A RESCUE centre near Wincanton has shared success stories of two four-legged friends that have been given a second chance at life.

Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue (SDAR) is a small, volunteer-run rescue centre that rescues dogs — both locally and from overseas — as well as lots of other animals.

In the last year alone, the team has rehomed 134 dogs, including dogs pulled from UK pounds and rescued from death row.

This includes Rufus, a Romanian rescue that arrived in the UK after surviving a tough start to life.

Shortly after settling in, Rufus faced a new challenge – a suspected transmissible venereal tumour (TVT).

Rufus began chemotherapy at Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue, but the tumour wasn’t shrinking as expected.

An SDAR spokesperson said: “He became withdrawn, and as he continued passing blood, concerns grew about a possible blockage.

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“With time running out, the team knew they had to act fast.”

SDAR reached out to Animal SOS Sri Lanka, who have extensive experience treating TVTs, and they quickly joined forces.

Together, they contacted Celia Hammond Animal Trust, who stepped in and secured an urgent appointment with a specialist vet.

Thanks to this collaboration between three dedicated organisations, Rufus was given a lifeline. The tumour was successfully removed through surgery—and his life was saved.

“Today, Rufus is thriving,” a spokesperson added. “He’s back with his foster mum and ready for a brighter future.”

Buddy: The Gentle Giant

Buddy began life in Turkey, where SDAR said he likely contracted distemper as a puppy, leaving him with lifelong neurological damage.

He was found with a spinal injury and living in piles of trash, struggling to survive.

He then vanished, only to resurface in even worse conditions as he was then being used in dog fights as bait.

An SDAR spokesperson said, “Thankfully, a remarkable Turkish charity, Forgotten Dogs of Turkey, stepped in and saved him.

“They kept him safe and gave him a second chance. That second chance became a new beginning when they entrusted his care to SDAR.

“Buddy may move a little differently due to his injuries, but his spirit is unshakeable.”

For more information about SDAR, visit their website by clicking here.