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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
cathome64 · 24/04/2026 20:23

Oh my god that is a wonderful thing you've done for the dog and the family, thank you ❤

Openthecurtainsforgsake · 24/04/2026 20:23

By DD I meant DDog 😳

Endofyear · 24/04/2026 20:24

Reading this has made my day ❤️ what a beautiful kindness you have shown and seeing the joy in your lovely dog is testament to this. I do hope that the lady and her children have found peace and safety.

Agrumpyknitter · 24/04/2026 20:25

Thank you for your post. People can be so kind and this is so lovely to see how the pets have been cared for.

Jacopo · 24/04/2026 20:25

I remember the thread. This has made my day (and made me cry).

RavenRoise · 24/04/2026 20:26

Absolutely made my night this ❤I hope the family got settled and knew their pets were in good hands. U deserve all the luck in the world xxx

Petsaresafe · 24/04/2026 20:26

No it’s not Teeside or Rivington. Forgive me for not saying where it is. Back in the day, as the lady was posting about needing help and making plans to leave some relatives of the horrible husband clocked the thread and let him know, and nearly ruined the “escape” for everyone. Unbelievable twats that would actually help an abuser, but they did. So I always thought I’d keep everything private.

OP posts:
Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 24/04/2026 20:26

This is the best thing ever posted here. 🩷

ToastSoldiers · 24/04/2026 20:27

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.

I remember this story and this is so lovely, thank you for the beautiful update 💗

tsmainsqueeze · 24/04/2026 20:27

What a lovely update , you are very kind .

AnneKipankitoo · 24/04/2026 20:29

Thank you. What lovely photos.

Over40Overdating · 24/04/2026 20:31

Well this is just beautiful. People who can love frightened animals who have been abused or witnessed abuse into feeling safe and loved and happy again are the best people.

MoonWoman69 · 24/04/2026 20:31

Oh God that's made me cry. What a lovely update. Sending love and hugs to you and I hope the lady and her kids are doing well now 🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️

Mumofmarauders · 24/04/2026 20:31

Oh wow. This is one of the best things I’ve ever read on here.

ClaredeBear · 24/04/2026 20:31

Thank you for sharing. I’m so pleased you took them on ❤️

Raccoonsmacaroons · 24/04/2026 20:32

Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 24/04/2026 20:26

This is the best thing ever posted here. 🩷

This. How wonderful ❤️

meercat23 · 24/04/2026 20:33

I will remember this thread every time I am reading a thread where some people come to post just to pile on or criticise. This thread is what MN always was and always should be,

Thistooshallpass. · 24/04/2026 20:34

Such a lovely thing to do and I’m glad he’s had a wonderful life with you - I hope the family have also found a better place

MauriceTheMussel · 24/04/2026 20:35

What a goodest boy!

What a kind OP!

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 24/04/2026 20:36

That lady was truly blessed to have you and other fabulous people supporting her. You are a star!

Baabaapurplesheep · 24/04/2026 20:36

This is wonderful OP. I remember the thread well because I was up a lot feeding a newborn. It’s so nice to see this all these years later

Mygrandkidsaregreat · 24/04/2026 20:37

So lovely of you todo this and also to post a update.

tiptoethrutulips · 24/04/2026 20:37

Cannot love this post enough ❤

Empress13 · 24/04/2026 20:37

Oh that’s warmed my heart

Goldfsh · 24/04/2026 20:38

just thank you x