Lennox’s story, from thin and alone, to loved and thriving
The shelter in Spain was alerted to a dog in dire straits, a cow farmer had contacted them to say that he had found a dog in the mountains, a German Shepherd mix. Lennox was very thin, covered in fleas, and ticks and bearing the marks of a tough life. He was likely struggling for some time before he was rescued. We may never know his past, but his future was about to change.
From alone to the safety of the shelter
Lennox was fearful and restrained towards people when he first arrived at the shelter, he would hide in a corner of his kennel. With the patient care of Sonia and Carmen, after 3 months Lennox was comfortable enough to stop hiding, he then grew to love being fussed over and played with.
Lennox at the shelter we support, Animals Help
Lennox started meeting new people at the shelter and would take food from his visitors when they offered it, a sure sign that his stress was easing.
Most of our adoptable dogs are social butterflies, and even so, these rescue dogs have been in the shelter in Spain for some time with little interest. With Lennox being timid with new people in the first instance it was a concern that we would not be able to find the perfect match for him.
In April 2024 we received an email enquiry about Lennox which was to change his world for the better.
Finding the Perfect Home
Having had GSDs for 30 years, Maureen and Mark had been looking to rescue a German Shepherd in the UK however, many were not neutered which prevented them from being rehomed with them due to their resident female dog not yet being spayed.
Maureen came across Lennox’s listing on our website and the rest is history! We were overjoyed to find such a fantastic match for Lennox, experienced GSD owners who not only understood the struggles Lennox may have but had the knowledge and patience to help him overcome them.
Going from living as a stray dog in Spain to living in a shelter in a rural environment, to then travelling for days and entering a home environment, is a big transition. That transition is one that some Spanish rescue dogs manage remarkably well, whereas some dogs take longer to adjust.
For Lennox, that transition may be more challenging given how he was initially at the shelter and his wariness around new people.
This is when something remarkable happened, something that we haven't experienced before.
Transport for May was fully booked, so it would be June until we could have Lennox travel from Spain to the UK. Lennox's adopters wanted to meet him sooner rather than later as they would be travelling in July. So what did they do? Mark drove from England to Spain to bring Lennox home!
This gave Mark a great opportunity to meet and spend time with Lennox in the shelter environment where he was more comfortable. Not only that, but Mark ensured they took their time on their journey home, increasing the time Lennox would be travelling for, to help him adjust to this new experience with a new person in his life.
Lennox in his concrete kennel.
Mark at the shelter spending time with Lennox. He then returned the next day to spend more time with Lennox before they embarked on their adventure together.
Travelling from Spain, through France and home to the UK
Lennox would stop and lie down occasionally during his walks, but with some encouragement, he would get up and continue. He travelled very well and got to see the sights when he was out for his walks, below are some wonderful photos of his journey through Spain, France and on to the UK.
Arriving home
When Lennox arrived home from his travels it was then time to meet the resident dog, an amazing young and energetic Greyhound x Mali. Introductions went incredibly well, now it was a case of taking one day at a time and giving Lennox both the space and the guidance he needed while he adjusted to life at home.
Lennox spent his first day at home chilling in the garden, the next day he went out for a walk and he was amazing on the lead. If Lennox got nervous he would go straight to Mark, a bond already created over the space of a few days during their travels home.
You can see the bounce in Lennox's step, it is remarkable the difference a week can make, 7 days before he was in the shelter and wary, and look at him now! His tail wags when his adopters go over to him and he loves rolling onto his side for belly rubs.
Lennox now loves going out for a walk and he will no longer lie down or need any encouragement to continue. While he still prefers the outdoors, his progress is a testament to the power of love, patience, and a second chance. Lennox has adjusted remarkably well already, we are incredibly excited to watch him blossom and live an amazing life, one that would not have been possible if his adopters had not decided to rescue a dog from Spain, a dog that needed support, but a dog that deserved the world.
Lennox in his safe space at home
Mark and Lennox
Lennox's journey is just one of many heartwarming stories born from our Spanish dog rescue. If you're ready to open your heart and home to a deserving dog, we have many furry friends waiting for their happily ever after.
We help rescue dogs from Spain find loving homes in the UK. Adopting a dog from Spain is more straightforward than you might think, we deal with everything for you and with full Rescue Back Up, we are there for you from adoption and every day after that.
