DIANA & BRAMLEY

During my visit to Aruba, I had the incredible opportunity to spend time at a local dog shelter called Sgt. Pepper’s Friends. I had decided to volunteer and donate food and supplies, but what I didn’t expect was to fall in love with a tiny, scared pup who had clearly been dealt a tough hand in life. He was the runt of the litter, with a cleft lip, and no one seemed interested in adopting him. He was overlooked time and time again, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was meant for more.

Aruba is home to a special breed of street dogs known as Arubian Cunucu Dogs. Due to the lack of laws around neutering, these dogs often overbreed and end up wandering the streets, where they are at risk of being caught in "kill cages" — where they are sadly euthanized. It’s a tragic reality, but thankfully, there are a few shelters, like Sgt. Pepper’s Friends, that are doing everything they can to rescue and rehome these beautiful dogs.

Support Sgt. Peppers Friends here and help them in saving other pups like Bramley

I decided that I couldn’t leave without doing something for this little guy, whom I had named Bramley. I decided to foster and sponsor him, knowing it wouldn’t be an easy task, but it felt like the right thing to do. The journey to get him to the UK was no small feat. First, we had to make sure all his vaccinations were up to date, then we received the green light for him to fly. From there, we made our way to Amsterdam, where we stayed for a couple of days to get him a European passport and a few more vaccinations before finally jumping onto a ferry and heading to the UK.

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.

When we arrived in the UK, Bramley was still a scared, unsocialized little pup. He was so timid, unsure of everything and everyone around him. But with time, patience, and a lot of love, he blossomed into a confident, happy little boy. I watched him grow from a tiny, frightened pup into a playful, loving companion who would steal anyone’s heart. His transformation was nothing short of magical.

BETTER TOGETHER

He stayed with me for a couple of months, during which we built a bond that will always be so special to me. Eventually, we found him a loving family who could provide him with the forever home he deserved. Now, Bramley lives his best life, full of joy and love, and I couldn’t be happier for him. I’ll never forget that little pup who came from such a difficult start in life and grew into the confident, happy dog he is today. Bramley will always have a special place in my heart, and his journey will forever be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.