STAV & RAF
Five years ago, I was in a very dark place and knew I needed something to pull me out and give me responsibility, since looking after myself wasn’t one. I knew a dog would change that because, even if I didn’t love myself much at the time, there was one thing I could truly love, and that was a dog.
One thing was certain - whatever the breed, it had to be a rescue. I searched everywhere, but finding a rescue dog wasn’t easy. After having no luck in the UK, I started looking in Europe and Asia. Then, out of the blue, I stumbled across a small nonprofit in Cyprus calledD.A.L.I Rescue Centre on Facebook. As a Greek Cypriot, I was instantly drawn to them. They were constantly posting about the dogs they found and cared for.
One rainy London day on my lunch break, I saw a post about three poodle/doodle-looking puppies. By the time I messaged, they were already taken, but I left a message anyway. I asked them to contact me if they found a similar one, and the next morning, I woke up to a message from Monica, the owner of D.A.L.I Rescue, with a picture of my beautiful baby boy with a pink nose! His siblings all had black noses. I said yes instantly. I just knew he was mine.
Raf living his best life.
Support D.A.L.I Rescue Centre here...
Four months later, I was on my way to pick him up. He traveled with 40 other dogs, flying to Germany and then by van to the UK. At Maidstone Service Centre, I finally got to hold him. They warned me that bonding with rescues can take time, but Raf knew he was home. He climbed all over me and every bit of furniture in my house. I was lucky because he was still young, but I know not everyone has it that easy.
March 14, 2020.
I had just brought Raf home when lockdown hit. Just me and my little guy for months. It was the best time for bonding, but not the best for socialising with other people and dogs. Even now, Raf prefers familiar dogs and people. Strangers take extra time before he can relax. And apart from that, and the fact that he cannot be left alone at all, he is an absolute angel. I think I have just as much separation anxiety with him as he does with me.
March 14, 2020. I had just brought Raf home when lockdown hit...
BETTER TOGETHER
It has been five years with Raf and I almost can’t remember life without him. He now has a little sister Reenie and they couldn’t be better friends. He also has another dad, Fat Tony. It took a while for Raf to trust him, but now he loves him more than anything. Without Raf, I probably wouldn’t even be getting married this year. I probably wouldn’t even be alive. That is the magic of a dog and the love they give.
One of the perks of being with a DJ who loves dogs as much as I do is getting to bring Raf and Reenie along to The Good Woof Festival, where Tony plays the Ministry of Hound party. Dogs and their owners hit the dance floor together and it’s always a blast. It was actually two years ago at this event that we discovered EDDGY and met Diana, the owner, whose passion for rescue dogs was clear from the start. Raf has been rocking their stylish yet affordable harness and lead sets ever since. So when we saw that Diana was looking for a rescue dog model for her new venture the Stray Club, Raf wasted no time - he practically sent the DM himself.
I truly believe in the Stray Club's mission and am proud to support it alongside Raf. This platform is something special, and I have no doubt it will change countless lives. Excited to be part of the journey!
Raf, a street pup from Cyprus, now living boujie with a Soho House membership and trips to Prada with his two dads and sister Reenie!
To anyone thinking of getting a dog - get a rescue.
Change a dog’s life, because I guarantee they will change yours too.