Woman who has rescued 500 dogs
A COVENTRY woman celebrated a special milestone this month
- by rescuing 500 dogs.
Janette Heritage is a well known face on the Coventry dog scene, with her Radford house a haven for some of the city’s most forgotten and neglected canines.
In addition to her mighty rescue efforts as Jan’s Dog Rescue, Jan works nights as a carer.
Jan used to work full time as a taxi driver in the city but said that didn’t stop her from dishing out doggy advice.
From advising on the best joint medicine for dogs to hearing stories of souls that need saving, Jan lived and breathed all things furry.
We first met Jan seven years ago as her dog rescue was growing in size. At the time she had been open for about four years.
Speaking to the Telegraph back then she said: “At first it was always the naughty ones I took. They were the ones I knew would be put down if they went anywhere else and I just couldn’t let that happen.
“I soon started taking them all home, training them and then finding them new homes through word-of-mouth, but then I got busy.
“This is nothing like a normal rescue home because I get to know all the dogs.
“They are all special to me. They get lots of love and attention.”
Fast forward seven years and speaking to us in the living room of her Radford semi, Jan said: “We’ve now rescued 500 dogs, all shapes and sizes and we love them all.
“It’s bankrupting me but the love you get from it, and meeting so many lovely people and making changes to their lives and the dogs’ lives is worth every penny.”
And Jan seems to have become the person to come to in times of need - she hasn’t ever turned a dog away.
Referring to the ball of white fluff in her arms, Jan said: “This is little Codey in my arms, he came from the vets, the vet was in tears because she said he would have to be put down. He’s four months old, he has walking problems so he’s going to have X-rays.”
No dog is the same she says, and they have come to her in all shapes and sizes. Jan said that a lot of people can’t pick up when their dog is in pain, and often when they are misbehaving it is actually because they are suffering.
Many of the dogs she has taken come with these types of issues.
“I take on dogs that have issues because most of them are in pain, I take on some that have been chucked out, some from the general public, some nervous ones some boisterous ones, all shapes and sizes.”
We asked Jan what considerations should be made when getting a dog. “If you’re getting a puppy, please do your research because quite simply different dogs have different temperaments so research your breed.”
In an ideal world, she says rescuing would always be preferable.
“Please think about getting a rescue dog from a good rescue, they should give you back up like I do. I give life-time back up so I am with you until the dog dies.”
The reviews on Jan’s Facebook page speak volumes. One review reads: “What a lovely lady, she rescues dogs with not a lot of a future trains, feeds and loves them all in her own home. She works to earn money for all of them.”
Another said: “We got our pup from there a couple of months ago, he is so lovely and well trained thanks to Jan. My partner spoke to her on the phone and she was super friendly and helpful, she knew right away what type of dog would suit us best, house visit was quick and helpful too! She also supplied us with some food and treats and said to call whenever we needed! Great place to adopt locally!”
Another reads: “This lady deserves a medal! She adores all the dogs and works tirelessly for them. She has helped me in my job on several occasions, without a
It’s bankrupting me but the love you get from it and meeting so many lovely people... it is worth every penny.
Jan