Islay Dog-Rescue

Islay Dog-Rescue Passionate about animals and dedicated to helping dogs who have found themselves in dog pounds. So, the seed was planted. What could I do? Could I?
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In the beginning...
Islay Dog Rescue came to be as a result of a tragedy. Two of my dogs (Maggie and Zara) were killed just before Christmas 2010. I tried several rescue organisations with the intent to rehome one, if not two dogs, but had great difficulty in doing so. It became apparent to me that there must be many, many good homes out there, crying out for dogs to love, only to be refused by re

scue organisations. My investigations led me to a website called Rescue Helpers Unite and it was there my eyes became truly opened. "Death row dogs" was very much a hidden subject, these dogs were kept right in the dark. RHU worked with pound pullers and rescues - negotiating rescue spaces for dogs who were waiting to be put to sleep in the dog pounds. This was something that didn't sit well with me so, fired up, I started Islay Dog Rescue. I wanted to save these dogs from the darkness and bring their plight into the light. I thought if I could rescue, assess, veterinary health check, treat for parasites and neuter then perhaps I could find them permanent, loving homes. I had no idea.......it was terrifying, what if I never found suitable homes? I started small and made links with a fabulous organisation in Lancashire called Homeless Hounds. I offered a rescue space to an older, brindle, staffie cross and brought him home. What a gentleman this boy turned out to be. His name was Bruce and he was about 6 or 7 years old. Anyway, once he was assessed and neutered I decided I couldn't part with him. So in essence, I failed & went back to the drawing board. Bruce lived with me until late 2019 when we said our last goodbyes. The next dog from Homeless Hounds was Oscar. This time he was put into foster care with my good friend Grace. She looked after him and assessed him over a period of about three weeks and then we found him a fantastic home where he was well cared for and loved to bits. Oscar lived for several years with a wonderful family in Dunoon before sadly passing away. His family returned to Islay Dog Rescue and adopted another dog. The ball was now rolling. Since then Islay Dog Rescue have rescued many dogs from both Homeless Hounds and All Dogs Matter (based in London). Around 2013 I was made aware of the dreadful situation of stray dogs in countries like Bosnia and Romania. A couple of my All Dogs Matter contacts became involved and, as a team, we decided to save some of these dogs. Since then we have saved the lives of many dogs from kill shelters in these countries and are proud to have done so. The conditions in these shelters can be nothing less than horrific and if Islay Dog Rescue can help then we do.

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If you would like to adopt a dog from us please visit our adoption page. The other side of rescue......


Whilst we would like to have a positive ending for all the dogs we work with, unfortunately occasionally this is not the case. We take our job very seriously and although our primary objective is to save the lives of dogs when they are at risk we also have a duty of care to other dogs and the general public. Sometimes, we take in dogs who have bite histories and work them them as best we can to find them a suitable home but very occasionally this cannot be achieved. Dogs who are deemed to be too aggressive to be rehomed safely (both for themselves or for the public) are euthanised. None of us at Islay Dog Rescue got involved in the rescue life so that we could put dogs to sleep but on top of having a duty of care to the public we must also abide by the law. We have never, and will never, claim to be a "no kill shelter" (an American term used to describe a facility that houses all dogs in a permanent kennel setting) but ultimately we do our very best.

15/01/2026

Nell, Dutch Herder, 1 year old

When Nell arrived, she wasn’t just scared she was completely shut down and on edge all at once.
Anxious. Stressed. Unfulfilled.
A dog who had learned that the world wasn’t safe.

She was reactive to dogs, to people, to noise, to movement.
Being in an indoor kennel surrounded by other dogs was just too much for her nervous system to cope with.

So we changed our approach, instead of expecting her to change.

We moved Nell to an outside kennel, away from the other dogs where it was much Quieter. More space. More breathing.

A tub of chicken was hung outside her kennel and every single time anybody passed her kennel, they stopped and threw her a tasty treat. Nell chose Candice as her safe person and Candice, only 16 years old, chose her.

Slowly, she started to learn that people coming near didn’t mean fear…
it meant good things.

Then came the hardest part her dog reactivity.
Instead of forcing interactions, we carefully chose one calm, balanced male dog.
One safe friend.

Group walks became another huge part of her healing.
No pressure to interact. No forced play.
Just walking alongside other dogs, learning that their presence didn’t mean danger.

Step by step, she learned calm coexistence.
Confidence grew. Reactivity softened.
And the world started to feel a little safer.”

At her pace, on her terms, she learned how to play again.
How to socialise. How to just be a dog.

And none of this happened by accident.
This is down to the team at Islay Dog Rescue — the patience, the consistency, the compassion shown every single day.

And a special shout out to one of our youngest team members, Candice who at just 16 years old worked with Nell continuously.
Never gave up.
Never showed fear.
Always showed up.

When Nell was at her hardest, the Islay dog rescue team stayed steady, calm, and kind.

Nell didn’t need fixing.
She needed understanding, structure, and time.

And this… this is what rescue really looks like.

Would anybody like to take part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk 2026 and raise badly needed funds for us? Please register at ww...
13/01/2026

Would anybody like to take part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk 2026 and raise badly needed funds for us? Please register at www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

Spaces go quickly so sign up soon!!

The boring bit :-
Entry fees can be deducted from donations raised.
We will happily provide a t-shirt for you to wear on the day (let us know well in advance)
If you need our bank details for Go Fund Me they are Islay Dog Rescue, Sort Code 82 19 74 Account Number 80114938
(Please don't ask me advice about Go Fund Me as it bamboozles me too!)

Available soon This is a very rare breed known as the "lesser spotted cheeky monkey". The breed characteristics include...
12/01/2026

Available soon

This is a very rare breed known as the "lesser spotted cheeky monkey". The breed characteristics include points such as :-
1. Demands cuddles
2. Snores loudly
3. LOVES a game of tug
4. Requires 1 acre of bed space
5. Always alert
6. Possesses fabulous sense of humour

Watch this space....

11/01/2026

Everyone who sponsored a kennel in 2025
You should have your pack now
See 1st comment

08/01/2026

Job Opportunity

Experienced Administrator / Kennel Support (Part-Time)
20 hours per week (initially)
£14 per hour
We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Administrator / Kennel Support to join our rescue team. This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who is organised, dependable, and, above all, has a genuine love of dogs and a passion for rescue.

About the Role
This position combines administrative duties with hands-on kennel support. You will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our operations while supporting the welfare of the dogs in our care. You will be required to participate in both onsite and offsite training supported by ourselves.
A commitment to continual learning and development is essential.

Key Responsibilities
General administrative duties, including record keeping and organisation
Supporting kennel operations and assisting where needed
Communicating professionally and warmly with staff, volunteers, and the public
Helping to lead the team by offering support, guidance, and direction when required
Organising rotas, group walks and assisting with fundraising events.
Maintaining high standards of organisation, efficiency, and care

About You
A strong team player who is reliable and dependable
Excellent timekeeping and a strong work ethic
Personable, approachable, and confident in dealing with people
Established experience working with a variety of dogs plus a sound knowledge their needs
Highly organised with good administrative skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
A quick thinker who can adapt to a fast-paced environment
Happy to take the lead when needed and support others
Most importantly, you have a true passion for dog rescue and animal welfare

What We Offer
A meaningful role within a dedicated rescue team
Funded Training (both on and off site)
The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of dogs in need

If you are organised, compassionate, and driven by a love of dogs and rescue work, we would love to hear from you.

Please email CV to Lorraine at [email protected]

Great news! Our "Sponsor a Kennel" initiative was so incredibly successful last year that we're thrilled to announce it'...
06/01/2026

Great news! Our "Sponsor a Kennel" initiative was so incredibly successful last year that we're thrilled to announce it's back and bigger than ever! For an affordable £10 per month, you can become a vital part of our mission to provide a safe and loving haven for our beloved dogs. Your monthly contribution unlocks a fantastic package of benefits, including a beautifully framed certificate to proudly display, keeping you connected with regular email updates on the dogs who have occupied your sponsored kennel, and delightful e-cards to brighten your inbox on Christmas, Valentine's Day, and your birthday. Plus, you'll receive an exclusive email invitation to our highly anticipated Summer BBQ Day – a chance to enjoy games, delicious food, and fun-filled activities, all while meeting the wonderful dogs you're helping to support. As a special thank you, you'll also receive a unique and wonderful Islay-themed gift. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of these deserving animals by visiting https://www.islaydogrescue.org.uk/support-us/shop/sponsor-a-kennel/ today!

04/01/2026

Address

Glen Islay Farm
Cumnock
KA182

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+447876561545

Website

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Our Story

Islay Dog Rescue is operated by Lorraine Jardine from Glen Islay Farm, a small-holding near Cumnock, on the South-West Coast of Scotland. Lorraine is passionate about animals and dedicated to helping dogs who have found themselves in dog pounds. Specifically, rescuing dogs who are on "death row".