Dogs Trust Freedom Project celebrates milestone for dedicated London foster carer.
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity is celebrating the dogged devotion of dedicated foster carer Sue and her family, who have just fostered their 10th dog, as part of the charity’s Freedom Project.
The Freedom Project is an innovative pet-fostering scheme that provides vital support for people fleeing domestic abuse.
As many refuges are unable to take dogs, people can be reluctant to leave an abusive home for fear of what may happen to their beloved pet if they are left behind.
Foster carers like Sue are able to give these dogs a home-away-from-home, allowing their owners to flee, safe in the knowledge that their pet will be loved and well cared for until they can be reunited.
West London resident Sue started fostering dogs when she first heard about the scheme in 2015. In the last three years, Sue has temporarily cared for 10 dogs from Staffies to Retrievers.
Since the scheme launched in 2004, the Freedom Project has helped to foster over 1,180 dogs and helped over 860 people escape domestic abuse.
Sue says: “I’ve always been a dog lover, but was unable to commit to having a dog full-time, so when I heard about the Dogs Trust Freedom Project, it seemed perfect. I’ve had the benefits of looking after a dog, combined with knowing that I’m helping someone in a difficult situation.”
Amy Hyde, Dogs Trust Freedom Project Manager for Greater London, adds: “The Freedom Project wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team of foster carers and we really cannot thank Sue and her family enough for everything that they have done for these dogs and their owners. We are always in need of more volunteers, as the more foster carers we have on board, the more people and pets we are able to help.”
