Sweet Miniature Poodle cross, Jaffa, was brought to Battersea as a stray at just 12 weeks old.
Jaffa arrived showing worrying signs that something was wrong. Whilst barking and crying, he kept pacing around in circles and falling over. He could only manage to eat and drink very little.
Our veterinary care team began a thorough medical check to find out what was causing poor Jaffa all these distressing symptoms. Following their tests and examinations, they found their answer: Jaffa was suffering with a dangerous condition that affects the liver and stops it from working properly.
Jaffa was immediately placed on a special diet and brought to see a specialist vet. They advised that he would need major surgery soon to survive and have a better quality of life.
Thankfully, Jaffa didn’t have to wait long. A few weeks after seeing the specialist Jaffa had a successful surgery.
To recover, our team decided that until he was back on his paws and ready to return to the kennels, that it would be best for Jaffa to spend some time living with an experienced Battersea staff member and foster carer. It was exactly the right environment for Jaffa to fully rest and recover. With his surgery behind him and a warm and cosy bed to rest in, Jaffa had found a new zest for life. As he rebuilt his strength, he began to show his loving nature.
Our Rehoming team knew that Jaffa would need a very special home, as even though his surgery went well, he would still need ongoing care and support.
They found Jaffa that perfect match. His new family, Lyn and Andy, fell in love with him immediately and said they would be happy to offer him a home with them unconditionally. After everything he’d been through, Jaffa's dream was finally coming true.
Lyn and Andy had been searching for a new pup to befriend their other Battersea rescue Tilly, after their other dog had sadly passed away. As soon as they met him, they knew Jaffa was meant to be a part of their family. Lyn is delighted to have Jaffa in their lives and says he is “a special boy and a little cracker!”
Along with their dog Tilly, Lyn and Andy volunteer with the NHS Ambulance Service Care Dog Team on the Isle of Wight, who work closely with care dog charity Canine Concern. These dogs provide vital respite for ambulance service workers and call handlers dealing with major trauma. By being in the crew home room, the care dogs offer staff affection and a chance to decompress.
Lyn immediately saw that Jaffa had great potential to be a care dog, as his loving nature and friendly personality charmed everyone he met. After successfully completing his training, Jaffa now takes turns with Tilly doing shifts with the Ambulance Service care dog team, working alongside dogs of all shapes and sizes who have become his new friends.
Kindness like yours made such a huge difference in Jaffa’s life, and he has not taken his second chance for granted. Your support is there when rescue animals need help the most, and now this special rescue dog is there when others need him too.
Your generosity rewrites so many happier new beginnings, and we could not be more grateful for all the joy and second chances that you make possible.
