Golden Retriever · 10 years 6 months · Male · Large
Co. Mayo, Ireland
Finn is an elderly gentleman looking for a couch to retire on. A lovely boy, with small bursts of bounciness - usual retriever happiness! He has 3 loves: food, bed and toys and is very content when he has all three!
Meg is a lovely, friendly 2-year-old female collie looking for her forever home! She is not a working collie and is super keen to settle into life as a cherished family pet. Meg is fantastic with young people, already doing well on the lead, and working on her recall. She’d make the absolute perfect companion for anyone who loves getting out for walks and enjoying the countryside! If you’re looking for a loyal walking buddy and a sweet addition to your family, please give Meg serious thought!
Will came to us from a farm environment after his owner became unwell. He has lived all his life with very little human contact, and certainly very little positive human interaction. Following a full veterinary examination, including X-rays, it was discovered that he had suffered a catastrophic old injury to his elbow. Sadly, it had been left untreated and can no longer be repaired, so although his pain is now managed with medication when needed, he must have endured an incredible amount of discomfort for a long time. Will is around 8 years old and is a calm, gentle soul who is now ready to enjoy the peaceful retirement he deserves. He would love a quiet rural home with another dog, as he absolutely loves the company of other dogs and enjoys interacting with them. A calm female of a similar size would be the perfect companion for him. Will is not a dog who enjoys being handled and his new family will need to respect this. He likes to make his own choices and needs to be allowed to move between his bed and secure garden in his own time, without being physically handled. He needs a secure garden and a safe place to sleep at night, either indoors or in a properly insulated and ventilated kennel. He does struggle with steps, so this should be kept in mind when considering his new home. He is content to potter around the garden, enjoys simply watching the world go by, and is slowly rediscovering how to play. If he feels like exploring, he may enjoy the occasional short walk, but he is just as happy spending his days relaxing in the safety of his home. Will may not be the dog who curls up on the sofa or ask for cuddles, but he has lots of love to give, in his own way. Giving him the chance to live life on his own terms would be the greatest gift, and in return you will have the privilege of watching this sweet, kind boy finally enjoy the comfort and security he has always deserved.
Apple came to us from a welfare situation (along with Maple), and she is trying so hard to put that all behind her now. She is a sweet girl of about four years old, but she is still very shy & wary of strangers. It will take Apple a little while to adapt to a kinder world with more freedom, but we will take things at her pace, no matter how long it takes.
Beautiful Tanya is the mummy to Thea and 3 other pups which came into our care. She is a beautiful girl with a gorgeous heart. She loves playing with other dogs and enjoys the companies of humans. She would suit an active home with a secure garden. She could live with older kids.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier · 5 years 3 months · Male · Medium
Co. Galway, Ireland
Poor Chance has been with us for so long, we thought we would update you on his progress. We had originally thought that this handsome Boxer x boy might have some Staffie in him, but we are now thinking that he may actually be a Boxer x Collie, as he is quite small in height, with the very light limbs of a Collie. Watch this space as we are eagerly awaiting his DNA profile! Kennel life can be hard for the long-term dogs, but Chance has coped really well, and he has been working very hard on his impulse control and muzzle training, so that when the right home comes along, he will be ready. His handler, Caroline, has done brilliant work with him, and it really shows. Chance is exceptionally smart and loves to learn. He’s already muzzle trained, walks beautifully on lead and harness, and absolutely adores practising all of his cues on his walks like sit, paw, spin, paws up, down, find it, “go sniff”… you name it, he’ll give it a go. His recall is fantastic too, especially when a game of fetch is involved. Chance is looking for a home in a rural setting with an extremely secure garden, Someone experienced with energetic, enthusiastic breeds, and who is willing to continue his training seriously. Chance is just bursting with love, fun, and potential and he really deserves the best possible home. Chance loves tug toys, destruction boxes, and any kind of enrichment that gets his brain working. He’s happiest when he has a job to do. He’s not overly into cuddles or rubs, he can get a little over-aroused with too much fuss but he does enjoy relaxing with “his person” once he’s had his playtime and mental workout. Chance is a wonderful young dog with so much love and loyalty to give. In the right home, he’s going to be an absolute superstar 😍 If you think you could be Chance’s perfect match please submit an adoption application.
Nealy has been waiting a really long time for a home and truly deserves to be in a loving home of his own. He's a BIG favourite of our kennel crew and a joy to be around. He adores his walks here and he absolutely loves learning new tricks with positive reinforcement, as he's such a clever collie. He would love to be adopted by someone who will continue his training. However, as fabulous as he is, he does have some special rehoming needs. Nealy can be nervous of new people, so he will need a calm, adult-only home. He will need to be introduced to new people slowly and to be given lots of space to get to know and trust new people. He also had old injuries when he came into MADRA’s care. One of his front legs was previously fractured and had been allowed to heal naturally so it didn't heal in the correct position. As well as this, he has hip dysplasia meaning his hip joints aren't properly formed. Nealy is on long-term pain relief for these injuries and likely will be for life. He has struggled with being handled by people in the past and we believe that pain was a factor in this. On a positive note, Nealy likes playing with other dogs here and they give him a confidence boost so he could be rehomed as a second dog, if we could make a good match. He is such a sweet boy with loads of character when he knows his ‘people’ and so deserves to find an understanding forever home that will give him a chance. Nealy needs an adult-only, rural home with a secure garden and with people who have knowledge and experience of dogs who struggle with strangers and/or certain types of handling. Another dog in the home would be ideal. As MADRA will provide full backup support to settle Nealy into his new home - however long that takes - we are specifically looking for a home in the Galway area for him.
Meet Sunny – A Loyal Foxhound Looking for a new home due to a change in circumstance. Sunny is a neutered 7-year-old Foxhound with a big heart and plenty of energy to share. He's about 15kg, and approx 50cm tall. He absolutely loves people and thrives on attention, affection, and being part of everyday life with his humans. If you’re looking for a devoted companion who will greet you with enthusiasm every day, he might just be the perfect match. As a typical Foxhound, he is an active dog who needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks, outdoor adventures, and time to explore will keep him happiest. He would do best with an owner who enjoys an active lifestyle and has the time to give him the activity he needs. Sunny can feel a little nervous around new dogs at first, but once he gets to know them, he is very happy and comfortable with familiar canine friends. With patience and positive introductions, he can build great relationships with other dogs. He is looking for a calm, understanding home with an owner who has the time and patience to help him feel secure and continue building his confidence. Because he can be energetic and needs a peaceful environment, he would be best suited to a home without small children. With the right person, Sunny will be an incredibly loving, loyal companion who just wants to be by your side and share life’s adventures. If you think you could offer him the time, exercise, and love he deserves, he would be so happy to meet you.
We regularly have suitable greyhounds, lurchers and salukis that are looking for homes. These breeds, known as Sighthounds, are often misunderstood yet surprisingly make the most fabulous addition to a home, particularly if you are looking for a lower maintenance, quieter dog. Kind, gentle and comfort loving, usually great travellers in the car they are often clean in the home from day one (with input from the home to help them learn the routine) and they don't need as much exercise as you would think. For most pet Greyhound owners - once you are a convert there is no going back! If you would like to learn more about Sighthounds, please complete a dog adoption application form and add a note that you would like to talk to someone to learn a little more about Sighthounds or to find out if one would suit your home, family and lifestyle. Then one of the dog rehoming team will get in contact with you. Frequently asked questions: What is a sighthound? A sighthound is any breed that relied on sight and speed, more than scent, to hunt. This includes salukis, wolfhounds, whippets and greyhounds. A lurcher is any dog with a sighthound as a mother or father. Are Sighthounds good with children? As with every adoption it is about finding a sighthound that is suitable to the age of your child/children. Teaching your children the importance of living with a dog is the responsibility of a parent. Children need to learn to behave safely around dogs and know that if a dog is on its bed, sleeping or eating, it should be left alone. Why do I need a homecheck? In some cases it will be a sighthounds first time in a home so before we release a dog from our Heathlawn family to yours we want to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Sighthounds thrive with a routine and we want to make sure you are adopting the right dog for your family and lifestyle and that everyone in the family is happy with the decision to adopt. During a home check it is likely that we will know the name of the sighthound that you have been matched with and therefore we want to see that your garden (if you have one) is sufficiently secure. If it is not, we will make recommendations on how you can improve it and progress to the next stage once evidence of the improvements have been submitted to your home checker. What does a sighthound eat? The same as any other dog! We suggest that you look for better quality dog foods and find a regime that suits your dog, be it a dry food, wet food, raw or a combination. Our team is happy to advise about feeding. Sighthounds have no specific dietary requirements and would eat around the same volume as any large dog like a Labrador or Pointer.
Please read this fully and understand adopting an animal is a life long thought through commitment. We appreciate that as do our animals❤️ Zeddy arrived to us a week ago as a surrender. We don't often take surrenders as, all too often, we are taking abandoned and dumped dogs off the streets, fields and bogs or we are working with the various pounds across the country to take their abandoned dogs. Kennel space with us, and every rescue, is often rare and we never enough for all those in need. So surrenders (who have owners) cannot take preference. But they need us too and many surrenders are for very genuine, sometimes upsetting, reasons and are a heartbreaking decision for the humans involved. Those humans do everything they can to ensure their dogs handover to us is done smoothly and with the dogs best interests at heart. They arrive with written pages of their dogs personality, likes and dislikes. They arrive with a veterinary history, food, beds, toys and, sometimes, voluntarily bring a donation to our charity or have no problem when asked for one to cover said dogs stay with us till rehomed or should said dog need vet work (many do). But most importantly they treat us, the people willing to help their dog and them, with respect and a level of gratitude that we believe we deserve. And we so appreciate that we return those feelings to those people who are all too often making one of the hardest decisions of their lives due to a change in circumstances. Zeddy arrived to us as a surrender as a 4.5 month old Puggle. He arrived with a harness and "some" of the agreed surrender fee. He arrived with no microchip and the promise of a "forgotten" vaccination card that despite since asking for, has yet to be acknowledged. So we restarted his vaccinations ourselves. He arrived with no toys or bed and his surrender form said "not enough space" and going back to work. Did their garden shrink since they got him?? These are the surrenders that get under our skin and make us feel that we are nothing but a drop off centre and we are seen as the fools and "a solution" to their problem. We feel emotionally played. And maybe we are, to an extent, responsible for allowing this but in our defense all we see is an unwanted pup who deserves better. So, after getting all that off our chest, let's introduce you to the very sweet Zeddy. Zeddy is a typical puppy. Full of fun, bursting with energy and puppy naughtiness which is to be expected with most pups. He has mostly lived outdoors so pulling up plants and using the garden as his playground became his way of amusing himself and a way to alleviate the boredom. He walks well on his harness, is getting used to travelling in the car and has successfully completed a few trips to our local marina and coffee shop which he loved. Zeddy needs:- *A home where there is someone home all day due to his young age and ability to get bored easily *A home willing to start from scratch with training and give him a routine *A home that can give Zeddy outdoor activities such as long walks and adventures (longer as he develops from puppyhood to adulthood) *A home that will treat Zeddy as part of the family, both inside the home and outside the home and feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to adopt him. Because being chosen to adopt a rescue dog should feel like an honour. Zeddy has met other dogs but, at them moment, is way more interested in human company. He loves his cuddles though tends to jump up to gain your attention and so may be too much for very young children but could live with older children pending a meet and greet. We are not ruling out Zeddy living with another dog but it will need to a dog willing to match his energy level. Zeddy is a clever little boy who is already showing an ability to listen and learn. He is a fab little chap who just needs some routine, training and a whole lot of love. He is guaranteed to brighten up your day and home though he may rearrange it too. As always, a fully secure garden and the promise to love and cherish Zeddy always is required. He will be neutered at the appropriate age as per our adoption contract.
Five weeks ago we were called out late on a Saturday evening to rescue 3 abandoned pups on Ballinasloe Bog. It was very clear to the team that the pups were, not only, traumatised by being abandoned but that they had had little, if any, human socialisation. They had the appearance of "shed dogs" with their filthy matted coats and were very underweight. Rescuing unsocialised dogs doesn't just stop once they have been brought to safety. The Kennel team steps in and, depending on the individual dog, begins to work with them to get them to a point where they are ready-ish for rehoming. And that takes time. The 3 pups hid away from us, for the first week, and their progress was slow but everyday we kept going. Alibi is the only girl and the smallest. It took her a little while to gain trust but once she did she delighted in the attention she received. She is a clever girl who shadows and copies her bigger brother Judge. Alibi will be going into foster later this week with 2 other dogs and children so we are excited to see how she does in a home environment. All 3 of these siblings have made a trip into our local forest for a short walk and they exceeded our expectations. They absolutely loved it and had no fears around the carpark, coffee van and when meeting walkers on the trails. They even had puppicinos afterwards. That said they would have had the comfort of one another which helped greatly. While we have worked hard to bring these pups to this point, there is still work to be done by those looking to adopt them. We think they are Shepherd/Collie crosses so they will need homes willing to work not just their legs but, also, their minds. They need patience and gentle hands while they adapt to home life and a whole new world, but they really do have the capacity to listen and learn. They have the sweetest personalities and even, during the early days when all 3 were extremely scared and untrusting, they allowed us to corner them just so we could handle them without any repercussions, remaining submissive always. Judge, Jury and Alibi are approximately 7/8 months old and too young to be neutered or spayed, so they can only be homed with other dogs who are already neutered/spayed. They will make 3 of the most amazing and loyal dogs but that will take time, routine, patience and love. It will be the most rewarding journey as these pups have big and kind hearts inside.
Rescued nine months ago, as 5/6 week old babies, from horrendous living conditions and Cashel(f) is still hoping to find her forever home. Cashel is a little shy but also has her fun loving, playful side. She was so afraid of us at the start that it's lovely to see her sweet personality shine through. She could probably benefit the most from having another kind dog in the home. As with all our pups we are looking for homes where there will be somebody at home/working from home as puppies need a lot of company and supervision. We see no reason why they cannot learn to live with dog savvy cats or respectful children. They can also live with other kind dogs. Please remember that puppies can have very sharp teeth and nails which may be too much for very young children .
Five weeks ago we were called out late on a Saturday evening to rescue 3 abandoned pups on Ballinasloe Bog. It was very clear to the team that the pups were, not only, traumatised by being abandoned but that they had had little, if any, human socialisation. They had the appearance of "shed dogs" with their filthy matted coats and were very underweight. Rescuing unsocialised dogs doesn't just stop once they have been brought to safety. The Kennel team steps in and, depending on the individual dog, begins to work with them to get them to a point where they are ready-ish for rehoming. And that takes time. The 3 pups hid away from us, for the first week, and their progress was slow but everyday we kept going. Jury took the longest to trust us and is naturally a little bit of a loner, often choosing to sit out on his own than with his siblings but also because he seems to be the black sheep of the trio. He is now much more relaxed in our company and comes willingly up for a rub but he can be a little unsure, at times. Going forward into a home Jury will most definitely need another confident and kind dog who can give him confidence. We would say a home without children under 12 whilst he starts his learning curve. All 3 of these siblings have made a trip into our local forest for a short walk and they exceeded our expectations. They absolutely loved it and had no fears around the carpark, coffee van and when meeting walkers on the trails. They even had puppicinos afterwards. That said they would have had the comfort of one another which helped greatly. While we have worked hard to bring these pups to this point, there is still work to be done by those looking to adopt them. We think they are Shepherd/Collie crosses so they will need homes willing to work not just their legs but, also, their minds. They need patience and gentle hands while they adapt to home life and a whole new world, but they really do have the capacity to listen and learn. They have the sweetest personalities and even, during the early days when all 3 were extremely scared and untrusting, they allowed us to corner them just so we could handle them without any repercussions, remaining submissive always. Judge, Jury and Alibi are approximately 7/8 months old and too young to be neutered or spayed, so they can only be homed with other dogs who are already neutered/spayed. They will make 3 of the most amazing and loyal dogs but that will take time, routine, patience and love. It will be the most rewarding journey as these pups have big and kind hearts inside.
Darla is a very shy and sophisticated young lady so she did take time to settle in with sanctuary life. now that she is settled we feel she is ready to find her home. Darla is a very energetic pup which comes with her age and breed type so she would need a home with the time and coping mechanisims to suit her needs. Darla could possibly live with another male/female dog pending successful meet and greets. Any male dogs would need to be neutered as Darla is too young to be spayed. Darla could live with children aged 8+ who have a sensible approach to dogs.
Bobby is a friendly 12 year old spaniel who needs a loving retirement home. He is happiest when in company so would make an ideal companion pet for a person living alone. Bobby is gentle and loves his daily walks. Apart from growling at the Vet when having his teeth inspected, it seems Bobby is really non-agressive. He just wants a safe and comfortable place to lay his head with someone to provide him with some loving company. Bobby has just been neutered which hopefully will reduce the swelling of a couple of peri-anal adenomas (benign growths) which had been fueled by his testosterone. They are not interfering with his quality of life so they have not been removed.
Nell is a gorgeous elderly whippet lady. She is looking for a retirement home that is committed to keeping her safe and happy. She loves human company and will never say no to a bum scratch or a cheeky cuddle on the couch. Nell is a bit of an explorer so she requires a fully enclosed garden to be able to stretch her legs without the risk of her wandering off. Nell would prefer to be the only pet in the home. She can get frustrated when she sees other animals when out walking, so she would love a nearby quiet walking route to be able to enjoy a peaceful daily stroll without any triggers. Nell can live with gentle kids that understand not to leave doors open, as she will take the opportunity to head off on another adventure.
Benji is a gentle collie x fella who hopes his new adopters enjoy playing fetch and tug as much as he does! Hes also a big fan of treats so he hopes his new family enjoy feeding him treats as much as he enjoys eating them! Hed love a big garden to potter around and play in and may do best in quieter areas/neighbourhoods. He also wants you to know that hes not a fan of cats, and is fine for kids 12 and over.
Walter may be an older gentleman, but hes still a puppy at heart. He is a gentle, loving boy who adores his people and is looking for a quiet home where he can enjoy his golden years surrounded by love. Walter has never met a stranger! Everyone he meets is a potential new best friend, although his age-related loss of vision means he can be a little cautious when exploring somewhere new or meeting someone for the first time. He just needs a few moments to work out exactly where you are and whats happening around him. Unexpected or loud noises can be frightening for Walter, so he will need kind, patient people who understand that he may need reassurance when something startles him. Once he has had time to adjust, Walter is happiest simply being with his people. Whether youre working, relaxing or pottering around the house, Walter will happily settle by your feet and keep you company. And then there are the toys! Walter is a huge toy fan and is very often spotted proudly carrying his favourite stuffed teddy around with him. Walter does enjoy the company of other dogs and could potentially live with a calm, gentle canine companion who could help him feel confident as he learns about his new world. Walter is looking for a home with adults or older teenagers who will treat him gently and understand that his older bones may be a little achy. He will need someone around frequently at first, giving him time to learn his new home, establish a routine and build confidence. Because Walter relies on his memory of where things are, a home with a consistent layout and minimal changes to his surroundings would be ideal. More than anything, Walter is looking for someone who will see the adoring, affectionate puppy he still is underneath those golden years. He doesnt need a busy or exciting life; He just needs a loving person, a peaceful home, his favourite teddy and plenty of affection.
She is bouncy, energetic, affectionate, and loves to play with other dogs, so she would need a very friendly and patient dog if going to a house with dogs She seems to enjoy the company of other dogs more than ours. She isn’t food-driven, but she is intelligent. Because she tends to follow our dogs, she has developed a good recall. She loves her walks and has plenty of zoomies throughout the day. She doesn’t seem to be a wanderer or have a strong chasing instinct; she is happy to follow her doggy friends. She is learning quickly where to go to the toilet. She loves her toys and is also happy playing by herself. Unknown around cats and seems to be good with children
Gentle, friendly and full of Lurcher charm, Bradley is looking for a special home to call his own. Bradley is an approximately 7-year-old Lurcher who is a friendly boy and gets along well with other dogs. He has all the lovely traits you would expect from a Lurcher and is ready to find a family to enjoy life with. Bradley is deaf, so he will need a home with someone who understands his needs and is happy to adapt their approach to help him feel safe and secure. Patience, understanding and learning how to communicate with him will be important as he settles into his new surroundings. Bradley deserves a loving home that sees beyond his deafness and gives him the chance to enjoy life to the fullest.