The Home's Heroes celebrated at Battersea's Annual Reunion

When someone rehomes a dog from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the new owners are doing something wonderful for an animal in need. However, the dogs are often helping their new owners as well.

 

Whether it's getting someone get out of bed in a morning, giving them a new lease of life or even being the inspiration for a new business venture, former Battersea residents have gone on to be the top dog in households throughout the UK.

 

As the Home prepares to welcome back dogs rehomed from us at our event of the year, the Annual Reunion, which will take over Battersea Park on 4 September, the charity is congratulating the Home's Heroes.

 

Harper and Ben.

 

Ben Harrison was just nine-years-old when he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition called Juvenile Onset Dermatomyositis. It left him tired, achy, depressed and unable to get out of bed. While in hospital, Ben's dad asked him if there was anything he wanted which could help him on the road to recovery and Ben asked for a dog. His family hoped that this would also give Ben the companionship and opportunity for exercise that he so desperately needed.

The family from Taplow in Berkshire visited Battersea in Old Windsor and an 18-month-old Lurcher called Harper caught Ben's eye. They soon decided that he was the dog for them and, after passing the necessary rehoming checks and taking him home, they have never looked back.

On the very first morning Harper spent with the Harrison family, Ben leapt out of bed and dashed to see his new friend.

Ben said: "Harper has changed my life completely. He's given me the motivation to get better; he's my best friend and is always there for me which means everything to me."

Six years on, Ben and Harper are as close as ever and are proof that dogs can be a man's best friend.

Ben's dad Chris added: It's hard to explain just how much Harper has exceeded our expectations. He's not only helped Ben but has also helped the whole family get through this very difficult time. I don't think we really realised just what a positive change Harper would make to our lives, Harper has brought the whole family together."

 

Tiny and Jacqui.

 

One-year-old Rottweiler Tiny was an excitable youngster and needed a stable home environment to develop his personality and learn to follow commands. Experienced owner Jacqui Bright, 34, from Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire took him home in November 2010 and Tiny was soon attending one-to-one classes to develop his skills. He soon passed his exams and is now a friendly, loveable dog who enjoys the company of others.

Jacqui was thrilled with the transformation in Tiny and this was just the drive she needed to pass on her knowledge to others and she started up her own dog training school. Tiny is a demonstrator in the classes and is living proof that people can help to give dogs a second chance.

Jacqui said: "Tiny shows that if you put the time in, you can be rewarded with a loving companion. I look back now and think that if I hadn't rehomed Tiny, I would never be in the position I am now helping others."

 

Oscar and Jill.

 

At around 10 years old, black Labrador Oscar had sadly failed to catch the eye of many potential owners during his time at Battersea in south London. However, he did get the attention of Jill Craven, a Battersea volunteer from Crystal Palace, who noticed he had been in the kennels for a few weeks. At the time, Jill was feeling bereft and needed something to help her make a fresh start. Oscar was the answer.

Jill, 58, who rehomed Oscar 18 months ago, said: "I took Oscar home when life could be best described as colourless. But this big old boy gave me a reason to get out of the house twice a day. All he does for me is the ordinary everyday stuff but he's made me smile again, which is the best gift.

"Friends say that Oscar is lucky to live with me but I think I'm lucky to have found him. I've discovered that life really does look better over the top of a Labrador's head."

 

Now in its 17th year, Battersea's Annual Reunion regularly attracts around 4,000 people to Battersea Park to celebrate the happy tales of the dogs who have found new owners thanks to the charity.

 

Families and their four-legged friends are invited along for the all day event which will include dog shows, competitions including the popular fancy dress contest, games for children and dogs and lots of stalls to browse. Those with a sweet tooth can tuck into cakes and treats – including the dogs who can enjoy their own tea party.

 

The event, sponsored by Churchill Pet Insurance, is open to all dog lovers to come down and enjoy the day. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home flagship site is also just around the corner where visitors are welcome to meet the cats and dogs currently looking for new owners. The event is free and doors are open from 11.30am until 4.30pm. For more information log onto www.battersea.org.uk