Our History
Staffie and Stray was founded in April 2014 and started out with one woman’s passion to make a change in the world with the mission to save the Staffies.
Before Staffie and Stray Rescue began, Calli previously had a crossbreed and a Staffie.
Calli had previously volunteered at other rescue centers and began to discover just how many Staffies found themselves unwanted and unclaimed in pounds. She also noticed how people would cross the road to avoid her when walking her own little Staffie, Kira. There certinaly was a huge negative stigma surrounding the Staffordshire bull terrier.
She decided to adopt another dog and found Kenzie, a male Staffie who found himself unwanted at a pound. After going through all the relevant necessary checks, Kenzie arrived home but had a lot of troubles adjusting to what many would only know as their normal life. He had food guarding issues and had no idea how to walk on a lead properly!
After seeking advice with the pound/rescue, Calli was shocked when they offered to swap Kenzie for another dog! She was only looking for a bit of help and guidance on how to deal with the issue at hand. Fortunately this never happened and Kenzie still lives happily with Calli today and the rest of her pack!
Something wasn’t sitting right with Calli and she just couldn’t relax and ignore the cruelty that she became aware of and the extent of the problem that exists.
And the rest is history…
Understanding the Breed
Staffie and Stray Rescue (SSR) specialise in taking in more difficult dogs that are considered in the rescue world harder to rehome. Many of our dogs come from the pounds, they are dumped and unclaimed and therefore more often than not, we never really know any history on the dogs, where they have come from or what they have been through. Other dogs may not come through the pound, but may be poorly socialized in their previous life and therefore may not be friendly towards other animals. Because of this, we are predominantly looking for pet free homes for our dogs. This isn’t a rule for all our dogs, but applicants must be mindful that there is a waiting list if you are looking for a dog that can go off lead, play with other dogs, live with cats etc.
As SSR have grown bigger and busier as a rescue, there is a lot of awareness of our existence and we get a lot of applicants who are experienced with the breed coming forward to adopt. In this respect, our dog’s don’t tend to be waiting around too long to find a forever home!
Staffie and Stray Rescue also campaign to help change people’s negative attitudes towards Staffordshire bull terriers, who are often portrayed as dangerous dogs in the media. Through campaigning, we hope to encourage more people to rehome the breed. The Staffordshire bull terrier is known to have the nickname “the nanny dog” as a result of the breeds affinity with children.
The rescue also works with local dog wardens and the best dog behavioural therapists in the area to ensure that all dogs in need find the perfect home and happy ever after that they deserve.
Although predominantly a Staffie rescue, Staffie and Stray Rescue will never turn away other dog breeds that need their help.
The Future
Staffie and Stray Rescue is looking to help more and more dogs – This means raising enough funds to build kennels that can support more dogs than the rescue can currently take in. Although extensive fundraising plans are underway, the rescue is looking for support from the local area and is encouraging local businesses to come forward and help them to save more Staffies!
