Saving Albion

BELINDA JONES meets an extraordinary looking dog and his loving owner on the beach at Hope Cove

- Belinda Jones

THERE’S A TERM used in the dog rescue world that sounds like a negative but is actually one of the most positive things that could happen to a pup in search of a home...

“Failed Foster!” is the cheer that goes up when the foster carer becomes so besotted or bonded with their temporary charge they simply can’t bear the thought of being parted, so they swiftly upgrade to permanent pet owner status.

This is what happened when South Hams resident Hannah Rundle-Stone met three-year-old Spanish podenco Albion.

“It was love at first sight really, even though he was about twice the height I was expecting from his photos and so skinny you could see his spine and hipbones,” she sighs. “He was frightened of everything but still clearly an absolute darling – my gentle giant.”

Observing him settling into her home (alongside three Jack Russells), Hannah felt so protective she couldn’t bear the thought of putting him through any more upheaval.

“My mum was a dog groomer and breeder so I grew up around all kinds of dogs but I’ve always loved greyhounds and lurchers (she has fostered 12 over the years) and Albion has similar sight hound qualities but such a unique look!”