This Christmas, we’re sharing the powerful stories of 12 incredible animals who’ve journeyed from despair to hope. Each one—from Milo, a neglected Cane Corso who learned to trust again, to Tootsie, a senior dog rescued from neglect—has been given a second chance thanks to the kindness and generosity of people like you.

Tootsie’s story began on a cold, rainy autumn day when she was found wandering the streets of Newcastle, a frail 10 ½-year-old stray in desperate need of care. Severely neglected, her coat was painfully matted, she was alarmingly underweight, and her teeth were in such bad shape that some were falling out. It was clear Tootsie had endured a difficult journey.

Whilst she didn’t move around much in her kennel, she actually managed to slip through the kennel bars due to her tiny stature! After her Houdini-esque performance, Tootsie was fortunately placed with a foster carer who was determined to nurse her back to health. In her foster home, she quickly found comfort, settling in with such ease that it seemed she’d been part of the family forever. Little by little, Tootsie began to realise that she was safe, loved, and that this newfound warmth was here to stay.

Since then, Tootsie has blossomed. From a dog so weak she once had to be carried on walks, she now sprints around the beach with joy and takes regular holidays with her family to the Scottish Borders and the Lake District. Tootsie has become a truly pampered pooch, living out her days as the queen of the household. Her days of hardship are firmly behind her, replaced by love, comfort, and a family who cherishes her deeply. Tootsie can rest easy now, knowing she’ll never have to face the struggles of her past again.