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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
IHeartFridays · 24/04/2026 19:20

That dog looks like the bestest, goodest boy who is loving life!!

JulietteHasAGun · 24/04/2026 19:20

I do remember that thread. What a lovely update and what a kind person you are. Did you ever suspect he might not be going back to them?

viques · 24/04/2026 19:21

Petsaresafe · 24/04/2026 18:56

There you go - there were so many lovely Mumsnet people offering help with the animals. I just happened to be the right fit. We’d just lost one of our labradors, so we had a Labrador sized bed and rugs etc, plus we were rural and had loads of space. Our remaining lab was broken hearted to have lost his bestie, so he got a lot out of fostering this dog - as the fostered dog did from him. That other lab has long gone too, now it’s this dog and our little one, who is even older than him now.

Sometimes these things are just written in the stars, right time, right place.

What happened to the family was awful, but I am so pleased it came together for their pets.

painauchoc512 · 24/04/2026 19:22

Love this ❤️❤️

Dizzydrizzy · 24/04/2026 19:22

I remember that. Vicar to the rescue across half the country

Linenspots · 24/04/2026 19:23

This is just such a lovely read 💕

dailyconniptions · 24/04/2026 19:24

Absolutely wonderful OP and what gorgeous photos! Thank you so much for your lovely post.Flowers

MississippiCroc · 24/04/2026 19:25

This is wonderful.

Notthegodofsmallthings · 24/04/2026 19:25

Thank you so much for this lovely update, OP. What a comfort you must have given that family in their time of need ❤

tara66 · 24/04/2026 19:26

Thank you OP. You're an inspiration!

BePoisedPlumUser · 24/04/2026 19:27

Wow! What a lovely story! 🥰

TwoBagsOfCompost · 24/04/2026 19:28

Petsaresafe · 24/04/2026 19:18

It’s not that he feared crying, he just emphasised. If I am very upset about something he is there with his head on my knee, trying to make me feel better. Dogs are awesome like that. I try not to cry when he’s around. I think he probably has done his share of that.

Hmm. Just got something in my eye.

🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

theresnoonequitelikegrandma · 24/04/2026 19:28

Not sure who’s slicing onions on MN tonight but this has really warmed my heart! Thank you OP - the spirit of Mumsnet! 💕

User33538216 · 24/04/2026 19:29

What a wonderful story OP. I hope the mum sees this and that she’s lived a happier life since. You are amazing 😍

Hettyhopeless · 24/04/2026 19:31

How lovely! 🥰
I hope that the lady and her children went on to have such a happy life as their pets.

OnePiece23 · 24/04/2026 19:31

❤️❤️✨✨

User33538216 · 24/04/2026 19:31

I have a rescue cat who spent the first five months of her life in a house full of domestic violence. She trembled with fear when she first heard my husband’s voice.

That dog will forever be grateful to you.

I’m crying into my dinner 😂

Marvellousmeadows · 24/04/2026 19:33

That’s made my day ❤️

FoxAches · 24/04/2026 19:34

Mumsnet at its best. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Mycatsrulex2 · 24/04/2026 19:34

What a great person you are op! ❤️

Doyouthinktheyknow · 24/04/2026 19:35

What a beautiful thread and what an incredible thing to do, thanks so much for sharing @Petsaresafe♥️

TheBlueKoala · 24/04/2026 19:35

Petsaresafe · 24/04/2026 19:10

This was the pair of them when he first came. We already had the little dog, and they’re great friends now too, but the labs really drew strength from each other.

They are/were adorable together. And you are such a beautiful person for doing this. I would love to get adopted by you as well- you live in such a beautiful environment with your sweet pets. Thank you for making the world a little bit nicer to live in.

UnhappyHobbit · 24/04/2026 19:36

What an absolutely lovely ending ❤️ thank you for sharing this update and for your massive heart!

Justgorgeous · 24/04/2026 19:36

Wow - don’t know you, but proud of you. 🌟

EstherGreenwood63 · 24/04/2026 19:37

I remember. Thank you so much for the wonderful update. Those photos are utterly precious. 💐🩵

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