A three-month-old puppy, who was purchased as a present, but no longer wanted, has finally found her happily ever after thanks to The Mayhew Animal Home.

A young woman originally bought the Jack Russell Terrier cross, named Ella by Mayhew staff, for her boyfriend. But when they suddenly broke up, poor Ella was no longer wanted and she was later brought into our care.

At first the boyfriend was undecided whether to keep Ella or not, but eventually turned up at The Mayhew to sign her over. After speaking with our Adoption Officers and Animal Welfare Officers, we informed him that at the time we were overwhelmed with a surge of dogs and puppies being left in our care before Christmas and that we were struggling with room. We suggested that he try another rescue shelter, however, he proceeded to pass Ella to members of the public outside instead, so we made the decision to take her in our care straight away even though we were stretched for space.

The Mayhew’s Head of Animal Welfare, Zoe Edwards, said: “It is completely irresponsible to sell a puppy outside on the streets, but unfortunately we see this kind of situation all too often.”

“Sadly there are lots of unwanted animals in rescue centres like ours that have come in from people who have bought pets on a whim without taking into consideration the responsibilities and needs of looking after them. When getting a new pet you should always consider whether you will be able to look after them correctly. Unfortunately, irresponsible breeders won’t be thinking or asking whether the buyer is able to care and provide for the animal for the rest of its life, both financially and physically.”

The Mayhew has been inundated with the number of dogs and puppies being abandoned at the end of last year and beginning of this year. The situation, caused by owners no longer able to keep or look after their pets, has meant there is no space for serious welfare cases to come in.

Our Head of Animal Welfare, Zoe Edwards, added: “This is an example of the impact that irresponsible owners have on our rescue centre. When owners dump perfectly healthy dogs and cats on us without seeking help from us first, it means we cannot rescue dogs and cats that are in urgent need.”

“If owners called us in the first instance, we can help in many other ways rather than the last resort of them dumping their pet on us. We are here to assist and advise pet owners on the best course of action for their pet.”

Our Vet Team thoroughly checked Ella over and our Kennels staff helped her settle in and made her feel more comfortable.

As soon as she was showing off her friendly and affectionate character, Ella found a new home straight away. She has since been renamed Pippa and is enjoying her new life in her loving home, and particularly enjoys cuddles.

Her new owner, Trina Harris, said: “She is a fun, loving, excited and playful puppy. She has settled into her new home very well.”

“She just loves to jump onto your lap for a cuddle and if she is really happy will roll onto her back for you to tickle her tummy. It is hard work having a new puppy family member, but very rewarding and a lovely way to start 2017. Thank you to The Mayhew for allowing us to adopt her. She’s the perfect pet for our family home.”

Our Animal Welfare Officers rescue hundreds of abandoned, neglected and abused animals every year, respond to animal welfare issues out in the community and provide ongoing support to carers and pet owners in vulnerable situations. Find out more about their work by visiting here and please consider a donation to help them help even more animals like Ella.

If you or anyone you know needs to speak to a Mayhew Animal Welfare Officer, then you can call us on 020 8962 8000.