Leeds rescue dogs: meet staffy Holly who is up for adoption this Christmas

Holly is one of 24 very special rescue dogs in search of a new home - not just for Christmas, but for life.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has teamed up with Good Life Dog Rescue for the 24 Dogs of Christmas campaign, which aims to match each of the dogs with loving new owners and to highlight the work of this small Leeds charity.

Today, with the support of Real Donkeys, we are sharing the story of Holly who is in need of a new family.

Holly's story

Holly is new into our care from the stray kennels.

This girl is suffering from a broken heart and is one sad and shut down lady.

She has no pep in her step and her spice for life at the moment is none existent.

Holly can often be found in her bed and although she is willing to go on a walk we feel she lacks buster or any enthusiasm for interaction.

Holly has come into our care with round open sores that were infected on her back.

These appear like cigarette burns.

On top of this Holly had infected and very sore ears.

Our hearts are broken at the sheer neglect and abuse of Holly and we are not surprised at her sadness and low spirits.

We are now working hard to help Holly and create a routine where she will receive extra time with us.

More interactions and TLC are a start as we work hard to bring this girl back to life.

Holly at the moment gives nothing away so it can be a work in progress to find the true Holly that sits within this sad exterior.

What is Good Life Dog Rescue?

Good Life Dog Rescue is a small charity based here in Leeds that cares about the welfare of stray dogs in the UK.

Its founder, Victoria Bastow, is passionate about helping animals who often face an uncertain future. For more than eight years now, she has been dedicated to helping stray and abandoned dogs in Yorkshire.

The charity flies a flag high for the Staffies and cross Staffies who are often the last to find a rescue place.

It receives no immediate funding and survives on donations and fundraising, with no paid staff and only its committed volunteers to champion the stray dogs it rescues.

Victoria herself has a full-time job so that she can partly fund the huge kennelling and veterinary bills incurred.

Since the charity does not have its own kennels, all the dogs in its care are looked after at kennels in South Yorkshire.

The kennels are very much a temporary home and Good Life aims to find each of the dogs a new start with loving owners as soon as possible.

How to adopt Holly

Many UK stray kennels, rescues and rehoming centres are full of lovable, active and healthy adoptable dogs just waiting for someone to love them and offer them a home.

It is important the right dog is matched with the right person or family.

In order to find the right dog for its prospective owners, Good Life will need to match their lifestyle with the dog.

All the dogs being cared for by the charity are vaccinated, microchipped and neutered. Home checks are required and vet references if possible.

Visit www.goodlifedogrescue.co.uk/ to find out more about the adoption process or to make a donation in support of the charity’s work.

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