Disfigured puppies search for loving home
Abandoned siblings hope potential adopters will look past their looks…
Warning: this story contains images of Hope and Chance's injuries that readers may find upsetting.
Despite their disfigurements and the trauma that led to them, Hope and Chance are just like any other puppies.
They’re happy, curious, and joyfully animated as they play together and pounce on their toys. Once sleepy, they love to snuggle up for a snooze with each other and their favourite people.
But the golden retriever crosses are lucky to be alive and in the care of our Thirsk rehoming centre in North Yorkshire, after being abandoned with horrific injuries in a cardboard box at six weeks old.
Joe Cummins, Assistant Manager, says: “They were found by a member of the public along with their littermate covered with sawdust in a box, and taken straight to the local vets. All had facial disfigurements. Sadly, the third puppy didn't survive due to the severity of their injuries.
“The vet suspects they were attacked by another animal and subsequently abandoned by the breeder as they were considered unsellable. But we’ll never know for sure.”
The puppies received urgent vet care, including wound cleaning, pain relief and antibiotics to prevent infection.
Our Thirsk centre was asked to then take on the puppies – and our devoted team stepped in. We named them Hope and Chance to reflect their story of survival and resilience.
“Before they came in, we had to prepare the team,” says Joe. “We haven’t seen anything like this before, so it was a shock for everyone. And at that age as well – they’re so small.”
Joe continues: “We were also really concerned about how much damage and trauma they had suffered – we weren’t sure if they were going to turn out to be typical puppies with normal behaviour.”
But the team needn’t have worried. Hope and Chance were quickly placed in an experienced foster home with a local retired couple, where they’re going from strength to strength.
Sue McAuley, Foster Coordinator, says: “Within a few days, they were genuinely behaving like any normal six to seven-week-old puppies; it’s quite phenomenal. And it’s incredible how quickly they’re healing.
“They’re like completely normal puppies apart from their looks. Chance is a little bit more reserved, but the little girl, Hope, who has got the most disfigurement, is tearing around – she’s definitely in charge.”
The way Hope and Chance have reacted to the other dog in their foster home has also been hugely reassuring to the team, as they have shown no fear despite the attack that led to their injuries.
Joe adds: “To see them playing and seemingly really spirited has been lovely after what was quite an emotional shock for the team. It’s amazing how resilient they are.”
Hope and Chance are now on the hunt for new families to look past their disfigurements, which will sadly be lifelong.
But we believe that what makes these loveable puppies different makes them special.
Joe says: “They’re both very characterful in their own ways. They have lovely traits, but are very different.
“Hope is very spirited and adventurous, and I can see her being quite curious in nature in a new home.
"I can imagine her making a nice companion for someone who needs that boost of motivation and morale on those cold winter mornings. She’ll inspire you to get up and seize the day.
“I would describe Chance as a gentle observer at the moment – he just takes everything in very peacefully. In time, he’s only going to build more confidence.
“But I can imagine him in a home with someone who’s very relaxed, who will promote a sense of general sereneness and tranquillity. Not setting a pace themselves but allowing Chance to do this and engage with things as and when he chooses.”
Update: After nearly 45,000 page visits, more than 1,500 adoption applications, and almost £5,000 in donations, Hope and Chance have found their perfect homes. We are so grateful for the outpouring of compassion shown for them - a beautiful reminder that every dog deserves love. Thank you to everyone who applied to adopt, donated to support our work, or shared their story. Because of you, Hope and Chance now have the second chance they always deserved.
