‘Our rescue dachshunds were taken’
When Keri Arbel, 48, from Shropshire, adopted two dachshunds from Serbia in June and July, she was thrilled to provide them with a loving new home. But shockingly, just a month later, her rescue dogs were stolen along with her other beloved dachshund, which she already owned. The price of a dachshund puppy has now risen in price by almost 90 per cent to over £1,800.
Keri, who lives with her husband and two children and works with horses, says, “When I adopted my dogs, Emily Rose, five, and Greta, two, from Serbia, through friends who worked rescuing dogs out there, I hoped to give them a better life. It cost £3,500 to rescue them, including vet bills and paperwork fees, but they were worth it.
“When they arrived, Emily was pregnant. It was more than we’d bargained for, but we were so excited for her to have puppies. Greta didn’t even have a name when she came to us, and was so nervous. My heart broke for them. They hadn’t stepped foot inside a family home before, so I wanted to ease them into their new life. Their quality of life was different in Serbia, as they were kept in packs.
“I thought a caravan parked in our garden seemed like the perfect stepping-stone between living outdoors and getting used to home furnishings. We have six acres of secure, private land, so I thought they’d be safe.
HORRENDOUS HOWL
“In late July, days before Emily was due to give birth, I shared a photo online of her enjoying the sunshine in the garden. The next night, Emily and Greta slept in their caravan with our other dachshund, Nancy, one. It was a really hot night, so I thought Nancy would be happier out there. It was too warm to shut the door, so we left it open, and placed a wooden trellis across the entrance. At midnight, my husband and I heard a horrendous howl. We thought Emily was giving birth, so we rushed into the garden, but I immediately noticed the caravan door was askew – inside, all three dogs were missing. Then we saw a white van pulling away down the road. I immediately