Because our hearts are big.
High Hopes Dog Rescue was founded on the 9th August 2018 by Samantha Watson. Having worked alongside rescue dogs for 4 years, reaching her 40th birthday and taking a trip to Romania in the summer of 2018, she decided that she wanted to do more to help.
“The look in the dogs’ eyes in that shelter will haunt me forever. I couldn't walk away and do nothing. That’s why High Hopes exists.”
It started with one trip.
One shelter.
One decision that changed everything.
High Hopes Dog Rescue was founded on the 9th August 2018 by Samantha Watson. Having worked alongside rescue dogs for 4 years, reaching her 40th birthday and taking a trip to Romania in the summer of 2018, she decided that she wanted to do more to help.
Seeing with her own eyes the horrors of one of Romania's many public "kill" shelters broke her like nothing else has before in her lifetime and she couldn't walk away and do nothing. The look in the dogs' eyes in that shelter will haunt her forever.
Two years earlier, Sam had rescued Monty, a dog so frightened of the world around him that his transformation seemed impossible. To see a dog so frightened of the world around him was a distressing thing to see, and to be able to rehabilitate him to the fantastic dog he is today is something Sam is very proud of. Monty changed her as a person and became her driving force to do more for these wonderful, loyal creatures.
Together we have been able to rescue many dogs in need already. We truly appreciate all donations and offers of support and everything we do is for the love and well being of those that need our help.
We are a registered charity as of February 2024 (Charity Number: 1207261).
Recently we have managed to set up teams of regular dog walkers to walk our dogs that are held in boarding kennels. This was started and is overseen by Sarah Mumfordkhan and hugely enriches the dogs' lives.
Where We Rescue Dogs From
High Hopes Dog Rescue was founded on the 9th August 2018 by Samantha Watson. Having worked alongside rescue dogs for 4 years, reaching her 40th birthday and taking a trip to Romania in the summer of 2018, she decided that she wanted to do more to help.
Seeing with her own eyes the horrors of one of Romania's many public "kill" shelters broke her like nothing else has before in her lifetime and she couldn't walk away and do nothing. The look in the dogs' eyes in that shelter will haunt her forever.
Two years earlier, Sam had rescued Monty, a dog so frightened of the world around him that his transformation seemed impossible. To see a dog so frightened of the world around him was a distressing thing to see, and to be able to rehabilitate him to the fantastic dog he is today is something Sam is very proud of. Monty changed her as a person and became her driving force to do more for these wonderful, loyal creatures.
Together we have been able to rescue many dogs in need already. We truly appreciate all donations and offers of support and everything we do is for the love and well being of those that need our help.
We are a registered charity as of February 2024 (Charity Number: 1207261).
Recently we have managed to set up teams of regular dog walkers to walk our dogs that are held in boarding kennels. This was started and is overseen by Sarah Mumfordkhan and hugely enriches the dogs' lives.
How We Help
We are a fully registered charity and run entirely on donations. We would love to hear from anyone who might be able to help with monthly sponsorship, fundraising, donations or fostering.
We are primarily foster based although in emergencies we do have a few kennels that we can use at a cost to us.
Alongside our Facebook page we have a fundraising page where we regularly have scratch cards, bonus ball, raffles and auctions. We also have a fosterers and adopters group where anyone who has adopted or fosters for us are invited to join. You can also find us on Instagram and TikTok.
The people behind the paws.
We would not be able to do what we do without a fantastic team and their ongoing energy and commitment.
Founder
Sam Watson
My name is Sam and dog rescue is something I am extremely passionate about ever since I rescued Monty (pictured) back in 2016. He has changed me as a person and is my driving force to do more for these wonderful, loyal creatures. To see a dog so frightened of the world around him was a distressing thing to see and to be able to rehabilitate him to the fantastic dog he is today, is something I am very proud of.
I have lots of experience in dog rescue, it is more of a vocation I think! I've worked in a dog rescue, fostered, fundraised, transported, trained and rehabilitated. I have seen many tragic stories of the way humans have treated man's so-called best friend and have been broken by some of the things I've gone through with them.
After a trip to Romania and seeing the horrors over there, I knew I had to do something more. Dogs give so much without question and love us unconditionally. I want to be able to do the same for them.
"I love a big shepherd dog!!"
Monty — Sam’s dog and the reason High Hopes exists. Rescued in 2016, rehabilitated from terrified to thriving. He’s the driving force behind everything.
Volunteer
Kerry Adams
My name is Kerry Adams, and I adopted Rusty from High Hopes in 2020. Since then I've adopted two more High Hopes dogs, Guinness and Boss.
I've loved dogs since I was a child. I grew up with Jack Russells, which are still my favourite breed. I love their energy, and they're completely bonkers!
I'm a big sports fan and support Aston Villa. I'm also a cartoonist, and since adopting Rusty I've published my very first book. It's all about him and the struggles he had settling in when he first came home.
I'm proud to be an ambassador for High Hopes. I've run fundraising days, been on the radio, and I'm always looking for new supporters.
I truly believe in High Hopes' mission, and that every dog deserves a loving home. If I had one wish, it would be to end all animal cruelty, especially fox hunting and the cat and dog meat trade, because dogs are the best things ever to walk this planet.
Half of the proceeds from Rusty's book go to High Hopes, and I've raised £1,400 for the charity so far. You can find the book, and more of my cartoons, at keztasticcartoons.com.
Volunteer
Amy Greening
I am Amy. I love dogs, coffee and daydreaming (about dogs!).
I've always enjoyed the company of animals, dogs are my absolute favourite and have always been a big part of my life.
Since adopting my girl Pomme from High Hopes in 2020 I have learnt a lot from her, understanding she is different to any dog I've known, respecting her boundaries, creating a bond based on trust and continuing to learn from her as she evolves.
Volunteering with the rescue has taught me so much. Each dog I've encountered during my time has touched my heart. It's hard not to fall in love with each and every one of them. Each dog is special. Seeing first hand the journey each dog goes on to then find their forever home, loved, safe and contented is the greatest feeling and biggest reward of all.
"I love long legged, goofy dogs!"
Milestones Timeline
Our volunteer network is the backbone of everything we do. There are more ways to help than you might think.