Rescue & Rehome Cyprus, founded by Graham Shackleton, is on a mission to care for and rehome abandoned larger dog breeds in Cyprus, such as Pit Bulls and Huskies. Despite facing challenges like a lack of volunteers, the shelter prioritizes extensive training and socialization for each dog to ensure they are ready for adoption into loving homes.
What is the mission of Rescue & Rehome Cyprus?
Rescue & Rehome Cyprus, founded by Graham Shackleton, is dedicated to caring for and rehoming the island’s most frequently abandoned larger dog breeds such as Pit Bulls and Huskies. Facing challenges like a lack of volunteers, the shelter prioritizes extensive training and socialization for each dog, ensuring they are ready for adoption into loving homes.
The Mission of Rescue & Rehome Cyprus
Graham Shackleton is a name many in Cyprus have come to associate with unwavering compassion and commitment. As the founder of Rescue & Rehome Cyprus, he has become the island’s guardian angel for the most frequently abandoned dogs: the larger breeds. His dedication shines through in his relentless efforts to provide care for Pit Bulls, Huskies, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Mastiffs that have been discarded and often end up in pounds.
This struggle to safeguard these gentle giants is intensified by the lack of volunteers. Once a vibrant community of helpers, the shelter now faces the harsh reality of managing on virtually no outside assistance. This shortage is attributed to various factors, including the pandemic, socioeconomic shifts, and increased living costs, which have made the vital resource of human kindness scarce.
The Challenges of Big Dog Adoption
The preference for smaller dogs on the island poses a significant challenge for the adoption of larger breeds. While small dogs are often favored for their perceived manageability and space considerations, big dogs face unjust biases and are commonly misunderstood. Their abandonment is not a rarity, but rather a troubling pattern observed by animal shelters globally. These dogs are sometimes acquired as status symbols and later abandoned when they no longer fit into their owner’s lifestyle or become too costly.
Financial constraints play a significant role in this dilemma. The imposing costs of owning a large dog, which can reach over €1,000 annually, coupled with the island’s economic trials, often results in these loyal pets being forsaken. Such hardships are not unique to Cyprus, but the island’s current state has exacerbated the problem.
Graham Shackleton’s Lifelong Passion
Graham’s journey with big dogs hails back to his childhood in West Yorkshire, where he formed an early bond with a neighbor’s boxer. That affection has only grown throughout the years, leading him and his wife to become deeply involved in local animal welfare after settling in Cyprus. Their heartfelt efforts culminated in the establishment of Rescue & Rehome Cyprus in 2017, supported by compassionate sponsors who shared their vision.
Operating from Avdimou, R&R limits its care to 30 big dogs at any given time, ensuring each one receives the attention they need. This includes extensive training and socialization, a critical step in preparing them for a new chapter in their lives. The dogs are not just numbers; they are individuals with unique personalities and needs, worthy of the chance to become beloved pets.
The Tireless Work Behind the Scenes
The sanctuary works tirelessly to retrieve dogs from pounds and respond to calls from animal police and vet services. Each dog’s rehabilitation journey begins at Graham’s house, where they receive foundational training and socialization before moving to the sanctuary. The goal is to improve their chances of finding a forever home through patience, love, and proper training.
Despite the hurdles, R&R has successfully rehomed over a thousand dogs. These successes are bittersweet, as the departure of each dog marks a joyous but heartrending moment for those who have cared for them. The sanctuary eagerly seeks volunteers to assist with walking, socializing, feeding, and transporting the dogs to veterinary appointments, hoping to continue creating success stories for these deserving creatures.
To extend a helping hand to Rescue & Rehome Cyprus or learn more about the dogs awaiting their chance at a loving home, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out via their online presence.
FAQ
1. What is the mission of Rescue & Rehome Cyprus?
Rescue & Rehome Cyprus, founded by Graham Shackleton, is dedicated to caring for and rehoming the island’s most frequently abandoned larger dog breeds such as Pit Bulls and Huskies. Facing challenges like a lack of volunteers, the shelter prioritizes extensive training and socialization for each dog, ensuring they are ready for adoption into loving homes.
2. What challenges does Rescue & Rehome Cyprus face in rehoming larger dog breeds?
Rescue & Rehome Cyprus faces challenges in rehoming larger dog breeds due to the preference for smaller dogs on the island. Big dogs often face unjust biases and are commonly misunderstood. Their abandonment is a troubling pattern observed by animal shelters globally. Financial constraints also play a significant role, as the costs of owning a large dog can be high. The shelter also faces a lack of volunteers, which makes their efforts more challenging.
3. How does Rescue & Rehome Cyprus prepare dogs for adoption?
Rescue & Rehome Cyprus prioritizes extensive training and socialization for each dog to ensure they are ready for adoption into loving homes. Each dog undergoes rehabilitation, including foundational training and socialization, at Graham’s house before moving to the sanctuary. The goal is to improve their chances of finding a forever home through patience, love, and proper training.
4. How can individuals support Rescue & Rehome Cyprus?
Interested individuals can extend a helping hand to Rescue & Rehome Cyprus by volunteering to assist with walking, socializing, feeding, and transporting the dogs to veterinary appointments. The shelter also welcomes donations and sponsorships to support their efforts in caring for and rehoming larger dog breeds. Individuals can reach out to the shelter via their online presence for more information on how to support or adopt a dog in need.
