ABOUT

Dogs Friends was started in the Spring of 2005 by a group of friends who, at the time, were working with a number of different dog charities.

Whilst recognising the need for funds to finance a wide range of services for the welfare of dogs, they decided to concentrate their efforts on direct re-homing work in the vicinity of where they all lived and that is what they are now doing as a team – finding better homes for unwanted and unloved dogs in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset areas.

Dogs Friends is now well established and to help with fund raising it was registered as a Charity on 5 April 2009 based in the heart of Somerset but operating across much of the South West. As a charity we are committed to the belief that all dogs are equally deserving and so we take in dogs of all ages, sizes and breed and from a variety of backgrounds.

Meet Some Of The Team

Rosemary Peacock (Trustee & Chairwoman)

I have never ever not lived closely with pets. There were always cats then guinea pigs, rabbits, later on ponies then horses and sheep. I can remember them all. I am so grateful to my parents for their love of animals which they definitely passed on to me. We never had dogs though. I was rather scared of them till I was an adult. Ponies and pony rescue was my passion for many years. As soon as I was old enough and qualified, I ran a riding school that subsidised my sanctuary for old ponies and donkeys. After a few years, my first dog arrived. Tally. Absolutely special. A big black and white collie cross stray. He was followed by other unwanted farm collies. Then, in 1998, I met another dog who appeared at the yard – Gnasher, a Chocolate Labrador puppy. Oh my goodness, he started my total passion for ‘Chocolates’. He was the most fantastic dog. I will be eternally grateful to him. He changed my life.

John Thurmond (Trustee)

Caroline

I coordinate the Adopting and Fostering scheme, and also look after the website, Facebook page and events/fundraising. I have also adopted four dogs from Dogs Friends and enjoy fostering other dogs that need somewhere safe to stay. My favourite part of volunteering is helping to create new families with the addition of four paws – especially families who have little ones or who may otherwise struggle to adopt.

Becky

I work at the kennels caring for all the animals up there. I started working nearly 3 years ago and my favourite part of joining the team is learning new things every day, from working with dogs with all different backgrounds and needs is so rewarding and seeing the outcome after putting in the work with them is amazing. I got involved because of my love of dogs, and being able to work with all different breeds of dogs has been amazing and I’ve learnt so much. In my spare time, I help at home with the cattle and horses, and also enjoy walking my dogs.

Vicki

I have been a volunteer with Dogs Friends for over five years and it has been a pleasure and a privilege to contribute to the safety and happiness of so many unique and beautiful animals. I answer our dedicated phone line and otherwise help out where I can. Many people who hand in their dogs for re-homing are devastated and I often hear their stories which can be heart-breaking. However, there are some people who own dogs and expect them to behave like toys – cuddly and playful when required but otherwise silent. I cannot understand these people. The pleasure of owning a dog is in appreciating their character, intelligence and individuality.

Nadine

As a Dogs Friends volunteer I support website and admin activities. I’ve also had the privilege of fostering many dogs and helping them find their forever homes. I love having the chance to volunteer because I’m constantly learning new things and putting my skills to the test.