Rescue dogs who had never seen the outside world among animals helped by new charity campaign

Three tiny Pomeranians who spent years living among around 120 dogs and had never experienced something as simple as a walk outdoors are among the rescue animals set to benefit from a major new animal welfare campaign.

The dogs, Paula, Pearl and Podge, are currently being cared for at Gloucestershire's Teckels Animal Sanctuaries after being rescued from the overcrowded household, where they are believed to have spent between eight and 11 years of their lives.

Their story has now been highlighted as Naturewatch Foundation announced Teckels as its official charity partner for the 2026 World Animal Day Donate a Dinner campaign.

The initiative, which encourages people to support rescue centres by helping provide food for animals in their care, comes at a time when many shelters are facing mounting pressures from rising costs, increasing numbers of abandoned pets and the ongoing impact of irresponsible and illegal breeding.

To mark the launch of the partnership, Naturewatch Foundation's chief executive Sarah Carr visited the sanctuary alongside colleagues to present a £100 donation, enough to provide a meal for every one of the 42 dogs currently waiting for homes at the centre.

Among those hoping to find a family is Apollo, a three-year-old Huntaway cross Husky, who is also being cared for by the sanctuary while staff search for his forever home.

The visit offered a glimpse into the challenges facing rescue organisations across the country as they battle to meet growing demand with limited resources.

Sarah Carr, chief executive of Naturewatch Foundation and coordinator of World Animal Day, said: "I loved visiting Teckels Animal Sanctuary, meeting the dedicated staff, and the wonderful dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.

"As a charity headquartered in Gloucestershire, I am so pleased that we can help Teckels Animal Sanctuary this year with our World Animal Day Donate a Dinner project.

"Every year we coordinate World Animal Day around the globe, so by launching the project now, we hope that lots of businesses, organisations and community groups will think which animal shelters they can help too on October 4."

Chelsea Rogers, social media manager at Teckels Animal Sanctuaries, said the partnership comes at a critical time for animal rescue centres.

She said: "We are honoured to be the chosen charity partner for Naturewatch Foundation's 2026 Donate a Dinner campaign.

"The rising cost of living has had a significant impact on Teckels, making support initiatives like this more important than ever.

"This campaign provides invaluable support for animal rescues, and we encourage everyone to get involved and show their support.

"A huge thank you to Naturewatch Foundation for their extremely generous donation of £100 to feed our rescues."

World Animal Day is celebrated annually on October 4 and aims to inspire people around the world to take action to improve the lives of animals.

The Donate a Dinner campaign asks individuals, businesses, schools and community groups to support local rescue centres through food donations, fundraising or by purchasing essential supplies.

Further details about this year's campaign will be announced closer to World Animal Day, but organisers are already encouraging supporters to start planning how they can help struggling rescue centres in their communities.

Find out more at https://teckelsanimalsanctuaries.co.uk