In 2013, Wolfie's Founder Gill Daghistani agreed to look after a rescue dog from Hungary for a couple of days while transport was arranged to take him to his new home in Scotland. When the animal team transporter took the dog Wolfie - out of her car she told Gill he wasn't going to last long. Ms. Daghistani was immediately smitten with Wolfie, and in that instant knew that he would change her life.
Wolfie suffered years of neglect, and when he was rescued, he was riddled with mobility issues. When his Degenerative Myelopathy came to light, his intended home fell through, so Gill who'd fallen head over heels for Wolfie lived with him until he passed away aged 14.
Gill realised that whilst there were so many people willing to rehome able-bodied dogs, no one was doing the same for dogs with special needs. They were rejected at rescues, or put to sleep by vets because they were considered hard work, or perceived unlikely to enjoy a normal life.
Wolfie's Legacy was born, becoming a registered charity in 2017. Since then, Gill and her team have rehabilitated and rehomed over 500 dogs of all ages, from all over the world, with varying degrees of disability. There are Wolfie's dogs spanning the UK, with students, policemen, lawyers, Paralympians, and pensioners stepping up to give a Wolfie's dog a home.
"My son found Wolfie's Legacy online and showed me the amazing dogs with special needs that needed someone like me to commit to them. Instantly my family knew the decision had been made to adopt. Faith is my unofficial therapy dog who is beyond compare. It is hard to put into words the benefits that a Wolfie's dog brings, but I think they have special souls that bring out the best in everyone that comes into contact with them." - Retired Solicitor of the Supreme Court, Pam Leadbetter
The charity aims to rehome as many disabled dogs as possible and demonstrate to the public the pleasure of owning an 'imperfect' dog. When dogs arrive at Wolfie's, they undergo every type of rehabilitation to give them the best possible chance for a long, happy future. With a new lease of life, the dogs are matched with forever homes.
"These dogs have had to deal with the most terrible maltreatment at the hands of humans, more so because of a lack of compassion for their disabilities. Despite their suffering, Wolfie's rescues have an indomitable spirit and a will strong enough to overcome the greatest odds. If a dog has that glint in his eye and meets the five freedoms, then he deserves a chance, and he will get one with us, no matter what." - Gill Daghistani, Founder of Wolfie's Legacy
Wolfie's Legacy is now globally renowned as the leading charity for disabled dogs, with hundreds of rescue requests every year from around the world, and as far afield as Korea. The charity has outgrown its current premises, and the planned relocation will enable Gill and her team to assist thousands more dogs with no hope. For every £35,000 raised by Wolfie's, Charity Bank has pledged to provide £65,000 in low-cost mortgage financing on favourable terms, up to £500,000.
The Wolfie's team remains unsalaried for the charity, ensuring every penny raised goes to their canine companions. Currently, all funds raised for Wolfie's are reinvested into the medical care of its dogs past, present, and future. Some of Wolfie's dogs require tens of thousands of pounds in rehabilitative surgery.
Wolfie's needs to raise money to set up a first-of-its-kind rehabilitation and adoption facility, specifically for dogs with disabilities, as the charity continues to give a voice to special needs dogs with hopeless futures. Wolfie's has a large number of volunteers on a waitlist, but without sufficient premises, has to date been unable to utilise this resource. By securing larger premises, the charity can take advantage of its volunteers.
Wolfie's Legacy Rehabilitation and Adoption Facility will be a haven for disabled dogs, many of whom will find a forever home, others who will be long-term residents receiving round-the-clock love and care. The unique canine village will provide an opportunity for trainees and experienced vets to learn about disability and work locum in the clinic. Members of the public, schools, and colleges will also be able to get involved with walking, bathing, and playing with resident disabled dogs, or finding a lifelong companion to rehome. Guests can spend time in residence in the village volunteering.
Included in future plans, will be the addition of an onsite veterinary station to reduce current levels of vet fees, a rehab facility with hydrotherapy and other complementary therapies, as well as a gift shop, bistro, and glamping, among other activities and initiatives to further drive charitable income streams. The charity believes education will be a driver for change, inspiring more empathy for non-able-bodied dogs, so that more lives will be saved.
Wolfie's doesn't find an adopter and hand over the dog, leaving you to find your own way, they commit their support until the dog is rehabilitated. Wolfie's is the only lifeline for these dogs and without donors, this charity wouldn't exist. Every penny Wolfie's raises goes to the dogs, not one team member is salaried. If you have enough money to go into Starbucks, then you can give up your latte to help Wolfie's in the knowledge that you are making a genuine difference. Surely a disabled dog is a man's best friend too?" - Wolfie's Dog Owner and Property Director Lucy Sharp: "
If you'd like more information, would like to foster or adopt a Wolfie's dog, or would like to receive our newsletter please visit our website: www.wolfieslegacy.org.uk
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On the use of funds: If after a period of 6 months and for whatever reason we are unable to use the funds raised solely for the intended purpose of purchasing farmland for our new Rehabiliatation and Adoption Facility, or there are surplus funds left over following the purchase of said facility, we will use the money raised on rehabilitating and rehoming Wolfie's dogs as we have to date, with all donations going directly to the dogs' recovery.
We are looking to raise a minimum of £250,000 for this facility.
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A special thank you to Jake Ivill for our brand identity and Chantal Powell (CP Photography) for the beautiful cover photo of our bi-lateral amputee Nahar.
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