A CHARITY that rehomes disabled animals on “doggy death row” has begun raising funds to open its first rehabilitation and adoption centre.

Wolfie’s Legacy has found new homes for more than 500 dogs since its launch in 2017 but has now outgrown its current premises.

Founder Gill Daghistani, from Holywell in Flintshire, began the charity after she agreed to look after a rescue dog from Hungary for a few days, while transport was arranged to take him to his home in Scotland.

But when Wolfie was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, his intended home was no longer suitable, so Ms Daghistani cared for him until his death, just under two years later.

The Leader: Wolfie's Legacy founder Gill Daghistani, from Holywell, with disabled dog Nahar.

Wolfie's Legacy founder Gill Daghistani, from Holywell, with disabled dog Nahar.

She told the PA news agency: “When I lost him I was heartbroken, but I also thought ‘What about all the other Wolfies?’

“What about the dogs that no-one ever cares about? They are just put to sleep and no-one will give them those last two years of happiness.”

Ms Daghistani said many veterinary professions “default to recommending euthanasia” due to an “intrinsic fear of the unknown, scepticism for ‘who’s paying the vet fees’, and an inability to look beyond the X-rays and scans, at the life that dog could live, given a chance”.

The charity aims to rehome as many disabled dogs as possible, taking them in from around the world, and wants to demonstrate the joy that comes from owning an “imperfect” dog.

Ms Daghistani personally matches the dogs with the right owners and says she often rehomes disabled dogs with disabled families.

“These people come to us because they can’t rehome through some of the bigger dog charities, and we can find them a dog suited to them,” she said.

It is now hoping to raise £250,000 to build a first-of-its-kind adoption centre in Flintshire - specifically for disabled dogs.

Wolfie's has a large number of volunteers on a waitlist, but without sufficient premises, has to date been unable to utilise this resource.

By securing larger premises, the charity can take advantage of its volunteers and continue to give a voice to special needs dogs with hopeless futures.

The Leader: Matilda Stern, aged two, with her rescue dog Mini which was rehomed through Wolfie’s Legacy last year.

Matilda Stern, aged two, with her rescue dog Mini which was rehomed through Wolfie’s Legacy last year.

The charity has a fundraising page which reads: “Wolfie's Legacy Rehabilitation and Adoption Facility will be a haven for disabled dogs, many of whom will find a forever home, others who will be long-term residents receiving round-the-clock love and care.

“The unique canine village will provide an opportunity for trainees and experienced vets to learn about disability and work locum in the clinic.

“Members of the public, schools, and colleges will also be able to get involved with walking, bathing, and playing with resident disabled dogs, or finding a lifelong companion to rehome.

“Guests can spend time in residence in the village volunteering.”

Included in the plans are an onsite vet clinic, a rehab centre with hydrotherapy, a grooming salon, and boarding facilities for past and present Wolfie’s Legacy dogs.

A bistro, gift shop and glamping facilities will also help raise money for the charity.

You can support the appeal by making a donation online at https://justgiving.com/campaign/WolfiesLegacy.