When Peggy arrived at Teckels as a stray back in February 2025, we knew very little about her past.
What we did know told its own story – she was full of milk, a clear sign she’d been bred from and had puppies somewhere out there. Another dog used for breeding, then discarded.
But from day one, Peggy had other ideas about her future.
This bouncy, playful girl became a firm favourite with our team almost immediately.
She’s an absolute clown – full of personality, always ready to entertain her handlers with her antics, and utterly devoted to anyone who’ll give her attention.
A Rocky Start
Not long after arriving, Peggy gave us all a terrible fright. She went off her food (very unlike her!), became lethargic, and developed a high temperature. We rushed her to the vets where she was diagnosed with pyometra – a life-threatening infection.
It was touch and go. After everything she’d already been through, we were terrified of losing her. Thankfully, our team got her the help she needed just in time. Peggy pulled through, was neutered to prevent it happening again, and bounced back to her usual mischievous self.
The Cleverest Girl in the Kennels
Peggy absolutely loves her walks (though we won’t mention her fondness for eating rabbit poo along the way!). She’s a champion at zoomies, loves a good roll around in the grass, and has the most fantastic recall.
She’s incredibly clever too – perhaps too clever. We actually had to move her to a different kennel after she figured out how to pull the spring-loaded latch and let herself out. She was found happily wandering the corridor, saying hello to her friends!
Training is her absolute favourite thing. It’s the perfect way to tire out that busy brain of hers, and she picks up new skills remarkably quickly.
A Year of Waiting
Despite being such a wonderful dog, Peggy has now been with us for a whole year. She’s had only a handful of applications in all that time. One seemed perfect – she’d met the family, everything was going brilliantly – but then it fell through, leaving our girl back at square one.
As the months have passed, we’ve watched Peggy become increasingly unhappy in the kennel environment. She finds spending time in our ‘home room’ incredibly rewarding – it’s where she can properly decompress and have her best sleeps, cuddled up with staff on the sofa. That’s definitely her happy place.
Our team often take her to the staff accommodation for sleepovers, where she’s the perfect houseguest. She just wants to be part of a family.
Devastating News
Recently, we noticed Peggy had started limping on her walks and in her kennel. We tried rest and pain relief, but things only got worse. Our bouncy girl was reluctant to play, hesitant to jump up for cuddles. We knew something was seriously wrong.
The X-ray results were devastating. At just 3.5 years old, Peggy has been diagnosed with cruciate disease in both knees, along with the beginnings of osteoarthritis. While apparently common in her breed, it was a huge blow for such a young, active dog – and for everyone here who loves her.
Without treatment, Peggy’s quality of life would continue to decline, and she wouldn’t have the long, happy life she deserves. For us, that simply wasn’t an option.
Giving Peggy Her Best Chance
We’ve made the decision to go ahead with surgery on both of Peggy’s knees. It’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly – the total cost will be around £5,600, and she faces a long road to recovery.
The surgery won’t cure her completely, but it will make a huge difference to her quality of life, her life expectancy, her chances of finally finding a forever home, and most importantly, her happiness.
After being bred from, dumped, and then constantly overlooked, how could we not help this gorgeous girl?
How You Can Help Peggy
Could you foster Peggy during her recovery?
Peggy needs a calm, experienced foster home where she can recuperate properly.
This would mean someone at home for most of the day who can keep her company, ensure she gets her pain medication on time, help with gentle recovery exercises, and most importantly, give her all the TLC she deserves.
If you could offer Peggy the quiet, loving space she needs to heal, please get in touch.
Could you offer Peggy her forever home?
Even better – could you be Peggy’s happy ending? Adopting Peggy would mean she never has to go back into kennels after her surgery. She could recover in her own home, with her own family, knowing she’s finally found her people.
Contact us to enquire about adopting Peggy.
Could you help with Peggy’s treatment costs?
Peggy’s surgery alone will cost more than our entire vet bill from last month. If you’re able to make a donation towards her care, you’ll be helping us not only give Peggy her best chance, but also continue helping the many other animals who need us too.
