26/08/2026
Today is International Dog Day! To celebrate we’re shining the spotlight on Rachel, one of our volunteers and what the day means to her.
Q. We know you absolutely love dogs, especially spaniels, but what does International Dog Day mean to you?
A. It’s a day to not only reflect on how special dogs are, but to raise awareness of charities, like Spaniel Aid, who support them through rescue, rehoming, long term foster and provide much needed medical care to the dogs coming in to the charity. And being part of their journey and educating new dog parents on the responsibility, needs and time commitment these wonderful dogs deserve.
Q. Why did you decide to volunteer with Spaniel Aid?
A. I wanted to give some of my time to help spaniels in need, and their owners too. Volunteering is very close to my heart and to help these lovely dogs means the world to me.
Q. How many dogs have you fostered?
A. I joined Spaniel Aid in October 2023, and since then, as a family, we have fostered 18 dogs and haven’t fail fostered (yet!). We have four spaniels of our own so our home is busy, but they all help each foster dog with socialising skills, recall and being part of our loving dog family. It is very hard and emotional when our foster dogs move to their new homes but very rewarding at the same time.
Q. What have some of the stand out moments been?
A. We, as a family, love fostering and love every foster dog we welcome into our home. Some of them need extra care and attention like Teddy and Molly, they were with us for quite a long time. It’s so special to get updates on how they are all getting on now, and keeping in touch does make it easier when they move to their forever homes. Once each foster dog has settled in we love to catch up with them when we can.
Q. And we couldn’t catch up with you without reflecting on your skydive last year to raise an amazing £4,900, and how proud of you we all are! Remind us what that experience was like.
A. Terrifying and really out of my comfort zone! At the time I was fostering Herbie, an energetic boy who was very loved by his previous family. Sadly, their circumstances changed so he came to Spaniel Aid. I did it for all the dogs in Spaniel Aid’s care, and I really had to remind myself as I was thrown out the plane, 15,000 feet in the air! Our vet bills exceed £40,000 each month so it helped a little.
This year’s fundraising was a lot less adrenaline packed, I recently hosted a Mad Spaniels Tea Party, so I stayed firmly on the ground, friends and dogs all around, with a cup of tea and cake in hand!
👉 Meet our available dogs: https://spanielaid.co.uk/available-dogs/
👉 Interested in fostering: https://spanielaid.co.uk/available-dogs/
👉 How we use your donations: https://spanielaid.co.uk/donate/