Conservative and Labour MPs join forces alongside TV Vet to save disabled dogs

Flori’s Friends Rescue, a registered specialist disabled dog rescue charity, has garnered the support of TV Vet Marc Abraham OBE, Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale and Labour MP Rosie Duffield to help them achieve their goal of creating a new sanctuary for disabled dogs in Kent.

Founded in 2015 by Natalia George, Flori’s Friends Rescue has now rescued over 1500 animals including many that have been disabled and require specialist care, including Giselle, the one legged dog. 

Giselle was hit by a car and left in severe pain at the side of the road for 6 days, until someone found her and alerted the team at Flori’s. She had suffered a complete spinal break, and, due to the time she was left at the roadside, her spine had fused together. This left her needing a prosthetic for her damaged front paw and a cart to support herself and get her mobility back.  Giselle now enjoys a happy and fulfilled life just like any other dog thanks to the daily care she receives from the team.

Natalia said ‘There are very few places that can handle the specialist care and rehabilitation of dogs like Giselle and so we currently have a waiting list of around 30 dogs with new requests flooding in weekly. Due to our limited capacity, we are unfortunately now having to turn them away, which leaves little option left for them to have a second chance at life. 

‘We are therefore aiming to create our own sanctuary that will allow us to take in more disabled dogs that desperately need our help; rehabilitate them, find them loving homes and in some cases offer lifelong sanctuary with the rescue when they are not adoptable. It will be a big step up for Flori’s and so we’re delighted to be receiving the support of Marc Abraham OBE, Sir Roger Gale MP and Rosie Duffield MP, who came to visit us recently to see the work we do for themselves.’

TV Vet Marc, who helped Boris Johnson choose the perfect puppy, was so impressed with what the team at Flori’s do, he’s agreed to be a Patron of the charity.

Marc said ‘As soon as I was introduced to Flori’s Friends Rescue, I knew it was something that I just had to support, and I couldn’t be prouder to be their patron. The difference that Natalia and her wonderful team makes to these dogs’ lives is nothing short of extraordinary. When you see them all racing up and down in their wheelchairs without a care in the world, and playing as any other dogs do, it really is amazing. For Natalia and her Flori’s Friends team to help rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome even more dogs I’d encourage all animal-lovers to donate to their appeal if they’re able to.’

Sir Roger has also agreed to be an ambassador for the charity.

Sir Roger, Conservative MP for North Thanet, added ‘I’ve been talking with Flori’s Friends for some time now and their dedication to the cause is admirable. They will do whatever it takes to care for and nurture the recovery of animals that have often been through the most unspeakable traumas and help them to live a happy life again. I will be continuing to support them in their efforts to help more of these vulnerable animals.’

Rosie Duffield, Labour MP for Canterbury said ‘I’m delighted to help raise the profile of this wonderful charity. The dogs are so happy and well cared for and an absolute credit to the team. Their service and dedication to animal welfare is quite exemplary and I look forward to working with them to see the difference their new sanctuary will make to the lives of many more disabled dogs.’

If you’d like to help support the charity care for the many more paralysed dogs that need their care, you can donate at www.florisfriendsrescue.org/donate or text FLORI to 70085 to donate £1. To donate any amount between £2 and £20 text FLORI and the amount e.g. FLORI 7 you will give £7. Texts cost £1 plus one standard rate message.

Natalia added ‘This is a huge step towards making progress in disabled dog welfare and will change the lives of so many paralysed dogs.’