My name is: Zola
I came from: The streets of Cyprus
Now I live in: Buckinghamshire
My favourite things are: Squeaky toys, large open spaces to run, playing with my big brother and curling up next to my humans

Zola’s story

My partner and I remember the day we first saw a photo of our Zola. The charity had sent an email to their mailing list with lots of beautiful dogs needing homes but we were immediately drawn to her big brown eyes.

Zola was dumped by the bins as a puppy and left to die. Anaemic, emaciated and all alone Underdog thankfully found her and saved her life. I remember looking at her profile and reading that she needed a garden and another dog to play with and learn from and knowing we’d be a great match.

After the initial checks and home visit we were officially accepted! During this time Zola was staying at a foster home in Cyprus with lots of other dogs. Occasionally we would get updates from the charity in the form of videos and photos, which made our week! We watched her grow and find her confidence from afar, until it was time for her flight home to England.

When we collected her from the pick-up point, my partner got the first glimpse of her in her little carrier and we both had a sob. She was much tinier than the photos had made out to be. She was plonked her into my arms and I felt so relieved she was finally home safe, where she could be loved and pampered, like all dogs deserve.

Fast forward a year and she Is thriving here with us. Our 8-year-old Golden Retriever and her are inseparable, which is everything we hoped for and more. She has a BIG personality and is full of beans so can be a handful at times, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We are currently busy working on training, particularly recall and walking on the lead as she is a typical hound and gets fixed onto all the exciting smells when on a walk. Adopting an Underdog has been such a wonderful, fulfilling experience. I cannot recommend it enough, especially if you’ve been considering expanding your family.

We are forever grateful to Underdog for bringing our girl home safe and for all the incredible work they do, giving thousands of dogs a second chance at a happy life.

- Meg