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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
thewonderfulmrswatson · 24/04/2026 19:59

What a woman you are. He is a beautiful boy, I love labradors.
I hope his old family are living free from the vermin who tormented them. Happy & carefree 💜💜💜

WheresMyHatGone · 24/04/2026 20:01

Just wanted to say, don't be embarrassed, you're an absolute angel and the world needs more people like you.

Mary46 · 24/04/2026 20:02

Op I am in tears reading this. A lovely update from you. Lovely photos

Abustedflush · 24/04/2026 20:03

@Petsaresafe you are just an awful viper! Admit it and own it 🤣

sharkstale · 24/04/2026 20:03

Oh wow. I don't know the other thread, but this is amazing ❤️ what a beautiful, happy dog

Openthecurtainsforgsake · 24/04/2026 20:03

I remember! @Petsaresafe I love you.

I so needed this story. It’s given me a little joy during a very difficult time. Those photos are gorgeous. It’s amazing that DD made so much progress within a week.

Well done you and Thank You.

I hope those kids and their mum are okay.

there’s lots of stories I’d love to hear progress on.

PhilOPastry62 · 24/04/2026 20:06

I don't remember the original story, but what a lovely update. Thank you, OP for your kindness when you were needed.

I wonder how the woman and her children got on? I do hope they were able to find safety, security and happiness. I can't imagine what they must have gone through, and to have to leave their pets behind on top of everything else must have been heartbreaking. I hope somehow they're able to see this post and know their dog and rabbit have had good lives. I'll be thinking of them all tonight.

EndlessSeaViews · 24/04/2026 20:06

I’ve had a shit week and this has lifted my spirits, what a wonderful person you are op. We too rescued a dog from a crappy DV situation, hard work but we love him.

I have been on MN for 21 years but sadly don’t remember the op but I truly hope the mum and her children are thriving and safe.

BeckyBloom · 24/04/2026 20:07

OP your update gave me shivers… I hope that family is ok. Your kindness is outstanding.

CollaterlieSistersSister · 24/04/2026 20:08

Bloody lovely.

CrescentMoonLanding · 24/04/2026 20:09

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

LOCOJDS · 24/04/2026 20:09

How lucky the dog and rabbit got you as a family. such a lovely thing you did.

LasVegass · 24/04/2026 20:13

What a lovely thing to do.

PickledMuffin · 24/04/2026 20:14

Love this. Hope the family are doing OK.

Letchworthcoffeemum · 24/04/2026 20:14

I remember it op

Vivisays · 24/04/2026 20:14

❤️❤️

Gloriia · 24/04/2026 20:15

Aww the poor traumatised dog dribbling wee everywhere and now he's had years of a happy, secure life ❤️
Lovely thing to do op, I hope the person you helped and her dc have had a similarly happy ending.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 24/04/2026 20:15

Ive not read the full thread so I apologise if this has already been said but there are charities who find foster carers for pets belonging to people leaving domestic abuse. As with this thread the fosterer cares for the pet until their owner is settled and can have them back.

So if this thread has inspired anyone to do that, please do get in touch with one whether to donate or apply to foster.

Eg there's Endeavor Project in Bolton who are always looking for fosterers (I have fostered for them in the past)
https://endeavourproject.org.uk/

Domestic Abuse and Violence Support Services - Endeavour

Registered charity in Bolton providing a range of services to help people and their pets who are victims or survivors of domestic abuse and violence.

https://endeavourproject.org.uk

Wedonotcare · 24/04/2026 20:15

Love this ❤️

HelloItsMeYourRobotVaccuum · 24/04/2026 20:16

Gorgeous dog and what a nice update

climbintheback · 24/04/2026 20:16

Is that Rivington?

EdinaMonsoonsWardrobe · 24/04/2026 20:19

Brought a tear to the eye this did. Well done OP xx

Ukholidaysaregreat · 24/04/2026 20:21

🐶🐶🐶💖💖💖

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 24/04/2026 20:22

I’m crying. I’m praying the Mum and Children you helped are now as happy as their (well now your adorable pets are). There is definitely more goodness and kindness in the world than badness and cruelty.

ThePlantPotter · 24/04/2026 20:22

What an amazing thing you did ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ I hope the family in question are happy and thriving now. Wishing you many more happy years with your pup 🥰