As Storm Desmond battered the North West causing floods and chaos, one dog-lover travelled 250miles to rescue an abandoned, arthritic hound.
Claire Brewer drove from Cumbria, worst hit by the storms, to Dogs Trust Manchester to collect nine-year-old Rudy, after falling in love with him a week earlier and gave him a home in time for Christmas.
Claire, who has adopted 13 rescue dogs over the past 37 years, sadly lost her husband last year and recently Bailey, her dog of 13 years, passed away.
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN: Claire says that she will give ‘everything this dog ever needs’
Claire said: “The house isn’t a home without a dog.
“I knew I wanted an older German Shepherd who would enjoy lovely, gentle walks and lots of time relaxing at home, just like me!
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw Rudy. We are a match made in heaven and hopefully I’ll be able to give him everything he needs and deserves.”
Rudy had been abandoned by his family when they could no longer care for him and had been patiently waiting for a new home since October.
Dawn Bishop, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, said: “So many of our dogs come to us through no fault of their own and that was certainly the case with Rudy.
“Sometimes you just feel people and dogs are meant for each other and that’s definitely the case with Rudy and Claire.”
SMOOCH FROM A POOCH: Dawn Bishop says that these two are meant for each other
Claire said: “I had to postpone my first visit to meet him because of the weather and then it was looking like I wouldn’t be able to collect him as roads all around were being closed because of flooding”
“Luckily the road reopened on Tuesday and although I was surrounded by flooded fields it was thankfully safe enough to travel.”
Rudy is settling into his new home after the two hour journey back to flood-stricken Cumbria.
Claire said: “He is doing really well and I get greeted by a gorgeous wagging tail every morning.
“He loves his walks; we take it very slowly and have tried to get out when it’s not raining and blowing a gale! He’s a truly lovely dog.”
