Delighted Rescue Dogs Pick Out Their Own Toys for Christmas
The holidays are often a time when people focus on giving gifts to their loved ones. It’s also a time when dog rescues work hard to spread cheer to the many homeless dogs under their care.
Fetcher Dog, a rescue in the United Kingdom, decided to let the dogs at their shelter pick out toys for Christmas. They laid out a pile of stuffed animals on a blanket in a field and let the dogs loose!
The dogs were absolutely delighted, dashing down the hill to the toys. They all seemed to understand that they were receiving a special gift to play with.
First up was a Jack Russell, his tail wagging excitedly. Then, an Akita lumbered down and grabbed her stuffie, followed by two French bulldogs.
In a second video, the dogs leap and run around the toys, carefully taking their time to pick out their favorites.
Fetcher Dog explains that they started their rescue centre to help dogs in Bosnia and continue to help the street dogs there. “We have many local rescuers, picking up stray street dogs and removing as many as possible from kill shelters. All dogs are taken to safe and secure facilities where they no longer have to fear cruelty. They are fed and cared for and are taken to local veterinarians who help us nurse them back to health. We give them everything they need for a fresh start and the best possible chance of a happy, healthy life,” the group writes on their website.
Since their founding, Fetcher Dog has also extended their mission to help rescue dogs from U.K. pounds. “The U.K. pounds are currently bursting with dogs that are looking for safe spaces to go. After seven days in a pound, dogs are put to sleep if a rescue space isn’t found. We take as many of these dogs as we can and provide them with a chance at a happy, full life. We are also in contact with several local dog wardens, Kent Police, and our local council, and we are called upon to help dogs that they find on a regular basis,” Fetcher Dog explains.
During their Christmas “toy grab,” Fetcher Dog highlighted several of their black dogs, noting that dark-colored dogs often wait much longer to find homes than other dogs through no fault of their own. Ivy, a Greyhound, was particularly thrilled to grab a toy and run around outside.
Ivy also loves leaning in for hugs and cuddles.
To help support Fetcher Dog, please visit their website.
With cost-of-living crises across many countries, dog rescues need help more than ever. Shelters are overcrowded and many rescues are under strain. Consider donating to your local animal rescues and shelters to help them give the best care they can to the animals under their roof.
