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\nLiv and Liam say the past year with Rio has been \u2018full of cuddles, fun and a lot of mischief\u2019:<\/p>\n
\u2018Sweet and lovable gentleman\u2019 Rio has finally found a home after spending more than seven years of his life in kennels at Freshfields Animal Rescue.<\/p>\n
The Staffordshire Boxer cross was welcomed by his new owners last Christmas after being overlooked at Freshfields Animal Rescue where he was being cared for.<\/p>\n
Every year staff members were heartbroken to see other dogs leaving ahead of Rio, who arrived at the Liverpool centre when he was just a pup because his owner could no longer look after him.<\/p>\n
And that heartache was only increased when he was diagnosed with cancer \u2013 and given just six months to live.<\/p>\n
Deb Hughes, fundraising and PR manager for Freshfields, says:<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve worked for Freshfields for the entire time Rio was here, and every year it was heartbreaking to see other dogs adopted before him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s such a sweet, loveable gentleman, and he had a chaotic early life before he came to us. All we wanted was for Rio to find a loving home, a warm fireside and a family to love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thankfully that home came last year when owners Liv and Liam visited Freshfields and spent months getting to know him and gain his trust.<\/p>\n
Deb adds:<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the best Christmas present he could have had.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Rio came to us he was confused and unsure; finding himself in rescue at his young age was a big shock.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis sensitive soul needed guidance \u2013 under his tough exterior was a vulnerable boy who was scared and didn\u2019t know what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
With gentleness, patience and care, Rio began to interact with staff and volunteers and the centre was delighted with his progress.<\/p>\n
When he was diagnosed with a mass cell tumour, a common type of cancer in middle-aged dogs and given such a short life expectancy, they were devastated.<\/p>\n
But staff also knew that if they could find him a loving home, it could extend his life expectancy, perhaps as much as two years.<\/p>\n
\nLiv and Liam say the past year with Rio has been \u2018full of cuddles, fun and a lot of mischief\u2019:<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has come on in leaps and bounds with his reactivity to people,\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone falls in love with him, and he loves making new friends now. He keeps us on our toes, and we wouldn\u2019t change him for the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deb smiles:<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s happy and not in any pain. He will have a longer and happier life in a home than he would if he\u2019d remained in kennels, knowing the joy and affection of being a cherished family pet.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe finally went home in time to open his first Christmas stocking, enjoy a tasty dinner and snooze in front of a warm fire.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re so happy for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now Freshfields wants to give more dogs like Rio a happy ending.<\/p>\n
Today it\u2019s launched its Freshfields Animal Rescue Christmas Appeal \u2013 YOUR PRESENT, THEIR FUTURE.<\/p>\n
Deb says:<\/p>\n
\u201cChristmas can be a time of joy and togetherness. For many, it\u2019s a time for family and being with the ones you love. For cold, frightened and abandoned animals, sadly, it\u2019s just another day, not knowing if this is the best life will get for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe dread to think what would become of these poor animals without us, and without our kind supporters. We are the closest thing they have to the protection of a family and a safe place to live.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is estimated that 1.1 million pets are homeless across the UK, and every day pets are given up for many reasons: owners\u2019 long-term ill-health, financial hardship, relationship breakdown and homelessness. Many who need medical help for their animals now can\u2019t afford to take them to a vet.<\/p>\n
Freshfields can provide hope and help, with almost 100,000 animals\u2019 lives changed since it first opened its doors in 1979.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With help and funding, Freshfields can:<\/p>\n
You can donate here<\/a> and between now and December 8th, any donation will be doubled by a dedicated group of supporters and friends. Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.\u00a0
\nFind all the latest Liverpool news\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nFrom the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n