THE WELSH MUTT IN DOWNING ST
THERE is a new top dog in Downing Street after Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds took delivery of a rescue puppy.
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 Rhondda.
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 especially 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, Dilyn 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 faced being killed.
The Prime Minister selected him to highlight Lucy’s Law, which will ban cruel third-party puppy sellers from April 6, 2020, in England.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “They are a fantastic charity run by volunteers who work around the clock to make a difference to animals.
“The Prime Minister has always been a passionate supporter of animal welfare and has always believed that animals should always get the right start in life.
“That’s why the Government has taken such significant action in this area, and that obviously includes introducing Lucy’s Law.”
Campaigning vet Marc Abraham introduced Ms Symonds to his “hero” 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.
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.
To find out more about how you can help, visit their website.