Sadly sometimes however careful a adoption process is, sometimes it can go wrong. This is the sad case of Zola and Louie. Bever Farmer tells the story.

Urgent – Zola and Louie May Be at Risk – Please Help

I need your help. Two Podenco Canarios adopted to the UK are now considered at risk, and I am doing all I can to ensure their safety.

Zola (Zia) – Female, 7 years old

Louie (Leonardo) – Male, 8 years old

Last known location: Beckingham, Doncaster DN10 4SR.

Both dogs were adopted to the same individual – Zola in 2019 and Louie in 2020. For several years, we received regular updates and all seemed well.

In June 2022, the adopter reached out asking for help to find temporary foster care while they were between homes. They later found a short-term solution. From November 2023 onward, communication increased, with the adopter expressing emotional struggles, lack of support, and concern that the dogs were not receiving the care, stimulation, or exercise they needed. They asked for help rehoming them, but managed to find help with the dogs .

Again I was asked to help to rehome has the situation was becoming untenable, and 2 weeks ago I had secured two excellent homes – one for Zola and one for Louie – with experienced adopters ready to offer the life they deserve. At that point, the adopter insisted on the adoptions to be done on their schedule . I advised you can not keep good adopters they asked me to pass on their contact details to the applicants which was not acceptable to the new adopters.

Since then, all communication has been blocked.

Following contact with family members, I learned that the dogs had been regularly placed with friends and also “Borrow My Doggy” platform. This, among other revelations, raised serious safeguarding concerns.

The adopter has:

Breached five terms of the adoption contract
Provided false information during the original application
Failed to uphold the standard of care promised to these dogs
Yesterday, a family member hand-delivered formal letters to the adopter’s address, which they refused to take and refused them to see the Zola and Louie. The letters were then posted through the letterbox — a video recording was taken — but the adopter later chased the family member down the street with the envelope in hand.

I have notified the adopter that I am making this statement publicly, though I cannot confirm whether they have read it.

Here’s how you can help:

Veterinary clinics – If you know of any clinics in or near Beckingham (DN10 area), please share them with me. I want to inform them directly in case the dogs are brought in, particularly for euthanasia.

Rescues / pounds – If you’re connected to any UK-based rescue organisations or council pounds, especially in South Yorkshire, please ask them to contact me if the dogs are brought in.

Rehoming / sale sites – Please keep an eye on online platforms where the dogs may be listed. If you see Zola or Louie, contact me immediately.

Spread the word – Share this post. Let’s make sure no other rescue unwittingly takes them on.

To be clear – I carried out due diligence at the time of adoption. Many applications are declined. Sadly, some people lie, and their true circumstances are revealed only later. For over three years, there was no cause for concern.

Throughout this process I’ve been fair, non-judgemental, sympathetic and tried to support the adopter. But now, with everything I’ve learned, the priority is clear: Zola and Louie must be returned. There are two loving families ready to welcome them into safe, permanent homes.

Please refrain from posting negative comments – I don’t want to provide any excuse for retaliation or complaint. This is about the dogs, and ensuring their welfare is protected.

Thank you for your support – I know our Podenco family is strong, and we always look out for our own.

Beverley Pode