Christmas came early for Rio who’s found a home after seven years in kennels

‘Sweet and lovable gentleman’ Rio has finally found a home after spending more than seven years of his life in kennels at Freshfields Animal Rescue.

The Staffordshire Boxer cross was welcomed by his new owners last Christmas after being overlooked at Freshfields Animal Rescue where he was being cared for.

Every year staff members were heartbroken to see other dogs leaving ahead of Rio, who arrived at the Liverpool centre when he was just a pup because his owner could no longer look after him.

And that heartache was only increased when he was diagnosed with cancer – and given just six months to live.

Deb Hughes, fundraising and PR manager for Freshfields, says:

“I’ve worked for Freshfields for the entire time Rio was here, and every year it was heartbreaking to see other dogs adopted before him.

“He’s such a sweet, loveable gentleman, and he had a chaotic early life before he came to us. All we wanted was for Rio to find a loving home, a warm fireside and a family to love.”

Thankfully that home came last year when owners Liv and Liam visited Freshfields and spent months getting to know him and gain his trust.

Deb adds:

“It’s the best Christmas present he could have had.

“When Rio came to us he was confused and unsure; finding himself in rescue at his young age was a big shock.

“This sensitive soul needed guidance – under his tough exterior was a vulnerable boy who was scared and didn’t know what to do.”

With gentleness, patience and care, Rio began to interact with staff and volunteers and the centre was delighted with his progress.

When he was diagnosed with a mass cell tumour, a common type of cancer in middle-aged dogs and given such a short life expectancy, they were devastated.

But staff also knew that if they could find him a loving home, it could extend his life expectancy, perhaps as much as two years.

Liv and Liam say the past year with Rio has been ‘full of cuddles, fun and a lot of mischief’:

“He has come on in leaps and bounds with his reactivity to people,”

“Everyone falls in love with him, and he loves making new friends now. He keeps us on our toes, and we wouldn’t change him for the world.”

Deb smiles:

“He’s happy and not in any pain. He will have a longer and happier life in a home than he would if he’d remained in kennels, knowing the joy and affection of being a cherished family pet.

“He finally went home in time to open his first Christmas stocking, enjoy a tasty dinner and snooze in front of a warm fire.

“We’re so happy for him.”

Now Freshfields wants to give more dogs like Rio a happy ending.

Today it’s launched its Freshfields Animal Rescue Christmas Appeal – YOUR PRESENT, THEIR FUTURE.

Deb says:

“Christmas can be a time of joy and togetherness. For many, it’s a time for family and being with the ones you love. For cold, frightened and abandoned animals, sadly, it’s just another day, not knowing if this is the best life will get for them.

“We dread to think what would become of these poor animals without us, and without our kind supporters. We are the closest thing they have to the protection of a family and a safe place to live.”

It is estimated that 1.1 million pets are homeless across the UK, and every day pets are given up for many reasons: owners’ long-term ill-health, financial hardship, relationship breakdown and homelessness. Many who need medical help for their animals now can’t afford to take them to a vet.

Freshfields can provide hope and help, with almost 100,000 animals’ lives changed since it first opened its doors in 1979.

With help and funding, Freshfields can:

Give animals safety, warmth, love and medical care
Give them compassion and gentle encouragement to trust humans again, after all they have been through
Give them freedom from pain and fear, and the hope of a forever loving home