Behind every rehoming success story: Loki’s second chance

Loki, the cocker spaniel spent 394 days at Raystede before he found his new home.

When he arrived, he was extremely underweight and in poor physical condition. Our first priority was getting him well.

Our vet examined Loki and carried out blood tests to rule out underlying health problems. He was put on a carefully controlled diet and closely monitored as he gained weight and became healthier.

But getting Loki physically well was only part of the challenge.

He found the world overwhelming at times. Meeting new people and other dogs could be difficult and sometimes a little too exciting. Our Kennels Team worked with him every day, helping him feel more comfortable, building confidence and learning how to cope with new experiences.

That took patience. It also took patient people who could give Loki the individual support he needed and prepare him for life in a new home.

He needed that support for a long time.

He found the world overwhelming at times. Meeting new people and other dogs could be difficult and sometimes a little too exciting. Our Kennels Team worked with him every day, helping him feel more comfortable, building confidence and learning how to cope with new experiences.

That took patience. It also took patient people who could give Loki the individual support he needed and prepare him for life in a new home.

He needed that support for a long time.

Loki spent 394 days at Raystede before the right home came along. The average time a dog spends in our care is 35 days, so Loki spent considerably longer with us than some while he searched for his happily ever after.

During that time, he had:

12 veterinary visits
1 vaccination
788 walks
394 days of care and support
And, eventually, 1 forever home

Those numbers show what went into caring for Loki. There were vet checks to keep him healthy, four activities, such as walks, free work, physio sessions, per day to keep him active and engaged, and hundreds of days spent feeding him, caring for him and helping him feel more confident.

There is a financial cost to providing that care too.

The price of a second chance

For Loki and his new family, however, his second chance is worth far more than a number on a spreadsheet.

After more than a year at Raystede, Loki found the home that was right for him. His new family told us he has settled in well.

“Bringing Loki into our home has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. From the moment he arrived, it was clear he was meant to be part of our family. Watching him grow from a cautious, anxious boy into a confident, playful, and affectionate companion has been nothing short of incredible.”

Finding a home was one moment in Loki’s story. Getting him ready for it took 394 days.

The same is true for every animal that comes through Raystede’s doors. Before they can start their new life, they need food, shelter and veterinary care. Some need extra behavioural support. Others simply need time.

In 2025–26, Raystede rehomed 588 animals. Each one came to us with their own history and needs.

Raystede needs to raise £6,500 every day to fund our animal care and rehoming work. Donations help pay for the practical things that give animals another chance, from veterinary treatment and food to bedding, enrichment and daily care.

Loki left Raystede for one forever home. Getting him there took 394 days, 12 vet visits, 788 walks and a team of people who didn't give up on him.

That’s what a second chance can take.

Our 2025–26 figures show that the average cost of rehoming a dog at Raystede was £4,067. That cost covers the care and support a dog may need before they are ready to leave Raystede and start life with their new family.

The average daily cost of caring for a dog in our Kennels is £110. This includes the resources and staff time needed for their day-to-day care, with some dogs requiring additional support depending on their needs.

Veterinary treatment, behavioural support, vaccinations, food, bedding and enrichment all contribute to the cost of getting a dog ready for their new home.

Help us to support other animals like Loki

Your generosity can make a big difference. Whether you choose to set up a monthly donation, make a one-off gift or become a sponsor, your donation, no matter how big or small, will help us to support animals in need.

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