A group of seven tiny dogs with Disney themed names that were dumped beside a pond in cat carriers have found their happy ending in new loving homes.
Moana, Tinkerbell, Ariel, Arthur, Belle, Tarzan and Jasmine were brought to Blue Cross Southampton rehoming centre after a member of the public said they had found them in a local park.
Five of the dogs were crammed into two plastic cat carriers, while another two were confined to a small wire crate without access to food or water. Without microchips, which is a legal requirement for dogs, the charity was unable to trace their owner.
All seven of the dogs were, understandably, very frightened at first. They were carefully assessed and separated them into groups in which they felt the most secure. Some of them also needed veterinary treatment for various conditions, such as itchy, poor coats.
Tarzan and Jasmine were placed into foster care in Southampton, and Arthur and Belle, the most nervous of the group, stayed at the centre so that Blue Cross specialist behaviourists could help them overcome some of their fears.
Meanwhile, Ariel was placed into foster care through Blue Cross Burford rehoming centre in Oxfordshire and Moana and Tinkerbell went to foster carer Christine Tilt, near to Blue Cross Bromsgrove just outside of Birmingham.
Caroline Oram, Animal Welfare Assistant at Bromsgrove, says: “When Moana and Tinkerbell first arrived in our care it was clear that they had been through so much.
“They were so scared that they were trembling. We’d go to their kennel, and they’d huddle at the back and bark. We had no idea what kind of life they had before to understand their needs.”
Moana, a Yorkshire terrier and dachshund cross, was suffering with some hair loss, likely related to stress. She was particularly frightened and relied heavily on Tinkerbell for support.
“Moana especially is very nervous, and Tinkerbell gives her confidence. So, when they were meeting people Tinkerbell would always go first,” says Caroline. She continues: “We wanted to get them into foster care as soon as possible, as they had been through so much. So, lovely Christine said she would have them.”
And after just two weeks in Christine’s care, the pint-sized pair, who weigh just 2.5kg each, had already made a remarkable turnaround.
Speaking at Christine’s home on a visit, Caroline says: “The difference in them is amazing. Their coats are better, Moana’s fur is growing back and she’s more confident now in meeting people. They’re thriving now.”
After nearly a month in Blue Cross care, all seven dogs have found wonderful new homes where they’re now being showered with all the love they deserve. Moana and Tinkerbell have found a home together in Bromsgrove, Tarzan in Shirrell Heath in Hampshire, Arthur and Belle in Sutton Courtenay in Oxfordshire, Jasmine in Fleet in Hampshire, Ariel with the foster carer in Oxfordshire.
2022 is the 125th anniversary of Blue Cross, originally ‘Our Dumb Friends League’. The charity formed to help vulnerable pets and their owners and we continue this work today across our rehoming, clinical, animal behaviour, pet bereavement support and educational work. We are striving to be able to help even more pets in the future live healthy lives in happy homes. Blue Cross relies on the support and donations of pet lovers to continue our vital work, to find out more and make a donation visit www.bluecross.org.uk/125-years-of-blue-cross