ABOUT US - PATCHWORK PAWS U.K.

This website is dedicated to all of those kind souls in the U.K. who are considering the adoption of a rescue dog (one of the most rewarding things you can do!) - whether they be a U.K., Romanian or overseas originating rescue dog. 🥰

Here at Patchwork Paws H.Q., we're passionate about rescue dogs. We've adopted 10 overseas rescue dogs in total over the years, to include 9 Romanian dogs & 1 Thai ex-meat trade dog. We've also adopted several U.K. rescue dogs. We have adopted from five different U.K. based rescue charities & non-profits. Each dog adopted & each charity/non-profit we've dealt with, has provided their own unique learning experiences. With each experience, it became more & more obvious that preparation is everything, together with being mentally ready to do whatever it takes to make the adoption successful. Undeniably, some of our dogs have been more challenging than others, but we have stuck by them as they have deserved.

With specific regards to Romanian & overseas rescue dogs, we know from experience that, although they might appear easier to adopt compared to their U.K. rescue counterparts, they are by no means the easier option.

Most Romanian & overseas rescue dogs have been rescued off the streets as strays, or have been rescued from public shelters. Many have never known home comforts, many have been subjected to extreme survival situations, & many have suffered abuse or neglect at the hands of humans. 

Some of these dogs come out at the other end as more emotionally intelligent & 'street smart', retaining a willingness to trust humans; others are sadly left traumatised by their life experiences, to varying degrees. Some of these dogs are able to trust again & unpack their baggage after a time, whilst others require a substantial amount of rehabilitative work to trust again & to feel safe. This is why we have included a special section dedicated to Romanian/Rommie/overseas rescue dogs within this website, because we have valuable experience & insight to share in this area.

We believe 'a dog is a dog', no matter where they come from in the world! 🙏 All dogs are deserving of a lovely forever home regardless!

ALL RESCUE DOGS ARE VERY SPECIAL, & they ALL need/deserve the right forever homes with the appropriate levels of support, training & aftercare, tailored to the individual dog.

We hope to support & guide prospective & new adopters on their rescue & rehabilitation journey with their new best friend!

So, why have we called ourselves Patchwork Paws, how does it relate?

Firstly, we believe that rescue dogs are an intricate 'Patchwork', a product of their life up to rescue - good & bad.

Romanian & overseas rescue dogs are often the result of generations of free on-street breeding, mixed genetics & environmental exposures. They have often lived the most difficult lives - with forced survival & adaptation at the heart of their former lives. They may have suffered with extensive neglect, abuse, injury, starvation or abandonment.

U.K. rescue dogs may have had multiple owners & suffered the upset of abandonment & separation. They may also have suffered with neglect or abuse, & some may be ex-breeding or ex-working dogs.

So, the basis of rescue dogs is 'Patchwork' & they become 'patched' up over time - with the love, kindness, compassion & support that we give them. 🙏

Understanding where they have come from & what they may have experienced, & understanding that they may need some rehabilitative work &/or training, will prepare you well for any rescue dog.

Secondly, rescue dogs rarely arrive as perfect pets, but they can indeed become "imperfectly perfect". But, you must be willing & prepared to invest the time, love, energy, patience & understanding - with a gentle, kind, & compassionate approach. 

In addition, you must possess a willingness to train the dog via no harm, fear free, force free & non-aversive training methods based on mutual respect, trust & positive reinforcement; realising that each dog is different.

Realistically, it could take a few to several weeks or, even, months for them to settle in... or in some cases longer still, but the rewards are endless. They just need time!

Thank you for wanting to adopt a rescue dog. They really are the most extraordinary dogs! Watching them blossom & transform into beautiful butterflies is the most wonderful, joyous & satisfying thing! They really can become very treasured & loved family members! 🥰

Honestly, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! 🐶

📣 Pictured is our handsome little boy Ollie-Bob. 🥰 He was found abandoned on a frozen field at -20 degrees, in Romania.