Showcase

This week, we’re proud to showcase Thistle Paws (Dog) Rescue, a newly established Scottish-based rescue already making a meaningful difference for dogs both overseas and here in the UK.

Founded in October 2025, Thistle Paws may be new by name, but not by experience. Behind the scenes is a knowledgeable and compassionate team with over five years of hands-on involvement in dog rescue, including roles as directors, charity board trustees, and managing day-to-day rescue operations and communications.

Their mission is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: every dog, regardless of where they come from, deserves the chance to live a safe, happy, and fulfilling life.

Built on Experience and Compassion

While Thistle Paws works with Romanian rescue dogs, a process that comes with its own unique challenges, they approach every case with patience, care, and determination. Alongside this, they also rescue and rehome dogs within the UK, ensuring support is available both locally and internationally.

The team’s depth of experience has shaped a thoughtful, welfare-led approach. Every dog is treated as an individual, with their emotional and physical needs considered at every stage of their journey.

100% Volunteer-Led

Thistle Paws is entirely volunteer run, supported by a dedicated network of foster homes, home check volunteers, welfare support for adopters and volunteers, and supporters who all play a vital role in the rescue process. Their foster-based model allows dogs to settle into safe, calm environments where they can decompress, rebuild trust, and begin to show their true personalities before adoption, but adopters can choose to adopt directly from Romania.

A Rescue With a Clear Mission

At the heart of Thistle Paws’ work is a commitment to ensuring every dog has:

·       A safe environment to rest and recover

·       Patient and caring foster homes to rebuild trust

·       Loving, permanent families who won’t give up on them

·       Continued support to give every adoption the best chance of success

For Thistle Paws, rescue doesn’t end when a dog is adopted, it continues through education, guidance, and ongoing support.

Meet the Dogs Looking for Their Forever Homes

Thistle Paws Rescue currently has a number of wonderful dogs waiting to find their forever families. Some are already starting their journey to foster homes in Scotland, while others are being cared for by trusted rescue partners abroad and are ready to travel once the right home is found.

Each dog has their own dedicated profile, sharing important details such as age, size, personality, and any additional needs. The team is always happy to talk through each dog’s requirements and help potential adopters find the right match.

You can meet all of Thistle Paws’ dogs and read their individual stories on the “Meet Our Dogs” section of their website:

https://www.thistlepawsrescue.org/meet-our-dogs

Whether you’re looking for a calm companion, a playful partner, or a resilient soul ready for a fresh start, there’s a Thistle Paws dog just waiting to steal your heart.

Education, Support, and Community

Thistle Paws’ commitment to support goes far beyond rehoming. Their website features a dedicated resources section filled with advice, external articles, trusted behaviourist recommendations, and practical guidance.

They’ve also created fun, educational games designed to involve children, helping younger generations learn about dog welfare and responsible ownership in an engaging, accessible way.

By making these resources publicly available, Thistle Paws ensures that anyone seeking help or knowledge can access it, whether they’re adopting, fostering, or simply learning.

How You Can Support Thistle Paws

There are many ways to help Thistle Paws continue their vital work:

·       Adopt – offer a loving forever home

·       Volunteer – support with home checks, welfare, admin, and more

·       Donate – every contribution helps support dogs in care

·       Share – spread the word and raise awareness

At Thistle Paws (Dog) Rescue, every dog is given patience, respect, and the chance to thrive, no matter where their journey began.

To learn more, visit thistlepawsrescue.org or follow Thistle Paws Rescue on Facebook to see the lives they’re changing, one paw at a time.

December 19th, 2025

This week, we’re proud to showcase Wagology Dog Behaviour and Training, a thoughtful, compassionate business dedicated to supporting both dogs and their people across Scotland and beyond.

Founded in 2021 by Lisa and joined by Emily in 2022, Wagology brings together real-world experience, professional training, and a deep understanding of dogs, especially those who’ve had a rough start in life.

A Service Built on Lived Experience

Wagology was born from a place of empathy. Lisa and Emily are more than trainers, they’re passionate dog people who have personally shared their lives with rescue dogs, reactive pups, bouncy spaniels, and nervous newcomers.

Their work is rooted in experience, not judgement. They know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure how to help your dog, and they’re here to guide you through it with kindness, clarity, and practical support.

Whether your dog is struggling with reactivity, anxiety, or behaviour shaped by trauma, Wagology’s approach is always force-free and dog-centred. They don’t rely on quick fixes or rigid programmes. Instead, they offer calm, compassionate guidance that puts your dog’s emotional wellbeing first.

Tailored Support for Every Journey

Wagology offers a range of services to suit your individual needs, from 1:1 behaviour support and structured training plans to new puppy visits and ongoing coaching. No matter where you are in your journey, from your first “what do I do?” moment to the long-term management of complex behaviours, they meet you with zero judgement and practical, achievable steps forward.

Lisa and Emily work with both private clients and rescues, supporting dogs through adoption, post-adoption settling, or rehabilitation. They’re especially experienced in working with reactive dogs, and their approach focuses on building trust, understanding triggers, and helping both dog and guardian feel safe again.

They also provide support online, making their services accessible to dog guardians outside of their in-person working area in Central Scotland.

Judgement-Free Help That Makes a Difference

What sets Wagology apart is their deep empathy, for both dogs and people. They understand that behaviour is communication, and that behind every “problem” behaviour is a dog who needs help, not punishment.

Wagology’s training is rooted in science and guided by ethics. Their work aligns with the principles of force-free training, using positive reinforcement, management tools, and a strong focus on the emotional needs of each dog.

Most importantly, they help humans feel capable again. Their sessions are supportive, informative, and free from blame. You’ll leave feeling seen, understood, and empowered to help your dog thrive.

Supporting Rescues and the Wider Community

Wagology isn’t just a training business, they’re an active part of the rescue and pet welfare community. They collaborate with rehoming organisations, behaviourists, and other dog professionals to create better outcomes for dogs across Scotland.

From helping rescue dogs settle in their new homes to advising fosterers and adopters, their work contributes to long-term success stories, and fewer dogs being rehomed again due to misunderstood behaviour.

Real People, Real Dogs, Real Support

At Wagology, the goal isn’t “perfect dogs.” It’s strong bonds, calm homes, and confident companions.

Whether you’re struggling with big feelings, early training, or challenging behaviours, Lisa and Emily are here to support you and your dog with the compassion and respect you both deserve.

To find out more, visit wagologydogbehaviour.co.uk or follow their journey on Facebook!

July 7th 2025

This week, we’re proud to showcase UK Spaniel Rescue, a new but already impactful charity making a real difference for spaniels across the UK.

Founded in late 2024 by a group of passionate and experienced individuals, UK Spaniel Rescue became a registered charity in early 2025. Their aim is simple but powerful: to educate, communicate, rehabilitate, and collaborate, creating better outcomes not just for dogs, but for owners and adopters too.

A Rescue Built on Experience

UK Spaniel Rescue was formed by individuals with extensive experience in spaniel ownership, dog behaviour, and rescue work. Their team includes qualified force-free behaviourists, rescue coordinators, and long-time spaniel lovers, all working together to support both dogs and people.

With a shared belief in ongoing learning and collaboration, the team brings together years of knowledge and hands-on care. Their approach combines compassion with clarity: every dog is assessed individually, and every adopter or foster carer is supported throughout the process.

Home-Based, Not Kennel-Based

One thing that sets UK Spaniel Rescue apart is their foster-first model. Instead of kennels, dogs go directly into caring foster homes where they can decompress, be assessed properly, and begin the journey to their forever home in a calm environment.

Each adoption involves a home visit, two meet-and-greets, and full behavioural support. And once a dog is adopted, that’s not the end, it’s just the beginning of a lifelong rescue relationship. UK Spaniel Rescue offers lifetime rescue backup, providing advice and help if circumstances change.

Education Without Judgement

One of the rescue’s core values is helping owners before a situation becomes a crisis. As stated on their website, they work with both current and prospective spaniel owners to provide behaviourist advice, even in cases where the dog doesn’t need rehoming.

They believe that with the right support, many difficult situations can be resolved. This includes a "no blame" approach, especially during times of hardship like the cost-of-living crisis.

Whether it’s help with training, behavioural challenges, or rehoming, UK Spaniel Rescue focuses on supporting people as much as they support the dogs.

100% Volunteer-Run

UK Spaniel Rescue is entirely volunteer led. Every penny raised goes directly to the dogs in their care, and their commitment to transparency is clear throughout their work. They’re also open to partnerships and collaboration, working alongside other rescues, trainers, and vets to make a wider impact.

In their own words:

"We believe that collaboration is key to creating the best outcome for dogs and people alike."

How You Can Support

There are plenty of ways to help UK Spaniel Rescue continue their important work:

• Foster – provide a temporary home to a dog in need

• Adopt – offer a loving forever home

• Volunteer – support with home checks, admin, transport and more

• Donate – all funds go directly to dog care and support

• Share – spread the word about their work and values

At UK Spaniel Rescue, every spaniel is treated as an individual, with care, understanding, and a commitment to finding them the home they truly deserve.

To learn more, visit ukspanielrescue.co.uk or follow them on Facebook and to see the lives they change, one spaniel at a time.

June 27th 2025