THE NEW TOP DOG AT No.10
THE new dog set to reside at Downing Street has been rescued from the south Wales Valleys.
At just 15 weeks old, the little Jack Russell-cross puppy named Dilyn was abandoned by a Welsh puppy farmer.
He was rescued by volunteer-run rescue charity Friends of Animals Wales, based in the Rhondda, and is set to find a new home with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his partner Carrie Symonds.
The pup, dubbed a “wonky” dog by the charity, forms part of their “wonky club” for animals with health conditions. It is said the pup has been trained to be able to live alongside No.10 cat Larry after aides feared the pets wouldn’t get along. The little one spent weeks in foster care with an anonymous volunteer where he was house-trained with a feline.
On its website, Friends of Animals Wales wrote: “We knew that Carrie Symonds has always been a huge animal welfare advocate and we are absolutely overjoyed that this gorgeous pup will be living his best life with Carrie and the Prime Minister at their Downing Street home.
“To think our little ‘wonky’ pup started his life in a Welsh puppy farm and was destined for an uncertain existence at the hands of a puppy dealer, but is now going to be with people who absolutely adore him is a dream come true.
“This little man will want for nothing in his life, what could be better than that? And how fantastic to be raising the profile of rescue dogs everywhere in the process.”
According to reports, the pup was abandoned by a puppy farmer for having an undershot and misaligned jaw. It’s thought these factors made him unlikely to sell – and he could have been killed.
The Prime Minister selected him to highlight Lucy’s Law, which will ban third-party puppy sellers from April 6, 2020, in England.
Campaigning vet Marc Abraham introduced Ms Symonds to Eileen Jones of Friends of Animals Wales after No.10 staff voted to have a dog.
The small charity in Wales dedicates its time to giving animals in need a second chance in life.
Over the years volunteers have worked to save hundreds of puppy farm-bred dogs and puppies, dogs and puppies who are unwell and some who have life-limiting conditions.
But, despite the good work the charity does, “astronomical” vet bills can take a serious financial toll on the charity.
Friends of Animals Wales said: “We would like to thank Carrie and the Prime Minister for opening their hearts and their home to a puppy farm survivor and for inviting Friends of Animals Wales back to Downing Street once again. We wish them a lifetime of happiness with their new best friend.”
The charity is now trying to purchase a property to help facilitate the rescue and rehabilitation of more animals in need.
It has located a suitable premises in south Wales, with land and outbuildings, where a haven can be created for rescue animals, including a specialist rehabilitation area to help puppy farm survivors.
But, to make these plans possible, the charity needs to settle outstanding vet bills, which currently stand at approximately £36,000.