Latest news with #DogsTrustIreland
Newsweek
2 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Puppy Arrives at Shelter 5 Years Ago, Hearts Break As She Still Needs Home
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A 5-year-old border collie has been waiting to be adopted for her entire life—five years and counting—leaving social media users heartbroken. Noelle arrived at Dogs Trust Ireland in December 2020 and has remained in the charity's care ever since. A recent video posted to TikTok by the shelter documented each year Noelle has spent waiting for a family, set to a trending sound. The emotional reel has amassed over 28,000 views and prompted an outpouring of support from viewers. "Five years later, Noelle is still hoping to find her perfect family and forever home. This gorgeous girl has a very sweet and cuddly nature, especially with the people she knows and loves. Noelle also has a real playful side—her favorite game is fetch, closely followed by tug-of-war. She even goes on sleepovers to her favorite carer's house and is the perfect house guest!" Melanie Kevelighan, a spokesperson for Dogs Trust Ireland, told Newsweek. A split image of Noelle the border collie. A split image of Noelle the border collie. Dogs Trust Ireland/Dogs Trust Ireland Kevelighan explained that while the TikTok post has generated some interest, Noelle has yet to find her match. She added that the team hopes the additional attention might also help shine a light on other long-term dogs in their care with similar needs. Noelle, described as a "beautiful 5-year-old border collie," has made great progress since arriving at the shelter, but she still finds parts of the world overwhelming. According to the charity, loud noises scare her, and she quickly seeks comfort from familiar faces. Her ideal home would be in a quiet, rural area with little traffic and minimal visitors, as she can feel anxious around strangers. Once she bonds with someone, though, she becomes a loyal companion. The team believes Noelle would thrive in an adult-only home where she can be the only pet. To help her adjust, they suggest multiple meet-and-greets at the rehoming center so she can build trust before transitioning into a new environment. "Noelle is a wonderful girl who has so much love to give to the right person who is willing to take a chance on her," the shelter shared. TikTok users were quick to share their emotional reactions to Noelle's story. "This is the saddest version of this trend," one commenter wrote. "Oh Noelle, such a beautiful girl, she deserves the world," said Chloe. "So sad. Hope this is Noelle's year. She deserves a forever home," added another user, Ava. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Irish Examiner
22-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
'I adopted a dog from a man I met on the street whose landlord didn't allow pets'
Several years ago, I spontaneously adopted a beautiful dog from a man I met on the street. We were on the waterfront in Cobh, and the young man was pleading (via a sign) for someone to take his beloved lurcher as the landlord of his new flat forbade dogs. As I was building in the countryside and urgently seeking a companion for another rescue, I told him I would take her to paradise. It was a lucky day for me, but that guy was left bereft and weeping as I drove away with his cherished pet. He knew he was welcome to come and see her at any time, and he called me to check on her progress on several occasions. Kya's daughter Faelen with their adopted lurcher Yemaya. Picture: Kya deLongchamps Yemaya was about six years old when we adopted her, and following spaying and microchipping, she lived happily for another ten years, until 2011. During her time with us, she was also delighted to act as foster mother to several other animals we took on through the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA). Yemaya, pictured in winter 2010 with Kya's husband Charlie and their daughter Faelen, was adored by the entire family. Picture: Kya deLongchamps Renting with a pet in tow presents particular problems, as it is completely at the discretion of your landlord. Dogs Trust Ireland has reported a 112% rise over 5 years in the number of people giving up their pets because their new home won't allow pets of any kind (restricted or otherwise). Given that only 7% of rental properties advertised on Daft allow pets, it's no surprise. Dogs Trust Ireland has reported a 112% rise over five years in the number of people giving up their pets. File picture Dogs Trust Ireland received over 400 calls from distraught owners who could not find accommodation to suit in 2024. It has multiple stories to share about the distress of being faced with this heartbreaking situation, fighting for the right to keep animals that most people regard as nothing short of family. One duo who faced this struggle is Celia Madrid Delgado and her dog Kai, reports the charity. 'Celia works as a canine carer at our re-homing centre in Dublin and had to apply to 300 properties before she found a rental home that would allow Kai,' according to Dogs Trust Ireland. The charity has set up a petition to demand government offer more flexible rental agreements for pet owners while protecting landlords from disruptive, destructive, or unsafe situations that could raise liability issues. For a link to the petition, go to The website also offers a useful list for landlords who might consider renting their property to a pet owner, with a list of recommendations. If you are renting or have rented in the past, try to secure a positive behaviour review for your dog or cat from your landlord, as this might prove a clincher in persuading an uncertain owner to let to you. An assurance that the property you rented previously was also kept in good order would be ideal. Generally, if you are ultimately forced to give up a dog, cat, bird or small furry, contact your local authority kennels or recognised animal charities first, and don't forget to ask for the help of your vet in sourcing a suitable new home. They may know someone whose heart and front door is wide open.
