A former Battersea rescue dog has gone from a difficult start in life to becoming a valued member of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service Care Dog Team on the Isle of Wight.
Miniature Poodle cross, Jaffa, arrived at Battersea as a stray at just 12-weeks-old, but on arrival his care team noticed there was something not quite right with the poorly pup. Jaffa had to undergo lots of medical tests and he was ultimately diagnosed with a liver shunt, a serious life-threatening condition in which blood bypasses the liver, preventing it from filtering toxins and absorbing vital nutrients. Within weeks, Jaffa had to undergo a major operation and went on to recover with a Battersea foster carer, who gave him round-the-clock attention and care whilst he convalesced from surgery.
Once Jaffa recovered from his operation, he was ready to find a home to call his own, but due to his ongoing medical needs, he needed owners who would be able to still support him with his special condition. It wasn’t long until he found his forever home with Lyn and Andy who both volunteer with the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service Care Dog Team. The service works to support ambulance crews and call handlers dealing with major trauma. Lyn and Andy were not only happy to provide the specialist care Jaffa needed but they also saw potential in Jaffa to become a working care dog. Now fully trained and assessed, Jaffa works alongside his owners as one of the Care Dogs on the Isle of Wight providing comfort, affection and a moment of calm for frontline staff working under immense pressure every day.
Jaffa’s new owner, Lyn said: “Jaffa’s confident and affectionate nature made him a natural fit for the role, and after completing his training, he now joins our other Battersea rescue dog, Tilly, and a roster of other dogs, on regular shifts, offering much‑needed emotional support to frontline workers.”
Victoria White, Director of Ambulance Service at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said: “Jaffa is a wonderful example of how compassion and partnership can make a real difference to the wellbeing of our staff. Our crews and call handlers work under intense pressure, and the calm, comfort, and connection our care dogs provide is invaluable. We are incredibly proud to have Jaffa as part of our team.”
Ali Taylor, Jaffa’s foster carer and Head of Animal Behaviour at Battersea said:
“Jaffa was a tiny puppy needing intensive veterinary care when he arrived at Battersea, but he never stopped showing us his affectionate, joyful nature. To see him now supporting Ambulance Service staff, bringing comfort to people when they need it most, makes me so proud. He’s a wonderful example of what rescue dogs can achieve when given a second chance.”
Jaffa stands in good company with other Battersea rescue dogs who have gone on to have unusual “jobs”. One of them is Labrador Chilli, who has become one of only a handful of dogs in the world able to detect a multi-drug-resistant lung infection called pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Notes to editors
- At Battersea, we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2025, Battersea directly cared for 1,989 dogs and 1,745 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Brands Hatch, Kent and in Old Windsor, Berkshire.
- To find out more, visit Battersea’s website or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea