Rescue a rescue 2026
Meet 12 of the UK's most overlooked rescue animals still hoping to be chosen.
Rescue a rescue is back!
We want to shine a light on the most overlooked rescue animals - the ones who’ve been waiting patiently for someone to see just how special they are!
Now with phase 1 of Rescue a Rescue 2026 complete, we have 12 rescue animals who have been selected by our independent panel. Each of them has a special story and each deserves that extra chance to find their perfect match.
Agria will be sharing their journeys throughout the year, as well as donating £1,000 to each of these incredible rescues, helping them continue the vital work they do.
Do you think you could provide one of them with the forever home they've been searching for?
Our last Rescue a Rescue campaign saw 10 out of 12 of our featured animals find their forever homes, proof that a little extra spotlight can change a life. Behind every rescue is a story of hope, resilience, and second chances, and this year we’re proud to once again support rescue and rehoming organisations up and down the country to make more happy endings possible.
2026 submissions
Barry, 4 years old, St Bernard
Saving Saints Rescue UK
Barry is completely blind from birth. He is a 4-year-old St Bernard who was rescued with his friend, St Bernard Delilah who now lives in a home in Yorkshire. Sadly, Barry is reactive to men. He lived on a farm and his owner/breeder is in prison.
Barry loves to play with toys and his nose is super-sized for treats; he loves playing scent games. He adores his female handlers and loves to play big dog games with them. Barry is a true ladies man and needs to find a quiet home which can be in a rural setting or has a large, secure garden where he can roam. He gets on better with female dogs but is happy to be given sole attention as an only dog.
Bobby , 8 years old, Crossbreed
SuperDogs Rescue
Bobby is a small, 8-year-old boy originally from Cyprus, now living in a loving foster home near Newport while he waits for his forever family. He’s a gentle, affectionate dog whose biggest wish is a home where he feels safe, loved and secure.
Bobby once had a family but was sadly left behind and later found himself in shelter care. Although it was a difficult adjustment, he learned to trust again and has continued to flourish in foster. He’s calm, sweet, and happiest by his people’s side. As he loves human company so much, Bobby would prefer to be the only dog in the home, where he can enjoy one-to-one companionship.
Bobby has early-stage kidney disease, likely linked to his difficult past. He doesn’t need medication and is doing well on a kidney-friendly diet, allowing him to stay comfortable and enjoy life. The condition doesn’t define him, and he still has so much love to give.
Bobby is ready for a second chance with a family who will cherish him. In return, he’ll reward you with loyalty, affection, and plenty of cuddles.
Trevor, 7 years old, Staffy
Senior Staffy Club
Trevor was a traumatized little boy when he arrived, after having several homes, and has a fear of men. His last home was someone who 'rescued' him from someone else in the hope of helping him, but found themselves unable to because of his problems, alongside having two other dogs and children.
Now he likes his walks, although prefers a routine walk because he gets anxious in new places; he is very playful and especially likes de-stuffing toys! He loves a cuddle with people he knows, but is still wary with new faces, especially men. He is of course getting behavioral help with us, and we feel he is ready for his forever home, as long as it's the right one with the commitment of lots of love and patience.
Patch, 6 years old, Crossbreed
Heroes Old English Sheepdog Rehoming
Patch is a larger-than-life OES x Newfoundland, a beautiful boy that attracts attention wherever he goes, sadly he was born with joint issues (right elbow and rear hips). Patch loves people once he knows you and loves to cuddle up to you and give you kisses, all 60kg of him. He loves to swim and does hydrotherapy to help with his joint issues, he is a superstar in the pool and so fast and agile.
Patch is very reactive to new people, and all does when out on his lead, he is friendly and does love to play with other dogs, the issue is around him being on the lead. So being able to control him out and about and managing his care and costs has been the stumbling block for the lovely boy, we love him dearly and he has so much to give the right home.
Mac, 1.3 years old, Crossbreed
RSPCA South Cotswold & Gloucester District Branch
Mac came into our care as part of an RSPCA case with his sister ‘Cheese’. While she was lucky enough to grow up in a foster home, Mac spent those important early months in kennels, learning to cope in a much harder environment. When he finally experienced foster life, he showed exactly who he could be. With patience and guidance, Mac blossomed – building confidence, learning about the world, and forming strong bonds with his carers. Sadly, through no fault of his own, those homes couldn’t be permanent, and each time he returned to kennels, he had to start again.
Mac doesn’t need perfection. He will be a loyal, fun, and deeply rewarding companion who will share your adventures and form a truly special bond. He has already come so far. Now he just needs someone to take him the rest of the way.
Kayden, 8 years old, Crossbreed
Shad’s Legacy
Kayden is an 8yr old GSD x Dutch Herder he is an ex-pub dog so used to someone being around all of the time, sadly Kayden doesn’t like other dogs but loves people and children over 7, he loves toys and is very ball driven he likes to find things and nothing makes him happier than being with his person and playing ball.
He is looking for someone used to higher drive dogs although Kayden is older and has a touch of arthritis, he still enjoys the mental stimulation of playing games.
He would really suit an ex-police handler or military, or someone home a lot as he hates being alone.
Tuppence (Tuppy), 18 years old, Domestic shorthair
Cat Lady TNR
Poor Tuppence is 18 years old. She was born in rescue in 2008 and was one of only two kittens from her litter to survive. She and her sister, Penny, were adopted later that year.
In March 2026, we were asked to help an elderly cat after her owners moved away and left her behind. The new homeowners found a cupboard full of cat food, and each night Tuppence returned, crying at the back door to be let into the only home she had ever known. Sadly, they couldn't take her in because they had a dog.
When we checked her microchip, we discovered she was Tuppence, a cat adopted from our rescue 18 years ago. A veterinary examination also revealed a lump extending from her nipple to her armpit, likely to be mammary cancer.
Tuppence's story is truly heartbreaking. Her age and diagnosis mean finding a home won't be easy, but we hope sharing her story will help her find the loving retirement home she deserves, where she can be cherished for the rest of her life.
Fluff, 11 years old, Domestic shorthair
Noah’s Ark Pet Rescue
Fluff arrived with her two brothers, Felix and Tiger in March 2025. The siblings had been living in a garden, feral cats that were being fed by an elderly couple. They'd neutered them as kittens and released them back in the garden. They never left. When new neighbours moved in next door they complained about the feral cats. The couple rang us and we took them in. The brothers were surprisingly receptive to humans but Fluff was adamant she was not going to let us gain her trust. She's a beautiful cat and we've been working hard to gain her trust. There's no question of releasing them as they have the odd ailment flareup, that left untreated could make them very ill.
Fluff had a change of heart at Christmas, and decided strokes weren't that bad after all. She even enjoyed daily cuddles off me. Its taken another 2 months, but now she's letting the volunteers stroke her. Her favourite thing to do is lie at the top of her tower by the window and watch the world go buy. After that, it's lying in the Cat TV and with her brothers. She's yet to understand toys. But she understands Dreamies and roast chicken. She's looking for a very special adopter, who can give her time and patience, and also accept her brothers.
Fifi & Fluffy, six-and-a-half years old, Domestic shorthair
A New Beginning Cat and Kitten Rescue
Meet Fluffy and Fifi (Fiona), two female cats who have sadly been overlooked because they are anxious around new people. Fluffy gives Fifi confidence, so they are looking for a home together. Fluffy is a long-haired black and white cat, while Fifi is a tabby. At 6½ years old, they are ready to find their forever home.
They came into our care as strays after being fed by a resident at a care home. Sadly, when that resident moved away, they were left with no one to care for them. We took them in and have given them the love and care they deserve.
They are nervous at first and need a patient, experienced cat owner who can provide the time, kindness and safe space they need. They would suit a quiet home as the only pets. They should be kept indoors initially before gradually being given access to a safe outdoor space once settled.
Once they trust you, they are incredibly loving. Fluffy loves sleeping beside you and enjoys a cuddle, while Fifi loves being stroked. They both enjoy being brushed, playing with their toys, and tucking into Sheba soups and treats. They have been in our care for a long time and truly deserve a loving home together.
Pat, 4 years old, Domestic shorthair
Tails Animal Welfare
Pat’s story starts with heartbreak but shines with quiet resilience. After being abandoned at the vet, by people who claimed they had found him but were suspected to be his ‘owners’ he arrived unsure of the world and a little wary of new faces. But give him a moment, a gentle voice, and a bit of patience and you’ll see his true self emerge.
Once he trusts you, Pat is incredibly affectionate, loyal, and full of warmth. He’s learnt to trust his foster mum and is very friendly proving that even the softest hearts can be the bravest. Pat isn’t just a survivor, he’s a reminder that love, once found, is worth the wait. He has also been helping to look after abandoned foster kittens and is now sharing his love.
Pats looking for a patient adopted who will give him a little time to settle in and the shine bright like the star he is.
Calvin
World Horse Welfare
Calvin is a handsome young chap who really stands out from the crowd. He is quite timid but generally good to handle if he has a calm, gentle handler to give him confidence. Although Calvin's lack of self confidence can make him more reactive to sudden noise or unexpected movement, he is a gentle character who enjoys a fuss. Providing he is given time to process what is asked of him Calvin will try his best. He prefers a regular routine so he knows what to expect and he is proving to be a willing little pony.
Calvin gets on well with all in his herd and loves nothing better than a friend who enjoys playing to pass the time. Calvin may have the potential to back to ride in the future if his rehomer wished to do so and has previous experience of this. This will depend very much on how he develops as he matures and not before he is at least 4 or 5 years old. Calvin could reach an adult height of 13.0hh or slightly over, although this is only an estimate as we have no knowledge of his breeding. If he reaches his expected adult height, Calivin will have a maximum rider weight limit of 8.5 to 9 stones. Otherwise we are perfectly happy for Calvin to be rehomed as just a non-ridden companion and spend his days kicking up his heels and living his best life.
Get Wishing (Gary), Thoroughbred
World Horse Welfare
Gary, or Gazza as he’s known to the grooms, is looking for a new home as a non-ridden companion. Gary originally came to the farm after his owner and Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) asked us to help. His time in our care has been supported by RoR, the official charity for the welfare of horses retired from racing. Gary is an affectionate big lad who loves attention and, of course, a few sweet treats.
When he first arrived, Gary struggled with personal space and patience. Over time, his groom worked on his spatial awareness, helping him stay calm and relaxed when being led. He is now very responsive to voice commands, even when he gets a little excited.
We did try to re-back Gary, but he became lame in work. Following investigations, we found he had the early stages of hock and fetlock arthritis. Because of this, we felt Gary deserved a full retirement to live out with his friends.
Gary is very well behaved for the vet and has even allowed younger vets to practise when he has been due vaccinations or blood tests. He stands well for the farrier with someone at his head and does not need his grazing restricted, especially during the winter months.
Related Guides & Advice
Rescue rules
The 3-3-3 rule is a commonly used rule / guide to help people know what to expect when welcoming a rescue dog into their family.
Dog language tips
Before you welcome a dog into your home it is really important that you understand canine body language. Becoming fluent in doggy communication takes experience and practice, but everyone can learn the basics.