Staffie and Stray was founded on 3rd April 2014 as a result of founder Calli Byrnes passion to save dogs in need. Having had 3 Staffies (now 4) of her own, volunteering for local rescues and shortly after learning about the stigma surrounding the Staffordshire bull terrier, she soon realised that she wanted to do something more. Something wasnt sitting right with her and she just couldnt relax and ignore the cruelty that she became aware of and the extent of the problem that exists.

Staffie and Stray Rescue is a registered charity (No. 1163631) based in Ferndown (The office) but covers the Bournemouth and surrounding area. The aim of the rescue is to find foster homes and permanent homes for dogs in need of a new home. Staffie and Stray take on dogs whose owners are no longer able to look after them due to unforeseen circumstances. The rescue is seeing increasing cases of abuse, neglect and homelessness. The rescue is entirely volunteer based , however the small but mighty team does a fantastic job in supporting the Staffies who come in needing their help.

Staffie and Stray Rescue also campaign to help change peoples negative attitudes towards Staffordshire bull terriers, who are often portrayed as dangerous dogs in the media. With 75% of stray dogs being Staffordshire bull terriers, we hope to encourage more people to rehome the breed. The Staffordshire bull terrier is known to have the nickname "the nanny dog" as a result of the breeds affinity with children.

Staffie and Stray Rescue prides itself on being a family run rescue where all family members take an active part in supporting the rescue in all areas such as admin, fundraising, assessing and successfully rehoming dogs. Staffie and Stray Rescue are there for members of the public who may need advice. The rescue always provides information and advice to those who need it, as well as supporting families who may not necessarily need their dogs rehoming, but need some guidance.

The rescue also works with local dog wardens and the best dog behavioural therapists in the area to ensure that all dogs in need find the perfect home and happy ever after that they deserve.

To Summarise, our loving family rescue sets out to:

-Educate and change the perception of the breed and show what Staffies and bull breeds are about.

-Foster and place dogs in places of safety (giving fosterers full support and guidance)

-Rehabilitate where required with the help of an expert police dog trainer.

-Ensure all foster homes and prospective new homes are fully checked vetted and follow ups carried out

-To ensure neutering spading and appropriate vet treatment is carried out.

-To safe guard every dog that is homed.

All this is carried out on a voluntary basis and self-funded by donations and personal fund raising.

Although predominantly a Staffie rescue, Staffie and Stray Rescue will never turn away other dog breeds that need their help.

Staffie and Stray Rescue is looking to help more and more dogs This means raising enough funds to build kennels that can support more dogs than the rescue can currently take in. Although extensive fundraising plans are underway, the rescue is looking for support from the local area and is encouraging local businesses to come forward and help them to save more Staffies!

We need to take the rescue to the next level by fundraising more in order to work towards funding kennels. The more dogs we home the percentage rises of dogs that may return if rehoming fails. Our success leads to more people calling on our rescue for urgent help. Foster homes work well but many end with the fosterers falling in love with the dog and keeping them resulting in a loss of foster space for us to place dogs needing urgent placement.