Five months after they were rescued from a life of filth and neglect, terrier sisters Molly and Milly are ready for adoption.
The Bedlingtons have spent almost half a year recovering from their trauma in the care and devotion of Hayley Doak at Tyrone Husky Rescue.
Their transformation due to love, care and food is remarkable, helping them change from cowering, shy and frightened pups to confident and busy young dogs ready to find their home.
Read more: How simple human love can build a frightened dogs' trust
Hayley says she will be heartbroken when they leave but says all they need now is their forever loving home where they can enjoy the rest of their lives together.
She said: “There have already been a few tears and when we find the right home for Molly and Milly there will be plenty more.
“I have become very attached to these two week monkeys. They relied on me for everything when they came here, their safety, food, toileting, cuddles, clam, space, confidence, just everything and they took it all on board and blossomed.
“When Molly first arrived she was so broken and starved that I didn’t think she’d survive the first night, and when we found Milly two days later she was in a worst state mentally.
“Having them together healed and they bonded and felt safe with each other and eventually they started to come out of their shells and they have now grown to trust me. They are young dogs, just over a year old and they have been to hell and back.
“The time has come to find them the most special of homes together because that’s what they need. No dog deserves the trauma they went through and from the moment we took them to safety, they have never known any more hardship and that’s how I want to keep it. They’ve been through enough.
“I've so much that I want to say about them but the tears are rolling down my face at the thought of them going. My expertise is Huskies and I’d never worked with Bedlingtons before but I can tell you, they're funny, spirited and like every young dog they’re a pair of naughty girls who have kept me laughing in recent months.
“Bringing them back to live, finding out the truth about what they'd been through and watching them learn to love and trust has been a very humbling experience and I’ve loved every minute of loving and caring for Molly and Milly.
“Today I’m looking for a very secure home for them with a really secure back garden, a sun room or large utility area.
“They’ll happily live with a dog of similar size or bigger and these two young ladies will give you hours of fun and will totally melt your heart.
“They are good with children but we think kids of eight years-plus would be best because after all they’ve been through they can still be a bit skittish, especially Milly.
“They would ideally live in a household where they are only left three to four hours a day without human company.
“There is so much more I could tell you but I’d prefer to chat in person with any potential adopters so we can get a feel for who they are and what they offer.
“I would ask that anyone who is really interested in giving Molly and Milly their forever home either has knowledge of the breed or does extensive research on the breed to work out if they are suitable.”
Molly was rescued by Co Antrim woman Clare Booth when she discovered the pup cowering on her property and made contact with Hayley for some help and advice.
Two days later with the help of Lost Paws NI, it was discovered that Molly had possibly had a sister and the following day she too was rescued, named Milly and reunited with Molly.
Hayley said: “So then there were two little dogs, skinny and filthy who were terrified of everything and anything. The neglect and cruelty they had suffered was plain to see and it was just awful.
“But that’s where their journey back to life started and once DogsLive helped share their story on Belfast Live, they were taken to everyone’s hearts. So many people donated food , puppy matts and toys the Bedlington sisters suddenly went from being treated as worthless rags to the princesses they are.
“They enjoyed the love and support of the people of Northern Ireland and their story travelled across to England, Scotland and Wales with so many people wishing these sisters well, urging them to not only survive but thrive.
“All dogs are different and breeds have differences too in needs and tendencies, so I am indebted to Louise Beesley and Lynne Sankey who run Mila’s Fund which raises funds for Bedlington Terriers and helps owners with advice. They’ve been invaluable to me and the sisters on their journey.
“Now is the time for Molly and Milly to show the world who they are today, let their personalities shine and never again have to think about the situation they were rescued from.”
Hayley says her adoption requirements include:
- Secure garden
- Knowledge of the Bedlington breed or demonstration of extensive research and suitability
- Dog savvy kids in the home to be aged eight or over
- Sun room or large utility area for the dogs to sleep in their crate
- Family on site, leaving the dogs for no more than four hours a day
If you are interested in giving Molly and Milly their forever home, please send a Whatsapp message to Hayley on 07811297561.
