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Do you remember this Mumsnet story…? Update

426 replies

Petsaresafe · 24/04/2026 18:28

Eight years ago I was on Mumsnet and there was a thread from a lady who was barricaded in her bedroom with her kids while her drunk husband was outside it. She had found a place in a refuge but was panicking about what to do with her pets. People all over the country were offering help. I was one of them. As it happened we were only about 30 miles away, and we had room to foster both the dog and the bunny, so the lady asked me to take them. Two days later I went to collect them. She had three young children, who were incredibly brave saying goodbye to their pets. Another Mumsnetter was coming to pick up the lady.

When the dog got to our house he was terrified of men, barking at every man he saw. He also dribbled pee all the time. Wishing a week he stopped both and glued himself to the side of our other, confident dog. The only time I have seen him do the wee thing since was when my father was slowly dying in hospital and I was crying a lot. He’s always been very worried if anyone is angry or crying.

He was 3 when he arrived. Last month he turned 11. He’s still happy and loving life. The bunny lived for another five years. His companion (that we got him) is still here and on her 5th companion - she’s like the Duracell bunny, keeping going as those around her go!

I lost touch with the family. They had so much going on. But if you’re out there I hope you see this and know he’s had a great life, still is!

Do you remember this Mumsnet story…?  Update
Do you remember this Mumsnet story…?  Update
Do you remember this Mumsnet story…?  Update
Do you remember this Mumsnet story…?  Update
OP posts:
Thread gallery
10
Diddlyumptious · Yesterday 18:36

♥️♥️♥️ I trust the mum and children are safe, happy and living the life they wished for

Natenno · Yesterday 18:38

This is lovely ❤️

Notmorecrapola · Yesterday 18:42

Easily the best thing I’ve ever read on MN! ❤️

333isthemagicnumber · Yesterday 18:45

Love love love this ❤️❤️❤️

Sheepsmellnice · Yesterday 18:46

What a fantastic thing to do such a lovely story 😀

Single50something · Yesterday 18:47

Omg that is amazing .what an amazing person you are! I have goosepimples reading it! Or as they say now..goose bumps :) x

Peony1985 · Yesterday 19:00

Wow! What a great update. Well done Op what a brilliant thing you’ve done,

Kevintheminion · Yesterday 19:02

....and this is the power of Mumsnet at its finest! I do remember this story and how complete strangers rallied round.

OP you're fecking amazing and so lovely to read the dog has had an amazing life. In a very bleak world, this is so lovely to read. Thank you for posting (even if it dod make me bawl!).

Ashleigh1969 · Yesterday 19:02

You are the best ❤️ I hope the family are well xx

Whosthetabbynow · Yesterday 19:06

Gorgeous. Some people are angels ❤️❤️❤️

DearMartha · Yesterday 19:08

This has got me welling up! What a wonderful thing you did!!

Neverflyingagain · Yesterday 19:09

This thread really is the best of this community, both back then and now.
I hope mum and children continued to be safe in refuge and have rebuilt their lives.
@Petsaresafe you are a beautiful human.

Wildefish · Yesterday 19:12

Petsaresafe · 24/04/2026 18:28

Eight years ago I was on Mumsnet and there was a thread from a lady who was barricaded in her bedroom with her kids while her drunk husband was outside it. She had found a place in a refuge but was panicking about what to do with her pets. People all over the country were offering help. I was one of them. As it happened we were only about 30 miles away, and we had room to foster both the dog and the bunny, so the lady asked me to take them. Two days later I went to collect them. She had three young children, who were incredibly brave saying goodbye to their pets. Another Mumsnetter was coming to pick up the lady.

When the dog got to our house he was terrified of men, barking at every man he saw. He also dribbled pee all the time. Wishing a week he stopped both and glued himself to the side of our other, confident dog. The only time I have seen him do the wee thing since was when my father was slowly dying in hospital and I was crying a lot. He’s always been very worried if anyone is angry or crying.

He was 3 when he arrived. Last month he turned 11. He’s still happy and loving life. The bunny lived for another five years. His companion (that we got him) is still here and on her 5th companion - she’s like the Duracell bunny, keeping going as those around her go!

I lost touch with the family. They had so much going on. But if you’re out there I hope you see this and know he’s had a great life, still is!

This is the best thing I’ve read on MN. Well done for helping this poor women with her animals. Let’s hope she has been as happy as her dog and bunny.

MarxistMags · Yesterday 19:12

What a lovely follow up. All credit to you. I do hope the lady sees this and that her and her kids are well and having a great life. .

Livelovebehappy · Yesterday 19:13

I do remember. And I remember how so many mumsnetters rallied round. Although can’t quite believe it was 8 years ago! Absolutely truly amazing post. I hope the family came out the other side okay and that they’re now living their best life.

CAMHShelp · Yesterday 19:20

I remember the thread. What an amazing update. I hope the family see this

Florence212 · Yesterday 19:23

Happy to hear happy ending for the animals.Im sure they have wondered many times.
Lovely to hear so.many kind people around.Fingers crossed all turned out well for the original.poster xx

Buzyizzy217 · Yesterday 19:24

❤️❤️❤️

Mummyto2rugrats · Yesterday 19:31

I dont remember the story ( perimenopause i will blame) but amazing and i hope they see this. This is what mumsnet should be about. Fingers crossed tgw woman and her kids are safe

Merc123 · Yesterday 19:43

Incredible people do still exist! Hugs and thank yous from another pet rescuer (I had my last for 12 yrs, incl 10 mos he was stolen and half the city was searching) for your generosity and kindness. Hopefully the mum and kids are doing well and the shithead is getting his due..and that this is inspiration for others to step up and help or ask for help knowing people like you are out there ! 💕💐

OneDeftGreyFox · Yesterday 20:00

Hello wonderful OP and Hello mumsnet!

Just wanted to stick my oar in and make sure that mumsnet know that specific projects for wonderful humans like OP exist. Freedom is run by The Dog's Trust and there is a similar one for cats run by The Cat's Protection League, I think. Both for families/individuals looking for a temporary foster whilst they're fleeing domestic abuse. Crucially, they are free of charge so finances should be no barrier. The animals are placed with experienced fosterers and it can be for up to a year, depending on individual circumstances.

Apologies if this has already been mentioned upthread but im struggling with labrinythitis just now so haven't quite made it through all of the posts.

Such a lovely story to hear in a world that feels more than full of bad news. Thank you, OP, for sharing. X

Catwomanb · Yesterday 20:00

This is one of the loveliest posts I've read on here.

padampada · Yesterday 20:02

What a lovely update. I hope the family found safety and support

Pandersmum · Yesterday 20:06

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Cocktailglass · Yesterday 20:13

Wow what a wonderful update. Xx

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