At Dorwest, our passion for animal welfare extends far beyond our herbal supplements. Through the Dorwest Foundation, we are committed to supporting charitable causes that make a tangible difference in the lives of animals across the world and here in the UK.
This December, as part of our ongoing support, we are proud to have made a donation to the Wild at Heart Foundation. Their work in reducing the world’s stray dog population is inspiring, and today we want to share a specific success story that captured our hearts – a story that proves rescue work changes not just the life of one dog, but of an entire family.
From survival to safety: Mama Sugar’s story
Rescue work is rarely straightforward. It requires patience, resources and, often, a change of plans.
Discovered in a junkyard in Tulum, Mexico, during a sterilisation clinic run by Wild at Heart’s partner, Maya Animal Alliance, Mama Sugar was initially identified for a catch-neuter-release programme. However, the team quickly realised this wasn’t an option.
Mama Sugar wasn’t alone. She had seven tiny puppies depending on her.
“Despite being malnourished and suffering from heartworm, her sweet and gentle nature shone through. She approached everyone with a hopeful expression and quickly won the hearts of the team.”
The rescuers couldn’t turn away. They made the compassionate commitment to provide safety and care for the whole family, rather than returning them to the harsh conditions of the junkyard.
Changing the narrative for a whole family
The work funded by organisations like Wild at Heart Foundation goes beyond immediate medical care; it changes the future.
- The puppies: Raised in the safety of the shelter rather than on the streets, all seven puppies thrived. Instead of a life of struggle, every single one found a loving home, adopted locally in Mexico or across the border in the USA.
- The mother: Mama Sugar required extensive treatment for heartworm and malnutrition. As she healed, she was placed in foster homes, but this clever girl had other plans. An expert escape artist, she repeatedly found her way back to the people she trusted most – the rescue team. It became clear that she had chosen her own family. Today, Mama Sugar is a cherished, permanent member of the Maya Animal Alliance family.
Why we support Wild at Heart Foundation
Mama Sugar’s story is a testament to the resilience of stray dogs, but it also highlights the immense resources required to save them. Raising a litter of seven while rehabilitating a sick mother takes enormous effort, financial support and dedication.
Due to the work of Wild at Heart Foundation and their partners:
- Eight lives were saved from a precarious existence in a junkyard.
- Seven families gained a new best friend.
- One brave mother finally found a place where she belongs.
We are honoured that the Dorwest Foundation can play a part in facilitating these happy endings. By supporting Wild at Heart Foundation, we are helping to transform the lives of animals in need, ensuring that dogs like Mama Sugar get the second chance they so richly deserve.
Follow along for more of their heartwarming rescue & treatment stories on their social media @wild_at_heart_foundation
For more information on The Dorwest Foundation, please visit dorwest.com/pages/campaign/dorwest-foundation or contact our knowledgeable team on 01308 897272 or at info@dorwest.com.
