilliantly and gets on really well with our labrador. She loves running out in the woods near us and has lots of energy and does 5 miles to our 1.
Once back at home she settles into her bed and seems to be very content and much more relaxed as initially she was very edgy and cautious of people. Already just in these past few weeks she has become so much more confident. Molly is a real character, recently we went on a family trip to Stratford-on-Avon and she was so good and well behaved and enjoyed the day."

Poppy

is a whippet who went to her new homes in Gloucestershire, England in May. Her owner says: She is a delightful dog who has greatly enriched our life and endears herself to all who meet her. She is so good-natured that she cuddles up with our cat even though the cat chases her at every opportunity when they are outside! I have been writing a blog about her with lots of photos since she arrived which can be read at www.poppypupblog.wordpress.com

Bally

I adopted Bally from you in march 2007 as a 12 week old puppy and she’s a fantastic dog! We’ve been touring all over the place and she’s even got her passport and been to Spain for a summer. Now we’ve settled down in Berkshire she’s enjoying her new job keeping the local squirrels in check!
After the millionth person asked me what she is (as everyone finds her so endearing) I got her DNA tested. I was pretty spot on as I thought she was a Collie X Patterdale. She turned out to be a Border Collie/Lakeland Terrier Cross crossed with Ibizan Hound Mix... with a little Japanese Chin of all things!

Bobby

is a wiry terrier who was with us for several months before going to his new home in November. Alison, his new owner says: "Bobby is getting used to having large dogs to play with, it doesn't seem to phase him at all. He is a fast learner and has already earned a certain amount of freedom around the place. His training with the chickens in ongoing, but he'll get there. His initial car sickness seems to have been caused by some sort of stress from his previous life, with gentle handling and lots of praise and good places to go he can now travel OK. All in all as perfect a dog as you could get (or would want to get either - perfection is boring!)."

Terry

is a Staffie x who has been at our rescue since the summer but he's now enjoying life with his new family in Kerry. His owners say: "Terry is just magic, he's SO affectionate and cuddly, and is getting on really well with Copper. He's loving his beach walks and yesterday ventured into the sea for the first time! Mind you he's always delighted to get home and can't wait to get back in the door.
He loves the evenings when we pile onto the couch together until one of them gets too hot and goes off to bed! Terry is such a great dog, thanks so much."

Mossie

is a small brindle terrier who went to his new home in Dingle in November. His owner says "Just a quick note to let you know that Mossie is very happy in his new home. He was fab in the car all the way home from Clon and has charmed everyone around him since he arrived. He's sleeping here at my feet by the stove as I type. He's a dream - he hardly took any time to settle himself and was part of the family straight away. I took him to the vet for an xray and that little limp is the result of a fracture on his hip but we're getting him a series of injections to help along with homeopathic doses - despite his limp though he's still well able to out run me on the beach and chase the seagulls."

Tin Tin

has been homed since 2007 and his owner says: "I am writing to thank you for Tin Tin. I have him for four years now, though it only seems like yesterday that I collected him from West Cork.
Tin Tin has brought so much love to my life and that of my family and friends. He was so shy when I got him first, I thought he couldn't bark.
On our first few walks together he used to lie down flat if he saw somebody approaching, as if he was afraid they were going to hurt him. but that didn't last long and now he runs along confidently checking everything out. People are always stopping to admire him.
He is such an affectionate and loving dog. One of my earliest memories of tin tin was meeting him bringing his blanket up the stairs as he was uncomfortable waiting on the carpet without it. He loves his comfort and can be an incredibly picky eater."

Beau & Jangles

are two adorable kittens who went to their new home in September. Their owners says: "Beau & Jangles are settling in really well with us and as a Bob Dylan fan I think their names are great! The kids are delighted, they're getting big and brave now."

Trigger

went to his new home in Cobh last Spring and his owners say "Trigger has done really well and has settled in brilliantly with the family and especially well with our Border Collie, Dancer. They are the best of buddies. Trigger still gets nervous around situations he's not sure of but he's learning to trust us and has been responding really well to training. We love him very much and we're very glad we could give him the home he deserves."

Roxy

is a lovely dog who went to live in Carrigaline in August 2009. Her owners say "Roxy is doing great and is well loved. She is fantastic and I'm so happy to have her. We adore her. She sleeps on top of my stairs outside my room every night and she goes on holidays to Tralee where she loves exploring on the beaches with my sister's retriever, they are best friends. She is microchipped now too so I never lose her. Ye do fantastic work and thank you once again for the best dog ever".

Honey

is a Collie x who came to our rescue centre as a young pup in January 2009. Her owner was about to drown the litter of pups but thankfully we were able to save them. Honey was adopted by her new family a few weeks later and is now a beautiful healthy dog. Her family say "Honey is doing fine with our family and her step sister Jessie who is also a rescued dog."

Bramble & Jinx

Bramble (left) went to her new home in March 2010 where she's had a great life for 18 months with her elderly canine companion Snapper. Sadly Snapper died in July and his owners came back to our rescue and chose Jinx as a new companion for Bramble.
They say:"Jinx loves living on the farm and goes out on rabbit hunting expeditions with Bramble - he's just about fit enough to keep up with her now, despite his shorter legs! He's a really affectionate dog and we're delighted with him. We think he's quite pleased with us as well, and very happy in his new home."

Flynn

is a Lurcher pup who came to us with his litter mates very malnourished and neglected. He is the first of the litter to go to his new home.
His owners sent us this lovely photo of Flynn a couple of days after they had adopted him and said "Flynn is settling in brilliantly on the boat. We went to the beach after leaving the shelter and then went on to baltimore. He took to the boat really well and we've been out gallavanting today."

Jess

is a female beagle who went to her new home earlier this year in Harrow, Middlesex in England. Her owners bought her to Ireland with them when they came on holiday in August and she is seen here with her owners when they visited our rescue centre to show us how well she has settled.

Bella and Eddie

After losing Humphrey to a heart condition in April 2011, Mary decided to get Bella a new companion. Eddie a very well adjusted little terrier went to his new home in Cobh, where Bella was slightly miffed by the newcomer to begin with, but he has settled in well under her watchful eye.

Ruby

is a Springer Spaniel who went to her new home in England on July 9th.
Her owner says "We cannot believe how well she has settled in and is an absolute delight. She is so loving and just wants to please all the time. She loves her walks in the woods (especially the muddy dirty puddles – a typical springer). She follows my other dog (Copper) everywhere. We lost our 16 year old springer 3 months ago and Copper has been so quiet and miserable. It is still early days yet but he certainly seems to be picking up. Thank you so much for putting Ruby our way, I can quite honestly say that we are loving her more and more each day."

Amy

Eleven years ago I heard of your organisation on the cork examiner and travelled down to you from Cobh where I found a beautiful dog 'Amy' and adopted her.
Amy was very nervous at first and was very afraid. After lots of TLC Amy settled well and soon had moved from shaking in a corner of our kitchen to claimimg her own armchair in the sitting room.
Amy was more than a member of our family and brought us so much joy and love over the years. She loved her walks in the woods as well as in the water.
The first time Amy went to the beach she ran to a rock pool thinking it was a great bowl of water. I'll always remember her scrunched up face when she realised the taste of sea water.
Unfortunately last Friday 24th June Amy had to be put down after becoming very ill over the week.
We will miss Amy very much but would like to say a massive thank you to Amy and the West Cork Animal Group for 11 wonderful years.

Zita

is a gorgeous little kitten who was the only survivor from her litter when she was found.
She found a home very quickly with Paula who says " She's getting on great - she has absolutely no fear and has met the rest of the cats and the dogs with no problems - to be honest, they were more wary than she was! She was asleep on the Budda Bag with Neo the first night and on Friday morning was playing with Buddy and Furball in the sunroom.
She's currently climbing all over the keyboard as I write this!"

Toby

is a very sweet natured Westie who was taken to the vet by his owner to be put to sleep as he has a skin condition which if left untreated causes his hair to fall out. He was recently adopted by a couple who had a westie called Millie (on the left) from us 5 years ago. She also suffers from the same skin condition as Toby which can be kept under control with regular shampoo treatment and a good diet. Millie and Toby are pictured here looking in great condition thanks to the care and attention they are receiving from their owners.

Samson

is a very handsome boxer who was left tied to our gate one night.
Fortunately for Samson he was adopted by Tommy and they are devoted to each other.
Tommy bought Samson back for a visit in June and he looks fabulous. Thankfully a happy ending for Samson.

Irish Setter Rescue

from England took a litter of 8 week old Setter pups in May 2011 as finding suitable homes for dogs and pups in Ireland has become increasingly difficult in the last few months.
All 7 pups are now settled into their homes in England and this is a photo of one of the pups in his new home in Cheshire.

Neige and Bisous

Neige is a white boxer x pup who went to her new home in March where she joined her companion Bisous, a german shepherd x who was homed from our rescue as a puppy in 2010. As can be seen from the photos, Neige has made herself completely at home with her cuddly sheep and Bisous who has grown into a lovely natured dog seems content to be used as a pillow by Neige.

Bobbi and Shadow

Bobbi (right) went to her new home in West Cork in May 2010 where she met her companion Shadow who was also adopted from our rescue in November 2005. Her owner Michael has sent us this recent photo of the two dogs now that Bobbi has been with in her new home for a year.

Dougal

is a Westie who went to his new home in March 2011. His owner says "Dougal is a bit of a rascal and he's totally spoilt. Everyone loves him, in fact my parents want to adopt him! We got him groomed a couple of weeks ago and when I collected him, I thought it was a different dog but when he came over I knew it was him! He has his little toys and he loves his walks in the park. He also likes the water but he doesnt get much a chance to go swimming. He is a bit picky with his food but loves roast beef!
To anyone who is thinking of getting a dog, I would recommend looking at adopting a dog. There are so many lovely dogs who just want a home. We had a great experience with West Cork animals, Lindsay gave us advice and we knew we could give her a ring if we needed. So thanks for all the work you do and especially to Lindsay for bringing Dougal to us."

Irish Setter Rescue

from England took a litter of Setter x pups in October 2010 as we were having difficulty finding homes for them in Ireland.
They sent us some photos and say " We are getting pictures of a few of the pups, they are now nearly all grown up and looking
beautiful. Everyone of the owners is delighted with their pup.
Thought that you might like to see two pictures of one of the black boys we called Patrick and the smallest bitch we named Orla."

Bob

is a sweet little cat who has been in his new home since September 2010. He has settled in well and is enjoying life with his canine companion.

Scooby

is a collie x who was rehomed in 2003 when she was a young puppy. Her owner Esther recently sent this update on her. "Just a short message to let you know that Scooby is still up and running, in good shape and a lovely dog!
She is now 8 years old and has adapted to everything, loves our 5 year old son and still adores Pantoufle, her 9 year old dog friend."

Joe

is a West Cardigan Corgi x who went to his new home in England in April 2009. His owners Sharon & Andy have sent a recent update and say "Here are a few of Joe's latest pics...can't believe he's been with us for almost two years now, he certainly has blossomed from the scared little boy we brought home. He is such a happy little boy and always finds fun wherever he can, he is always up for a cuddle and is good at stealth as we always wake up with him at the bottom of the bed but never feel him get on! We cannot imagine life without him!"

Casey

is from a litter of 6 abandoned pups who went to her new home in January 2011. Her owner Helen says "Casey is now 5 months old and a joy, a really fun dog who is very gentle with my little girl. She is so good around the house, and very obedient while on her walks. Thank you so much for helping us find her, she is a fantastic addiition to our family and a great friend to my little girl."

Townley

is a Rotweiller who came to us in March due to serious illness in her family. Luckily for her, she found a new home within a couple of weeks and is pictured here with her new Rotweiller companion Remi.

Buddy

is a very handsome Springer Spaniel who went to his new home in June 2010. His owners say "Buddy has become a major player in our family getting tonnes of hugs and affection, playtime and walkies! He's full of character and bounce! We are really enjoying having him as our pet!"

Millie

is a mixed breed pup who has found a lovely home with Fiona and Tom in Galway. They Say "Millie is such a delight to have in our home and is certainly becoming the little queen of the castle! She has settled in very well, house training was very quick and she definately knows her comforts. Any chance she gets she sneaks into our bed and curls up under the duvet for a snooze! She is such a placid good tempered dog and is great with kids. She had my 2 year old godson in stitches giggling from being licked all over! She has also just discovered the sea...she loves splashing about, though her swimming technique needs a bit more practice and she is fascinated with seaweed!"

Crystal

is a timid collie, adopted by the Crummett family who live in Norfolk England in October 2008. They sent us this lovely photo of her and say "We thought you would like to know that she has settled in with our family and our other dog a cocker spaniel called Daisy. She has not quite lost her fear of people but loves her family."

Tiger

is a gorgeous little kitten who was handed into us by teenagers who saved him from drowning. This lucky little fella has been given a lovely home in West Cork by the Crowley family who sent us this photo of him playing with their daughter. They say he has settled in well and has taken over their house.

Sandy

is a wiry terrier who went to his new home in December 2009. He has now been in his new home just over a year and his owners sent us this lovely photo of Sandy and say "His name was Tin Tin when we took him but we changed his name to Sandy shortly afterwards. Sandy is doing well. He has a lot of energy and needs lots of exercise and is great with the grand-kids."

Google

is from a litter of pups that came to us in January 2009 as their owner was going to drown them. He went to his new home in West Cork as a young pup early in 2009 and is now almost 2 years old. His owners say "Google is doing excellent and is enjoying the company of our new pup. He has become a very loyal and extremely obedient dog. He is a real credit to us all."

Abbie

is stunning looking golden retriever who went to her new home in November. She has settled in very well and is enjoying life with her canine companion Bailey, a handsome golden Lab. Her owners told us they cant imagine life without her now.

Copper

is one of a litter of 5 pups who came to us with their mother. She went to her new home in Co. Kerry in November and her owners say "Copper has settled so well and we are delighted with her. Thanks so much to you all." She's seen here playing on one of Kerry's beautiful beaches.


Domino & Patches

Domino is a handsome Dalmation who went to his new home with the Newcomb family in 2007. Ciara Newcomb says "He loves going for runs, sleeping by the fire and having his ears rubbed. He was joined by Patches in 2008 who loves having his belly rubbed, being brushed and going for drives in the car! They are a great addition to our family and we are so glad we got them."

Patch

is a very sweet natured Jack Russell Terrier who was found in an appalling state in Dunmanway with a large gash on his neck. Despite being almost totally blind and deaf he manages to jump onto the settle and make himself very comfortable at his foster carer's where he has been given a permanent home.

Cody and Ruby

are two gentle natured St Bernards who are inseparable. We were offered several homes for them inidividually but felt it was in their best interest to stay together. We were thrilled in October when they were given a lovely home near Fermoy with an owner who has a lot of experience looking after rescue dogs and several acres of secure garden for them to ramble in.

Dearg

is a Springer Spaniel who went to his new home in May. His owners say" He's settled in great. When we got Dearg he wasn't very good on the lead but now he's good both on and off the lead. He has excellent recall too so he gets the opportunity to run off the lead for over an hour daily. We bring him to forest parks, to off road walks along the coast, to the beach and to our local parks. We all recently went to Valentia Island for a 2 week holiday and he loved it. This is a photo of him exploring the island (with glee). Our baby daughter is mad about him and he gets great big smiles from her. I think they'll be good buddies as they both grow up. All in all he's a lovely addition to the family."

Danny

is an adorable mixed breed dog who went to live with his new family in Clonakilty this summer. He settled in to his new surroundings very quickly and is enjoying all the fun and attention he's getting in his new home.

Ollie

is from a litter of 8 pups that came to us with their mother when they were 2 weeks old. He was adopted by the Phelan family just after Christmas and they sent us this update on him in July.We came to you heartbroken at christmas after the loss of our faithful old collie and collected "Ollie" a super crazy but so loving pup...still chewing and wrecking the garden with no signs of stopping. He has a lovely nature and is so good with the kids who adore him. Keep up the good work.Vicky ran in a Marathon in May and raised €500 for the dogs who are still in our rescue centre.

Murph

is an Airdale x who went to his new home in January 2010. His owners say Murph was a very strong-willed and excitable fella for a while and we decided he needed a very firm hand! He was very strong on the lead and dominant with other dogs but taking him to training classes in hop island equestrian centre in rochestown has really helped. He has learned to love water and is an amazingly good traveller in the car. He's almost consistently mannerly around other dogs now. He loves playing with bouncy balls but is not terribly playful with other dogs yet but he's getting there. He has enriched our lives big time and we get great satisfaction out of seeing him respond to our training efforts.

Molly

is a young black retriever x who went to live with Vicky & Arthur in West Cork in Spring 2009. In June 2010 she was joined by a new playmate Bob, a beautiful golden lab/retriever. Her owners, Vicky & Arthur have been organising regular music fundraisng evenings and busking for us at Schull and Skibereen market since early summer 2009 - see our fundraising page. Molly is often seen eager to help at the daytime fundraising events and this year will have her companion Bob with her to join in the fun. They're pictured here like 2 fashion models posing with the current season's headgear!

Angel

is a stunning lemon and white Bassett Hound who went to her new home in Cork on 3rd July. She is pictured here with her new buddy Archie, both patiently waiting in the car ready to leave our rescue centre for Angel to start her new life.

Cherry

was a stray who has settled well into her new home in Skibbereen and is amusing herself keeping an eye on the cat! Her owners say: "Just wanted to thank you for Cherry - she lights up our lives! I think she is pretty pleased with us also.

Ozzie

went to his new home Autumn 2009 and very quickly settled into his new family of four kids and three cats. His owners sent us some photos and an update in June 2010 to say: "Ozzie is doing fine and is enjoying the company of his new buddy Dakota, a husky we adopted last February. They have accompanied us to surf competitions during the winter, come along to beach and wood walks and even entered in the dog show at Bandon Show where Ozzie was NOT impressed with the judge..."

Rosie

came to us as a young pup in may of last year. She was found with her distressed mother Izzy (also pictured below in her new home) who was struggling to find enough food to be able to survive and produce milk for her 2 pups. Looking happy and healthy Rosie and her new owners came back recently for a visit.

Boy

went to his new home in Douglas with Bronwyn and her husband earlier this year. Boy was a long term dog in our shelter due to being severely abused before coming to us. With a lot of patience and care boy became a much loved character and we were all delighted for him when Bronwyn gave him the wonderful home that he for so long deserved. Bronwyn also recently adopted a little sister for Boy called 'Mindy' and says that "she gets on well with Boy, they sleep next to each other at night although they have their own separate beds!"

Jack

who is an adorable little chap went to his new home with Marie and Raymond earlier this year. Marie says "Jack has settled very well with us and is much loved by all who meet him. My 6 year old nephew makes his mother drive an hour round trip most Saturdays so that he can come on the walk with Jack and I.

Freda and Jessie

are two lab sisters who are now 7 years old. They went to their home in Wiltshire, England as young pups in 2003. Their owners decided to visit Ireland with their camper van this year and bought Freda and Jessie to our rescue for a visit. They are pictured here, lying together quite happily in their camper van.

Holly

is a boxer x pup who went to her new home in December 2009. Her owner Louise says "She is a very bouncy and energetic dog who spends most of the day out on the yard with me and loves to play fetch with anything she can find. She has also discovered that she can swim and loves playing in the river and the sea. She has made friends with the cat and is really settled here. By the end of a busy day she curls up in her bed indoors for the evening.

Pumpkin

is a an extremely friendly, energetic shaggy terrier who went to his new home with Margaret & Conn at Easter. He has settled into his new life very well and can be seen here sunning himself in the garden.

Barney

(pictured right) is a male springer spaniel who came to us so badly matted that his hair had to be completely shaved off. A lovely family in Cork who already have a spaniel adopted him and Deirdre says "His hair is all grown back so you would barely recognise him. When he came to us first his hearing was very bad but it has since improved. His walking has also improved and he doesnt fall over as much! He's getting on great with everyone because he's such a friendly gentle dog and we are all glad we took him."

Ruby

is a bearded terrier whose owners Sally & Mike say "She is doing really well, settling in and making great friends with Milly the dog, and our cat Flash!"

Rainer

is a lab x who was adopted in March 2010. His owner Roisin says "Rainer is a joy and we all adore him. He has settled into life and is such a wonderful dog. Thank you all for doing such a great job. " Rainer is posing for a photo on the trampoline with Roisin's daughter Alva."

Gwennie

is an energetic brown lab who went to her new home in Jan 2010. Her owners say "Gwennie has settled in really well here in Cobh and become such a part of our family, we both adore her. Her confidence has grown tremendously and she's a real character. Her favourite walk is Marlogue woods which has miles of tracks as well as a stoney beach and lots of other dogs to meet! She has a bed in the kitchen and has fun extracting her treats from her favourite toy the Kong. However she also seems to really enjoy moving our shoes to the front door... a subtle hint perhaps! Gwennie is a part of the family and its hard to remember what life was like before her arrival."

Leroy

is a male Staffie who went to his new home near Liscannor in County Clare in April 2009. He has made himself very much at home in Co. Clare and is seen here looking very handsome."

Suzie

is a female Rottie who went to Ennis in October 2009 as a companion for a male Rottie Tyson. The two dogs get on very well together and Suzie is pictured enjoying her bone and Tyson's by the looks of it."

Rufus (cat) and Rumble (dog)

went to their new home in West Cork in January 2010. Their owner already has several other cats but Rufus wont have anything to do with them, he just hangs out with the 2 dogs. He and Rumble have become inseparable and Rufus goes for walks with the dogs and even goes to the dog sitter with them. If you look closely they are both on the chair!

Cleo

is a timid Jack Russell Terrier who went to her new home in January. Her owners sent this update the next day "Cleo was fairly quiet and shy yesterday but came out of herself a small bit. Today was a big change, she is coming to us when we call her. It might take a few calls but she is getting used to us. We gave her a bath as well this evening and she loved being towel dried. As you can see from the photo she loves her basket and loves her new garden. She is definitely relaxing more around us. We are very happy with her".

Ritchie

We received this sad email in January 2010 about Ritchie and would like to thank Mary & Dan for giving Ritchie such a wonderful home for the last 8 years. Mary says "I would just like to let you know that our beloved Ritchie passed away today. We got him from your sanctuary in 2002 and kept his original name. He spent nearly 8 happy years with us and I am truly heart broken today."

Coco

is a lovely looking collie who went to her new home as a puppy in August 2009. Her owners sent this photo at Christmas and say "This is just a quick note to say thanks and that ‘Coco’ is doing great. I’ve enclosed a picture of when she was still a pup, she’s a bit bigger now".

Sasha

When we got Sasha we had recently lost our 13 yr old retriever x irish setter and wondered if we would bond so soon with another dog. While she can be a mischevious adolescent, she is also a great joy and such fun. The only problem is that she is inexhaustable, or maybe I'm getting older! Without her this year, considering the weather and the economy, life would have been miserable. Annie (our other little dog) says thanks for her friend without whom she was miserable for a while.

Sean

is a lovely terrier who went to his new home in April 2009. His family say "He quickly settled into his new home and although he was nervous of being taken out in the car initially, he soon lost his fear as he was taken on lots of trips to parks, forests and friends houses. In June he was washed and groomed and taken to the Cork Summer Show. It turned out to be the proudest day of his life when the judge handed Aoife a beautiful red rosette, Sean had won first prize. Then in September he was entered to run the Cork Mini Marathon with Catherine and Aoife. He proudly wore his number on his back and trotted along amongst nearly 11000 participants completing the four miles in just over an hour.

Jane

is a very timid collie who had been badly abused and spent 2 years being re-habilitated with us before she went to her new home in September 2008. Marc & Monika took on a big challenge with Jane but she has settled in well and a few months later they got a collie pup Leah who really helped Jane gain confidence with people. Jane and Leah play very well together and love to go walking at the reservoir near Macroom and to the waterfall in Killarney National Park."

Humphrey

Humphrey went to live with Mary in Sept 08. He was joined by Bella a female terrier in September 2009. Humphrey developed heart problems in 2009 and was only given 12 months to live. Sadly Humphrey died in April 2011 but will be remembered fondly for his antics by those of us at West Cork Animal Welfare who looked at him before Mary adopted him. Mary was heartbroken when she lost Humphrey who had been her first dog.

Jesse

is a lovely gentle German Shepherd x who had been in our rescue centre for many months before she went to her new home in May. She is pictured here when she came back in October with her family to visit us. It would seem that Jesse has turned out to be a rather expensive dog!! Apparently having come to this area to see Jesse they decided they liked West Cork so much that they've bought a caravan opposite the beach just a mile from our rescue centre. Now they're planning to buy a bigger car to accommodate Jesse on her future travels to West Cork!! It looks like we'll be meeting Jesse regularly in future as she's walked on our local beach."

Agnes

is a 7 year old German Shepherd who has been with us for many months. It's difficult to find older dogs homes so we were delighted when we were contacted by John who had recently lost his own elderly German Shepherd and was very keen to give Agnes a new home. She has settled in really well and John's daughter says it’s a match made in heaven.

Kilty

is a lab x who was homed to Jane and Jeff Dixon 4 years ago. She was an extremely nervous dog when she went to her new home but with lots of love and care she is now very much improved. She has been at the music fundraising days in Schull and Skibbereen this summer helping to raise money for the dogs still at our rescue centre.

Buffy

is a very sweet yorkshire terrier who was homed to Annely at Inishbeg in June 2007. She is having a great life and is pampered beyond belief. She is booked into the grooming salon next week for a beauty treatment!

Bruno

is a spaniel who has been in his permanent home since March 2007. His owner says "He's amazing, very much his own boss but clingy at the same time. He absolutely loves the car and the only time he will stay on his own is while sitting in an open car in the driveway. He's number one in our home and knows it. He is in excellent health and gets plenty of exercise. When he came first he was quite greedy but that has stopped now although he still loves his food. We'd be lost without him."

Rusty

is an adorable wiry terrier who was adopted by Robert and Collette from Bandon 5 years ago. Their daughter sent us this photo of Rusty dressed in his coat and tails ready to go to her daughter Carolyns wedding. She says this about Rusty: "He also has a Santa suit and a 'superdog' outfit! He is a natural show off and loves the attention he gets. He is the boss, only eats lambs liver. He's hand fed dog biscuits, loves being brushed and seems to understand everything my parents say. He has his own bed in their campervan and loves being driven around in the car."

Cherie

is a golden retriever who was so traumatized that she was with us for 3 years before she was rehabilitated sufficiently to be rehomed. Her new owners, Billy and Ursula say. "When Cherie arrived April 2008, we wondered if we had done the right thing adopting her. Having always reared our dogs from puppies, it was quite a challenge to have a 4 year old who ran for cover when you tried to rub her down, who wouldnt come through a door if you were near and who hid under tables. The only trust that she placed in anything was Switzer, our golden retriever. Today Cherie still adores Switzer but she now sits down to have her harness and lead put on, jumps into the car and shares the settee with Switzer. She is gaining confidence and seems to relax much more and we are confident that in time she will accept this as her permanent home."

Lori

is a loveable, cheeky little wiry terrier who went to live with her new family in Dublin in August. Her owner Teresa sent this photo and says "Just to let you know that Lori has settled in very well with us. Needless to say, there were a few incidents initially but they were to be expected. She's a clever little dog and loves attention and we love giving her attention. I have attached some photos to let you see that she's well. Thank you for all your help and for Lori."

Jack

is a blue merle collie who was found with his litter mates wandering the roads in West Cork. Wiccaways, a collie rescue in England found a lovely home for him. His new owner Andrew says "Jack (named after Captain Jack from Pirates of the Caribbean)has just returned from his first holiday at the lovely dog friendly North Norfolk beaches and loves caravanning. He has been to obedience training and has come on in leaps and bounds."

Pip and Tommy

are two lovely terriers who went to live on Heir Island last December 2008 with Christine & Gubby. Christine is an artist and in 2009 sold one of her paintings to raise money for the animals still at our rescue centre.

Izzy

is a Pom x Terrier who was found in a very distressed state with 2 young pups in May 2009. Thankfully for Izzy, her life turned around and she has a lovely home with the Farry family. They say "Izzy has really settled in now and any signs of nervousness are gone. We all love her to bits, even the neighbours adore her. She is no trouble and so easy to manage, she looks for nothing only company which she gets plenty of. When she came first our son Darren's girlfriend had to come and see her as she could not believe how a six foot young fella could talk so much about a small fluffy dog. When she met Izzy she understood. Izzy is just adorable to everyone that meets her."

Cooper

is a Rottie who came to us in a very neglected condition earlier this year. He went to his new owners David & Marguerite in March who say "Cooper is a true ambassador to his breed, not a bad bone in him. He is the most lovable dog we have both come across and loves his cuddles. He has gotten very used to our two cats and while he does tease one of them sometimes, he doesnt mind sharing a house with them in the slightest. We are so grateful to have found him and hope that every dog will make someone as happy as Cooper has made us."

Lucy

is a Border Collie who went to her family in January 2006. Tom sent this update on her: "She has brought much joy to our lives and is spoilt rotten, a full member of the family. Thanks so much again, Lucy has improved all our lives for the better!"

Tigga and Millie

are two lovely wiry terriers that have been with their owner Lillian for 2 years. Lillian says they have transformed her life and sent us this recent photo of her two devoted little dogs.

Lucy

came to Sweden in October 2005. She is still a wonder eyed, sleek joy to have around. She finally posed after all these years and it was worth waiting for! This photo was taken on our daily long walk, the dogs run freely in the forest like lightening. Lucy has a friend since 2007 called Hollies, who thinks she was put on earth just to love Lucy, we got her from a farm down south. She is a giant loving pup whilst Lucy is the wise one, they are perfectly matched and beautiful to watch as they run together.

Lula and Dude

Lula is a staffie who we adopted in 2007 and Dude a schnauzer adopted in 2008. Marie says" These 2 dogs are like day and night and not just in looks. Lula is very clever and funny and communicates amazingly well. Dude is not quite as clever but he is always in a good mood and incredibly laid back. Together they are a great pair.

Lady & Maxwell

Lady (pictured right) and Tramp were adopted in 2000 and after 9 years of a wonderful life with their family in Cork sadly Tramp died from cancer in April 2009. Tramp was desperately missed by everyone including Lady so the family came to us in May to look for a new companion for Lady. Maxwell an elderly wheaten terrier x who has been at our centre for a while proved a perfect match and is now enjoying his new life with a caring family."

Doffo

is an adorable shaggy terrier who is now living in Co. Kerry with Suzanne and her family. The girls asked their friends to donate money to our charity instead of buying them birthday presents which is a wonderful present for the dogs still at our rescue centre who haven't been as lucky as Morris in finding a home yet."

Sam

is a collie who went to his new home in September 2008. His owners Alan & Tanya say "He is a great addition to our family. Damien (our two year old son) and Sammie are two little rascals!"

Logan

was the 1st dog we homed in England in 2002 and sadly he died in September 2008. Mary & Dave sent this. "We have very sadly had to say goodbye to our lovely big black bear. Logan came over to us when he was about 3 years old, he was the most gentle dog and very loving. He adored his first Flatcoat companion Trixie and has for the last 5 years been taunted and loved by Kizzie his second Flatcoat companion. He tolerated all her puppy loutishness and never once told her off. Logan was a wonderful ‘ambassador’ for the Black Retriever X’s and thanks to him there is now the Black Retriever Rescue which finds loving homes in the UK for many dogs."

Daisey

is a beautiful little dog who lives with John and Rachel in Macroom. They say "She loves country life and as you can see from the photo, its a daily challenge to keep her clean, to say she is a muck savage is an understatement. She is absolutely spoilt and demands to be centre of attention when anyone visits our home. She is a fantastic dog and our lives would be a lot duller without her.