Little Simon marks milestone for trust

NEW home for Simon the Yorkie with Les and Deborah

AN OLDHAM couple have made it a happy new year for Simon the Yorkshire Terrier which just so happens to be Dogs Trust Manchester's 2,017th adoption!

The incredible canine coincidence came about when Deborah Harmer and Les Lewis, from Watersheddings, fell in love with four-month-old Simon who is the centre's first dog to be re-homed this year.

A spokeswoman for the Denton-based charity said: "We've been keeping an eye on our figures for a while as we thought it was a possibility and then it worked out."

It's a happy-ending to a tragic tale for Simon who was illegally smuggled into the UK by breeders in Poland.

His arrival was intercepted in Kent after enduring a harrowing journey of almost 1,000 miles and he arrived at Dogs Trust Manchester just before Christmas as part of the charity's on-going investigation into puppy smuggling.

His new owner Deborah said: "We read the information about him and he seemed such a little character, which he definitely is. We wanted a small dog and when we met him we knew we were a perfect match for each other!

"He has had a tough start but he is a bundle of fun and really inquisitive. We've bought him a gorgeous comfy bed and blanket, lots of toys and treats and things to keep him occupied as well as an extra, extra small coat!"

Carol Margieson, deputy manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, said: "It is definitely the case of new year, new start for this little one.

"As a dog lover it is very hard to understand how anyone can take part in the illegal trade of puppies and see dogs simply as commodities from which to make money. These puppies don't have appropriate vaccinations, are transported in horrendous conditions, have false documents and have been taken away from their mums far too soon.

"Thankfully, despite being tiny Simon has proved he has a huge zest for life and it's wonderful that he's heading off to a kind, loving home."

Simon is the 2,017th dog to be rehomed by Dogs Trust Manchester since opening in October 2014 with Jack Russell terriers, Border Collies and lurchers amongst the most popular to be re-homed.

Carol added: "Since opening we have had incredible support from the public and the fact that we have started 2017 by rehoming our 2,017th dog is wonderful.

"Our wish for this year would of course be that fewer dogs are abandoned or handed over."