Nellie the Staffie dumped at our gates
Thankfully, our Welfare team spotted her on CCTV and immediately sprang into action to bring her safely inside. They managed to coax her out from her hiding place in a small wooded area next to our entrance.
The story of the abandoned Malinois pups
When we got the call about five Belgian Malinois puppies found abandoned in a rusty cage, our hearts sank.
These high-energy, intelligent pups are usually working superstars for the police and military. Could we find the perfect homes for not just one, but five of these boisterous bundles of joy?
Why are Malinois a challenge to rehome?
High-energy, working breeds like the Belgian Malinois need specialised training and care that allows them to fulfil their natural behaviours. At Woodgreen we help them do this through activities like scent work and agility which keeps them physically and mentally healthy.
Without the right care though, these dogs can experience stress and frustration which can manifest as aggression. Owners need to be prepared for potential challenges like chasing, barking, and grabbing and address them ethically. Providing outlets to expel energy and use their natural intelligence, as well as understanding the breed’s working heritage is crucial to ensure a successful adoption.
How we cared for the pups
With no information on their history or medical background, we had to be extremely cautious about diseases they might be carrying. We also put ‘Barrier nursing’ in place, where extra precautions are taken to prevent the spread of germs. But this didn’t come at the expense of their socialisation, which is vital at this early stage in a dog’s life.
After giving them a thorough check-up, a bath and a good meal, we knew the real challenge was just beginning. Malinois need more attention than most breeds, in fact, they need almost constant stimulation, socialisation, and a job to keep their brilliant minds engaged to stop them getting frustrated
The puppies have all now been rehomed into perfect homes for them and their needs thanks to our brilliant supporters. Find out where each of the pups ended up!
Cady’s fairytale ending
The first to find her forever home was Cady. Her new owners, Donna and Lucy, are dog trainers – a perfect match! Cady lives in a lively home with four other dogs, two cats, and a variety of other animals. Her owners are overjoyed, reporting that Cady is excelling in her training and fitting in nicely with her new brothers and sisters.
Joey finds his pack in a loving home
One of Joey’s new owners is a dog trainer, while the other hopes to train him in agility and dog sports. He spends plenty of time socialising with the two other dogs who now live with him and he’s learning lots from them every day according to owner Dawn.
Phoebe finds her calling
Phoebe landed in the perfect active, outdoorsy family. Her new owner, Nicola, says she has settled in like she was always meant to be there. While generally placid, Nicola and her family are helping Phoebe address her working breed instincts through agility and man-trailing training, ensuring she becomes the best version of herself mentally, physically, and behaviorally.
Gretchen’s important mission
Like her sister Phoebe, Gretchen also lives with a dog trainer experienced in working breeds. Gretchen is learning search and rescue – a crucial job that her new family believes she’ll definitely excel at given how much she loves to use her nose.
Regina’s farm life
Last but not least is Regina. She’s gone to live on a small farm with sheep, perfectly suiting her working breed tendencies to herd and to use her brain to learn instructions quickly. Under the guidance of her new veterinarian owner, Regina is learning scent work alongside her new sheep herding responsibilities.
A litter of happy endings
From heartbreaking beginnings to fairytale endings, these remarkable pups have landed in ideal forever homes where their unique needs are embraced. Their futures shine brightly thanks to the compassion of our Woodgreen supporters and the dedication of their new families.
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