Winnie and Joseph: A Heartwarming Christmas Dog Adoption Story

Miss Sothcott, Year 5 Form Tutor and Head of Prep PE, shares her touching tale of love, compassion, and the power of rescue. It all began five years ago during a holiday in Cyprus… "We found our first rescue dog Joseph wandering the streets, abandoned and injured by local hunters," Miss Sothcott recalls. "He would turn up to our villa each day - we couldn't turn away from him and knew we had to bring him home."

This furry friend, once shot with pellets and left to fend for himself, was nursed back to health by a local dog shelter in Cyprus. The transformation was remarkable, yet despite physical recovery, he is still traumatised by his mistreatment. "He's healthy and loving, but still bears the trauma. Clicking sounds or even distant echoes of gunshots startle him," Miss Sothcott explains.

Grateful for the shelter's care, Miss Sothcott's family continues to support them through donations. Recently, their hearts were captured by another dog Winnie, whose photo they saw on ‘Zante Strays’, an organisation rescuing dogs from the streets of Zante. "She was found wandering with a rope around her neck. Zante Strays gave her shelter and love, and we knew that her forever home needed to be with us," Miss Sothcott shares.

After months of paperwork and anticipation, Winnie and fourteen other dogs made a three-day journey to meet their new families. "Winnie's settling in beautifully, showering us with love and becoming fast friends with Joseph, her new brother”.

We would love to extend the invitation to others who are able to support these incredible dog shelters, please do visit pawsdogshelter.com and zantestrays.gr  - every contribution counts in giving these wonderful dogs the love and care they deserve.