Beijing, Paris, Wendover! First rescue dog to travel from Chinese meat trade since the pandemic has a new home in Wendover, Bucks

The first rescue dog to arrive in the UK from the Chinese dog meat trade since the pandemic is now enjoying a happy life in Wendover.

Three year-old Debbie Hairy, who was saved from the notorious Yulin Dog Meat Festival, arrived in the UK a month ago, and is loving walks in the Wendover Woods after being saved by the NoToDogMeat charity.

The adorable spitz-type pup, now lives with Wendover locals Peter and Hayley Finch, who are planning to take her out and about to spread awareness for  the charity.

Hayley, 38, who works as press officer for NoToDogMeat and adopted Debbie after working on the story of the dog’s arrival on the first leg of her journey from Beijing to Paris, said: “We are so excited to give Debbie a new home, and by sharing her story, Debbie will help raise money for other dogs to come over from China too.

“NoToDogMeat currently has 750 dogs in its Chinese shelters, and all of them need loving homes which are not always possible in China because of size restrictions and an unwillingness to adopt.

“Debbie absolutely loves Wendover and can’t believe that she now has a garden to laze around in, she also loves a little piece of cheese and having her tummy tickled, a far cry from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival where she was almost slaughtered to become soup.”

Debbie started her new life in the UK, by appearing on TV news to promote the charity’s work, and the calm and loving dog is enjoying being the centre of attention at events including last weekend’s Aylesbury Vegan Fair, where she wore her NoToDogMeat bandana with pride.

But she has seen some terrible things on her journey to safety, and struggled at first with trusting men, after being brutalised by meat trade butchers in China.

Charity worker Peter, 53, said: “It was hard at first as Debbie did not like me at all, and as a dog lover it felt sad when she didn’t want to interact with me. But over time we have built a trusting bond, which makes it all the more special.”

Last week, Debbie also took a big step, when she attended the newly opened Clips grooming parlour at Dobbies Garden Centre in Wendover, where caring stylist Courtney Hearsum provided some much needed coat care, a first experience for the brave canine.

Hayley added: “We have been completely blown away by Debbie’s strength and resilience. She has been so willing to try new things, and it’s wonderful to see her interact with her safe and happy life in such a wholehearted way. Courtney at Clips was fantastic and understood that Debbie needed patience and kindness, and now she looks a million dollars.”

The NoToDogMeat charity was started in 2009, after London lawyer Julia de Cadenet witnessed for herself the horrors of the meat trade.

The charity empowers people in countries with a meat trade who want to make a difference, and provides safe shelter for dogs who have been saved from an unspeakable fate.

NoToDogMeat also holds United Nations Special Consultative Status, providing regular reports on its findings to help outlaw the inhumane and unsanitary slaughter of dogs and cats around the world.

When the pandemic struck in 2020 the charity was forced to put its rehoming scheme on hold, but now hopes are high that more westerners will look to adopt a meat trade rescue like Debbie.

Julia said: “We are so happy that Debbie has found her safe and loving forever home, and her progress is simply amazing. This dog has been through so much, but like all our rescues the strength they show puts humanity to shame.

“Debbie is the tip of the iceberg though, and we urgently need people to help us bring more dogs to their happy lives, whether it is by registering to adopt themselves, or by making a small donation.”

You can find out more about Debbie’s progress on Instagram by going to @debbiehairydog

To find out more about NoToDogMeat, to make a donation and to learn about adoption go to www.NoToDogMeat.com