Lily came into B.A.R.K in late 2022. A big girl, who was strong on lead and didn't have two many manners but a heart as big as you will ever find. Although we tried to find a home to suit her needs she didn't get too much interest (cute fluffy dog she was not).

Then the ban came into place on the 31st October 2023. All of a sudden she got lots of interest but although well meaning the severity of the situation if the placement broke down made a near on impossible job all but impossible. Effectively we had just 5 weeks (allowing for the festive period) to find a placement make introductions and have the trials of any new placement. Over the last couple of weeks we have had over a dozen calls from well meaning people who had taken a perceived XL Bully on the placement had broken down and now they are faced with putting these beautiful dogs to sleep.

In the end we didn't take a risk with Lily's life. Now it sends shivers just thinking if we had tried and failed she would now have to be put to sleep as if she had come back she would have come in after the 31st October and we wouldn't be able to have applied for exemption.

Is it ideal that Lily is with us for the rest of her life? Not really. Will we give her the best life we can, filled with fun and love? We'll try.

This page is to help all the animals to come through our kennels.

We have now received Lily's exemption certificate.

Costs so far

Exemption cost £92

Made to measure muzzle £320 (she will need two so we have a spare)

Food £60 a month

Additional insurance premium £1600+ (eye watering)

Love and cuddles - Free for life