SIX abandoned dogs found roaming near Moffat last year were reunited with their rescuers on Monday.
The dogs were secured on the B719 between Moffat and Greenhillstairs in July and were exhausted, terrified, underweight and in terrible condition.
Following their rescue Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre (DGCRC), took them in. Over the last 12 months staff there have worked hard building their confidence and encouraging them to play and interact.
Sergeant Iain Monro and PC Kelby Kirkpatrick were the first on the scene last year when reports came in about the dogs. Additional officers along with Lee and Roger Herron, from Lost Dogs Dumfries and Galloway, were also involved.
Sgt Monro this week said: “It was incredible for us to see the dogs and how much they’ve progressed in the last 12 months.
“The improvement in their confidence is like night and day and they’re in such good condition now. You couldn’t get near them last year, but now they’re curious and they want to interact.”
Lee, who has been volunteering to help with lost and stray dogs for six years, added: “It took a long time to build their trust and secure them that day, it was a real challenge. It was clear they’d never been handled before or had a collar and lead on. We were all so relieved when we had them safe and secure.
“To see how they’ve improved is amazing. They are so playful and just want to have fun.
“We absolutely loved spending time with them one year on and we really hope they can find the homes they deserve soon.”
The dogs’ new names all have a Moffat connection, such as Toffee, Charlotte, Rae, Meadow, Glen and Brodie.
DGCRC’s Emma Scott said they’ve worked hard on their progress and now they’d love to hear from prospective new owners. She said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the Moffat Six came to us. Their journey has been an incredible one, filled with small steps and significant progress.
“Although it’s taken time, they’ve made remarkable steps, teaching us invaluable lessons along the way. We are incredibly proud of their progress and feel most of them are ready to embark on their next chapter—they deserve their own ‘happy ever after’.”
There was a lot of interest last year and the rescue now wants to hear from potential new homes.
Emma added: “They will need continued support as they transition into their forever homes. “They require a calm, patient adopter who lives in a rural area with plenty of outdoor space to run and play.
“They all have their own unique personalities and deserve a loving home where they can continue to grow and enjoy life. If you have the time, space, and love to offer, please consider adopting one of these incredible dogs.”