Holley the Collie—from rescue dog to Dog of the Year

The U.K. RSPCA Dog of the Year is Holley, a dog once tied to a fence and left to die, according to this story from the Cambridge News.

At nine months old she was pregnant, muzzled with a rope through her mouth and covered in bruises where she had been kicked and punched.

When new owner Graham Mission adopted her she was frightened by everyone and everything. Because of the damage to her mouth caused by the rope she still has to have her food minced.

Now five years later with patience and kindness of her new owner she has overcome her fears and has even completed training to become a registered PAT (Pets As Therapy) dog. As a therapy dog she regularly goes to entertain patients in hospitals, hospices and residential homes.

Her owner was delighted when she was announced as a finalist.
"She's such a star, extremely courageous and the best dog I could ever wish for.”

Isn’t it amazing how much these abused little throwaway dogs can contribute when they are given a second chance?

Comments

[Tony Walters]

I got a rescue dog three years ago and I'm looking for another. Theyre the best dogs once they understand what is expected of them and will do anything for you.

[Mary]

I'm telling you..animals inspire me to be a better human being every day..their stunning ability to bounce back and forgive..to love..to want only to be loved..well I just adore them so very, very much. And thank the powers that be they are in my world.

Holley's story is heartbreaking and heart warming all at the same time. I'll never understand how people can be anything but kind to them. In truth I'm not sure what I would do to a person I aaw abusing an animal..I'm boiling just reading about it.

[Carina]

Awww.
My agility instructors have a similar dog. A BC they got off a farm. The farmer was going to shoot her because she was "dumb" - she'd been hit a lot and was terrified of everything. I guess after they got her home, it was months before she would take food out of someone's hand, even.
They are amazing people and well known in the agility world (Gary & Sherry Wargo). This dog now has agility championships in several venues in both Canada & the USA, and is just a delight.
And she was beaten and going to be shot for being "stupid."

[Jill]

Brava! What a special girl.

Arfs
Daisy and Lady

[Janey Loree]

Jan, this one tears at my heart. She looks a lot like our rescue dog Katy.

[sanresh]

This animals are just great.

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[Coll]

This story brought tears to my eyes. Tears of anger at the persons responsible for Holley's pain and tears of joy at her wonderful new life.

[jillbryant]

Too sad a beginning to even think about but what a sweet, sweet pup. I love people who take in rescues. (Referring to the post on guys and their dogs - a guy who takes in a rescue or two - regardless of breed - automatically becomes mighty good looking and charming to me and my friends...!)

[jackie]

id like to find the one that did that to the dog and tap dance on their forehead...bastids..

[graham missoon]

HOLLEY i'm so prould of her i would like to thank every one for their support she is such a loverly dog my best friend