Darling Dogs of May

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Thatcham
Darling Dogs of May

A secure dog activity paddock in the Newbury, Thatcham and Basingstoke area.

06/01/2026

Bit chilly! 🥶🥶🥶 But we're still open!

Happy New Year everyone!

25/12/2025

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Much love,

The DD Team 🎄🦃🎁🐕‍🦺

01/11/2025

A HUGE THANK YOU! 🐕‍🦺🥰🐕

We wanted to take the time to thank all of our Paddock and Parkour users that took the time to share their lovely stories and accounts of rescuing their gorgeous dogs! If you've missed any of it, be sure to check out our previous posts where over 20 people shared their heartwarming stories.

The aim of this initiative was mainly to highlight the reality of rescuing dogs and to hopefully dispel some common myths.

They're not all lunatics. They're not all lost causes. They're not all uncontrollable and damaged beyond repair.

And lest we forget all of the hard work that many rescue centres put in to train these dogs before they reach their new homes.

So once again, thank you to everyone that has been involved. We've absolutely loved hearing about the various stories.

And to the owners of these wonderful rescue dogs, it is truly terrific and you should be proud of what you've done for a dog or dogs in need.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Much love,

DD team

24/10/2025

Such a cutey! Meet Paddy!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Donna

Dog(s) name:
Paddy

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:
Stockenchurch

Dog’s age when rescued:
3 months

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Paddy was a puppy, but hadn’t spent any time indoors, we slowly introduced washing machines, hoovers etc.

More so we don’t know Paddys breed, his mother was a jack russell, but he looks nothing like a jack russell.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
We assume Paddy is a Patterdale, we’ve had to adjust his training and centre what excits him. It’s been a journey learning his breed.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Be prepared for anything

15/10/2025

Meet Nova! What a cute smile!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Amy Russell

Dog(s) name:
Nova

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
4

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Nova was quite unsure of her new surroundings at the beginning. She wasn’t very confident but had obviously been well trained and responded well to some commands. She was very quiet initially but did love a cuddle!

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
We have only had her for 3 months. She still loves a cuddle! She is now more confident and pushing the boundaries a little! She is however being a very good girl in her training sessions and enjoys agility exercises! Obedience and recall... a little hit and miss but getting there! She loves her ball, tug toy and going in the car. Definately already part of the furniture and has made out home feel complete again after we lost our previous rescue, our baby boy Dudley 2 and a half years ago.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Research the breed you are thinking of rescuing, they all have different personalities. Be prepared to give them time.. both to settle in and when the time is right to give them training. Be patient with them, be invested in them but set clear boundaries. Be consistent and give them a good structured routine. We know Nova’s background so we were prepared for potential challenges.. that isn’t always the case with rescue dogs and they can’t tell us what happened to them before they found thier forever home.

11/10/2025

Meet Harley! What a gorgeous coat he has!
Dog Owner’s Name:
Emily Applegate

Dog(s) name:
Harley

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:
Hands 4 Paws

Dog’s age when rescued:
1

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Timid, shy.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
A lovable maniac.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Be patient and fully research how it will change your life. We wouldn’t be without her but it hadn’t been easy.

02/10/2025

Such a cutey! Meet Winston!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Dean Chamberlain

Dog(s) name:
Winston

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
4 years 8 months

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Fantastic, basic commands a little rusty but we are getting there!

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Changed my life; absolutely marvellous to have him and hes a real character. We now have a routine and hes brilliant

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
A little patience is essential for any new family member isnt it? Would recommend a rescue if you have the time and patience to give a dog.

28/09/2025

What a name! Meet Ernie!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Chris Clements

Dog(s) name:
Ernie

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
4 months

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Bouncy and full of life and puppy energy.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Exactly the same, but loves to nap.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Consider how much of your current life will change, stop or be restricted because of a dog

25/09/2025

What a smile! Meet Frankie!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Michaela

Dog(s) name:
Frankie

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
6 months

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Frankie was really scared especially of men and extremely reactive as he was locked in his cage his whole life. Frankie was also very ill as he has a cancerous lump on his ear and problems with some of his organs.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Frankie is two today and is much better now and cancer free! He is still reactive, which is why we love the private fields so much, but he is a fantastic dog who has so much love and kisses to give.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
If you have the time and space to rescue a dog it’s hard work but the love you receive is worth it 10 times over! I couldn’t imagine my life without my boy!

20/09/2025

Such a handsome boy! Meet Duke 🤴!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Stuart and Megan

Dog(s) name:
Duke

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
3yrs 11mths

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
We adopted our boy at the end of March this year, and he just wanted to be loved. Outside the home he was very overstimulated and nervous reactive to other dogs - it became clear that he didn’t get the socialising and work needed since being a puppy, and we were determined to help him with this.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
In the last 5 and a half months, we have worked continuously with our boy at he has really cemented himself as part of our family, he has really come out of his shell. Duke is incredibly affectionate, goofy, mischievous (hide the socks!), and is still learning how to cope/adjust to dogs - he is making so much progress at group classes and is learning how to make friends with other dogs.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
To be able to help a dog in need, to give them a loving home and encouraging them to flourish is SO rewarding and also makes your heart feel full. When you adopt a dog with baggage and trauma it can sometimes feel overwhelming on tough days - but in the right home and with the right family, the continued work, training, devotion and support pays off. To see Duke come so far and grow in such a short time, and be with a family that adores him, means everything. We have more and more good days, and are determined to keep going!

17/09/2025

Meet Koru! What a great name!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Amy

Dog(s) name:
Koru

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
9weeks

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
Very quiet, scared, timid, and cuddly, always needed to be held, or cuddled, and did not like to be alone at all. 2kg, and as small as the palm of my hand.

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
The kindest, funniest and fun loving young man. He loves to walk, play, be around others, play with his best friend (one of our rescue cats who also comes on walks with us). He reduces anxiety for the whole family, but in particular my son with Autism and Learning disabilities. He is now going through training as an assistance dog as he is so placid and calm, whilst creating a safe space for all around.
He loves to be involved, and join in, but will happily also stay in bed (under the duvet, with a cuddly toy and head on a pillow). He just loves to be around people, and learn, and enjoys training sessions, and using his mind.

He was absolutely the piece to this family that we didn’t know we were missing. He’s my best friend and companion.

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Have time, patience and a lot of love. Do not try to rush them, and try to empathise with how they may be feeling and experiencing life.

13/09/2025

Meet snoozing Bonnie!

Dog Owner’s Name:
Jenny

Dog(s) name:
Bonnie

Rescue Centre / Form of Rescue:

Dog’s age when rescued:
1 year

What your rescue dog(s) was like with to begin with:
She had been very ill when handed into Dogs Trust care. Over a period of 4 months with numerous vet visits, the rehoming centre got to the bottom of her illness, and we took her home

What your rescue dog(s) is like now:
Healthy, lively, very affectionate and lots of fun

Any general tips you’d give to anyone thinking about rescuing a dog:
Do it. Adopt don’t shop!!!
There is always back up (from the rescue centre) when you rescue.

Address

Darling Buds Of May
Thatcham
RG198LA

Website

http://www.darlingdogsofmay.co.uk/

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