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Do you remember this Mumsnet story…? Update

442 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
11
Tikitaka20 · 25/04/2026 22:33

What a gorgeous gorgeous dog and rabbit, both living their best lives!! Thanks so much for taking them in and giving them fabulous lives, OP 😍😍

Pearl97 · 25/04/2026 22:36

This is just the sort of thread I needed to read today.

it’s given me goosebumps! Kindness always. There are kind people everywhere as I tell my daughter. Well done OP, I’m glad the dog has given you so much joy and vice verse xx

cupofteaandabook · 25/04/2026 22:40

This warmed my heart!

Wonderlandpeony · 25/04/2026 22:41

Wow, sounds like your dog hit the jackpot in the end, how lovely.

ApricotTulip · 25/04/2026 22:43

Wonderlandpeony · 25/04/2026 22:41

Wow, sounds like your dog hit the jackpot in the end, how lovely.

He did. It's so lucky for him OP saw the post.

Putyourownlifejacketonfirst · 25/04/2026 23:04

Not to jump on your post but… 30 years ago as newly weds we adopted a greyhound.
I was walking with our pet in a town 15 miles from our home and bumped into its original mum and two young children.

The mum had separated from the dad and couldn’t take the dog but it was lovely to tell them that their dog was being loved and that they could be happy that it had a good life.

LalaPaloosa2024 · 25/04/2026 23:06

This is so lovely. You’re so kind to have stepped in like that and to post these photos now. I hope the family sees them. Bless you.

RunningOnEmptyish · 25/04/2026 23:09

DaisyDooley · 24/04/2026 19:07

That is probably the nicest post I have ever read on here.
Ever. And I’ve read thousands. My girls send love.

I think so too! Love your sweet girls. ❤️

Jane143 · 25/04/2026 23:23

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!

Wow, this is amazing, fantastic story x

ForCosyLion · 25/04/2026 23:48

This thread serves as a great reminder of how badly domestic violence affects not just the main target but everyone around them and reverberates down the years. Those poor children, losing their beloved pets, and the poor pets themselves. They must have been so confused. I hope all abusive men have their penises drop off. 😡

Mumtobabyhavoc · 25/04/2026 23:58

Well jfc @Petsaresafe I've got tears now. 🩷

Also hoping that mum and children went on to better lives. 🩷🩷🩷

NewGirlInTown · 26/04/2026 00:03

You’re a wonderful person, OP.
Thank you for doing all of that for a woman in need.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

IsadoraJar · 26/04/2026 00:04

We need to hear more of these stories/posts!

momtoboys · 26/04/2026 01:05

I remember that story. You have a wonderful heart. I’m sure your help relieved so much stress.

Firethehorse · 26/04/2026 06:25

So lovely OP. Probably the best thread I’ve read. Just hope the family were able to find the same sort of peace and happiness you bestowed upon their pets. ❤️🌻

Dumpspirospero · 26/04/2026 06:30

Wonderful post and a lovely update. It’s great to hear that with time, love and care the dog has settled well. I hope the children have too. It’s lovely to read something so heartwarming on here. Well done OP. It’s no small thing that you did and not everyone would have done that. ❤️

BeethovenNinth · 26/04/2026 07:22

Thank you 🩷

GloiredeDijon · 26/04/2026 07:34

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!

Wow!
Thank you. This has restored my faith in humanity (and made me cry) which has been on it’s last legs in these awful times.
You are wonderful and the world needs more people like you.

duckfordinner · 26/04/2026 09:39

The power of Mumsnet! Love the story and your kindness OP.

Letskeepcalm · 26/04/2026 09:47

Brought tears to my eyes.
Wonderful

stormsurfer · 26/04/2026 10:05

What a wonderful update. You did a wonderful thing!

Petsaresafe · 26/04/2026 11:46

Thank you everyone. I’m still embarrassed!
One more photo from the day they arrived. The bunny ended up with much better accommodation- we were bunny novices then. For a while the bunnies lived in a stable, and the family’s bunny used to eat his hay with our horse every morning.

i really hope the family see this. I had sent them this, and some of the other photos previously.

Do you remember this Mumsnet story…?  Update
Do you remember this Mumsnet story…?  Update
OP posts:
PhaedraTwo · 26/04/2026 12:15

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.

Oh that photo with the stick.! Wonderful

Rescuedog12 · 26/04/2026 13:19

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!

Oh that made me cry. .too often animals suffer when there's shouting and crying in the home.i still feel guilty that it took me 5 years to get rid of my abusive husband, although the last 3 years were more peaceful as I slept on the sofa ..Thank you for taking in the dog and bunny and giving them a lovely life..
I hope the lady went on to have a peaceful and happy life. 💞

Whattodo1610 · 26/04/2026 15:06

Absolutely lovely ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I really hope the lady is still here on mumsnet and sees this, I hope her and her children have found love and happiness ❤️❤️❤️❤️