Monday, October 31, 2011

Lily and Maddison will spend the holidays in France with their new PAWrents


It’s the happy ending that Lily the blind great dane and her trusty friend turned guide dog Maddison deserve.

When the Daily Mail featured the heart-warming tale of the two great danes, who were looking for a new home, more than 2,000 dog lovers responded by offering to take them.

Now Lily and Maddison are moving from the Dogs Trust centre in Shrewsbury to live with the Williams family 35 miles away in Crewe, Cheshire.
Happy ending: Len Williams and his wife Anne with blind Lily and her guide dog Maddison. The couple have taken in the two dogs after reading about them in the Daily Mail
Happy ending: Len Williams and his wife Anne with blind Lily and her guide dog Maddison. The couple have taken in the two dogs after reading about them in the Daily Mail

Lily, six, was barely a puppy when she was struck down by a condition that caused her eyelashes to grow into her eyeballs, damaging them beyond repair. 

    Thankfully her friend Maddison, seven, became her new eyes and led her everywhere. The two have become inseparable and Lily follows Maddison, almost touching her as they walk so she knows where to go.

    But in July their owner could no longer cope with them and they were sent to the re-homing centre.
    Forever friends: Lily, left, being guided while walking with Maddison right. The pair have been inseparable since Lily lost her sight
    Forever friends: Lily, left, being guided while walking with Maddison right. The pair have been inseparable since Lily lost her sight

    Anne Williams, 52, and her husband Len, 53, a retired fireman, fell in love with the dogs when they read about them in the Mail and their offer was accepted by the trust.

    Mrs Williams, a business manager for an insurance company, said: ‘We've always had two dogs together, I like them to have company and so taking on two of them wasn't a daunting prospect.

    'My daughter moved out five months ago, taking her two English setters with her, so the house has felt a little quiet without them.
    Playful: Lily's lack of sight has heightened her other senses so she can often tell if Maddison is nearby without the pair touching
    Playful: Lily's lack of sight has heightened her other senses so she can often tell if Maddison is nearby without the pair touching

    ‘We live in the countryside and I miss having a reason to go for a walk - I can't wait to take the dogs out with us. We've also got a lovely big garden so it's the perfect setting for two huge dogs.’

    The couple plan to take the great danes on holidays to France and the Lake District and ensure they both enjoy life with their new family.

    Louise Campbell, manager of the Dogs Trust in Shrewsbury, said: ‘This is the happy ending we were all hoping for and everyone is delighted for Lily and Maddison.

    ‘The Williams family were the perfect match and we know they'll give the dogs all the love and fuss they so deserve.’

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2055471/A-new-home-blind-Great-Dane-devoted-guide-dog.html#ixzz1cOxE5Q64

    National Canine Cancer Foundation

    10 comments:

    Finn said...

    What an excellent ending to the story!!

    Sagira said...

    That is wonderful news. I am SO happy to hear that. :)

    Two French Bulldogs said...

    great news!
    Benny & Lily

    Tweedles -- that's me said...

    The incredible love story has a happy ending!
    love
    tweedles

    STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

    Hi All, what a wonderful ending to this story. That has just made our day. No worries (especially for Lily and Maddison) and love, Stella and Rory

    White Dog Blog said...

    I believe in love and happy endings...and the power of friendship! Blessings to all involved in this amazing story.

    ♥ Helen said...

    This is a beautiful story.

    Molly the Airedale said...

    We are so very happy for Lily and Maddison! They deserve the best!

    Love ya lots,
    Maggie and Mitch

    Thor and Jack said...

    Wonderful news!
    Thor and Jack

    Thor and Jack said...

    Wonderful news!
    Thor and Jack