OUR STORY
Dogs in Spain are the victims of very harsh treatment, when not killed they are abandoned in the streets or taken to the many council pounds where they languish in overcrowded conditions without love, care or attention.
“We believe that every dog deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and love.”
Our aim is to look for loving homes for spanish abandoned and stray dogs in the UK whilst providing a safe haven for the most vulnerable dogs, which would not survive in pound conditions. Whether they are young, old, small or big, we never turn away from a stray or abandoned dog in need.
Our work does not finish when a rescue dog arrives at their adoptive home. We offer professional behavioural support to ensure that the process of settling a spanish rescue is successful for the adopter and dog.
At Five Circles Dog Rescue, we are committed to support our spanish rescue dogs for life.
Who is behind Five Circles Dog Rescue?
Our rescue was founded by four passionate women with many years of rescue experience behind them, who understand that professionalism, compassion and hard work are vital to help the dogs of Spain. Together they have helped save thousands of Spanish abandoned and stray dogs throughout their rescue careers. They are supported by a fantastic group of equally committed and loving volunteers who work hard through many areas of the charity to make the work we do possible.
VICTORIA VAZQUEZ – TRUSTEE
I am originally from Spain but have been living in the UK for 20 years now. I became involved in rescue when I first adopted a sweet Podenco Maneto from the south of Spain. Being Spanish, I was familiar with the conditions and mistreatments that Spanish dogs endure and decided to not just adopt but to actively work to help as many dogs as possible. After five years working tirelessly to help the dogs, I am proud to have been involved in the rescue and adoption of more than 1000 dogs. I learnt that that adopting dogs is not just about finding homes but the right homes so the dogs can have the happy lives they deserve. I firmly believe that the work of rescuers does not finish when the dog arrives at their new home. It needs to continue to ensure that dogs and adopters settle in their new lives together by providing close support and advice for as long as it takes. When I am not helping dogs, I work for King’s College London for a well-known science department.
Kim Puddle- Trustee
I entered into the world of dog rescue 10 years ago after buying a property in Spain. Seeing the vast number of ‘street dogs’ was heartbreaking, so I decided then that I had to try and help the predicament that these poor dogs found themselves in, through no fault of their own…. I live in Spain for approximately 7months of the year so I volunteered to work in a few different pounds, where large numbers of dogs would come in daily. Not a day passes without the council van pulling up, often not with just one dog, but as many as ten or twelve plus; they could be old, injured or tiny puppies, some just recently born. People frequently ask me ‘how do you do it’, but as upsetting as it is to see so many unwanted dogs arriving, it is consequently rewarding knowing that we are going to find these dogs ‘their furever homes’. Due to the pandemic over the last year I have ventured into the other side of rescue with adoptions – helping adopters find that ‘special dog’ to make their lives and family complete.
Janine Davenport – Trustee
A love of dogs all my life led me into dog training.I also loved Spain and bought a little house there in a village in the mountains in Andalusia. It was here I witnessed atrocities against dogs and dogs that were living horrific lives, I was determined to try and help these poor dogs. I sold my house in the uk to pay for my university education and went to Bishop Burton to complete FdSc in Canine Behaviour & Training which I later topped up with Behavioural Science and Comparative Psychology.
I believe every dog has the right to water, food, somewhere dry to sleep and it’s needs met as a very basic right. Sadly dogs abroad very rarely get any of these and I’m constantly moved by their plight, their abuse horrifies me. I have worked with various rescue organisations for around 15-18 years providing help for adopters many thousands of cases now, I believe in the power of rescue to find dogs great homes. I foster dogs continually and specialise in fearful dogs, I love seeing them develop their play drives, loose the fear and transition into lovely family pets, without doubt the most worthwhile thing I do! I have 4 dogs of my own, all rescue dogs, we have a great life! I’m now retired from any mainstream behaviour work and work solely for Five Circles and SOS Podenco Rescue.
Norma Stevens – Trustee
I have always loved animals and have had many beautiful rescue dogs down the years, it’s been an absolute privilege to call them my best friends. I have been involved as a volunteer in both equine and dogs rescue. After retiring my husband, dogs and myself toured Europe in our motorhome and I was, as always, very angry and sad to see the state of many of the animals in some countries, particularly Spain. I made a promise to them that I would try to help them in whatever way I could. I have been a volunteer for a rescue charity for the last four years helping the dogs of Spain find loving homes in the UK, in fact I actually have one, please meet George! I am very excited and proud to be a founder member of our new charity and intend to continue to keep my promise to help as many street dogs find the loving home they so deserve.
