Six abandoned dogs found roaming in southern Scotland have been reunited with their rescuers this week.
One year on from being secured, during a long rescue mission involving police and volunteers from a lost dog group, the six were reunited with those who caught them.
The dogs were secured on the B719 between Moffat and Greenhillstairs on July 9, 2023 after several hours. They were exhausted, terrified, underweight and in terrible condition.
Sadly, four others were shot that day by a local farmer after they attacked sheep.
Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre (DGCRC), near Glencaple in Dumfries, took the dogs in.
In the last 12 months staff at the canine rescue centre have worked hard building their confidence and encouraging them to play and interact.
Sergeant Iain Monro and Police Constable Kelby Kirkpatrick were the first on scene last year when reports came in about the dogs being abandoned. Additional officers along with Lee and Roger Herron, from Lost Dogs Dumfries and Galloway, were also involved in the operation.
Sgt Monro said: “It was incredible for us to see the dogs and how much they’ve progressed in the last 12 months.
“The improvement in their confidence is like night and day and they’re in such good condition now. You couldn’t get near them last year, but now they’re curious and they want to interact. We really enjoyed spending time with them.”
Lee, who has been volunteering to help with lost and stray dogs for around six years, said: “It took a long time to build their trust and secure them that day, it was a real challenge. It was clear they’d never been handled before or had a collar and lead on, however, they did really well and we were all so relieved when we had them all safe and secure.
“To see how they’ve improved is amazing. They are so playful and just want to have fun. I think people would be really surprised by them in comparison to the photos of that day last year. Myself and Roger absolutely loved spending time with them one year on and we really hope they can find the homes they deserve soon.”
The dogs were all given names with a Moffat connection linked to streets, restaurants and even its most famous confectionery.
The dogs are named Toffee, Charlotte, Rae, Meadow, Glen and Brodie, are doing incredibly well and now need a new home to call their own.
DGCRC’s Emma Scott said the staff had worked hard on their progress and they’ve really improved, especially over the last few months, and they’d love to see some genuine interest from prospective new owners.
She said: “It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the Moffat six came to us. Their journey has been an incredible one, filled with small steps and significant progress.
“Although it’s taken time, they’ve made remarkable steps, teaching us invaluable lessons along the way. We are incredibly proud of their progress and feel that most of them are ready to embark on their next chapter—they deserve their own ‘happy ever after’.”
While there was a lot of interest in their story last year, the rescue is now keen to hear from people who are interested in giving them a new home.
Emma added: “While their progress has been tremendous, they will need continued support as they transition into their forever homes. They require a calm, patient adopter who lives in a rural area and can provide them with plenty of outdoor space to run and play.
“They all have their own unique personalities and deserve a loving home where they can continue to grow and enjoy life. If you have the time, space, and love to offer, please consider adopting one of these incredible dogs.”
Here is some information on each of the dogs –
Toffee – A gentle soul with a really playful side. Her kind nature and love for playing makes her a real joy to be around.
Charlotte – An active girl who loves a good fuss from her human friends. She is very food-focused which has made her training both fun and effective.
Rae and Meadow – These two cheeky chaps are always up to something, whether it’s encouraging a bit of rough play or stealing blankets from the washing line! Their playful antics will never fail to bring a smile to your face.
Glen – The ladies’ man of the group, Glen enjoys the company of female dogs. His affectionate nature and charm are evident to all who meet him.
Brodie – The most nervous of the six, Brodie has taken the longest to trust people. However, through a training plan based on positive reinforcement, he has made significant improvements in recent months. The staff at the centre celebrate every step he takes in his confidence.
If you’re interested in finding out more about any of the six, or to express interest in rehoming them, please contact Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre on 01387 770210 or via their website at www.caninerescue.co.uk
