Bedfordshire

German Shepherd Rescue Elite was established to support unwanted, abandoned, and neglected German Shepherds, while also educating the public about the responsibilities of owning large working-breed dogs. The charity focuses not only on rescue and rehoming, but on prevention—offering advice and guidance to help reduce the number of dogs entering rescue in the future. GSRE works tirelessly to ensure dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, and neutered, with dedicated follow-up support where needed. Supported by a passionate volunteer network, the charity also assists Belgian Shepherd Malinois and Dutch Shepherds, breeds whose complex needs are often misunderstood. As a full member of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) and the EU Dog and Cat Alliance, GSRE is committed to collaboration and the highest standards of animal welfare.

PennyPaws Rescue is a small, passionate rescue founded in 2020 by Gill Jennes, dedicated to saving and rehoming vulnerable dogs from Romania to the UK. The charity focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, fostering, and carefully matching each dog to a suitable forever home, while providing veterinary care and behavioural support. For dogs too traumatised, elderly, or unwell to be rehomed, PennyPaws offers lifelong sanctuary through its sponsorship programme. The rescue also operates a Manchester-based Reactivity Rehabilitation Centre, helping dogs with behavioural challenges rebuild trust and prepare for brighter futures.

Underdog International was founded in 2019 by Nadine Kayser following her work co-founding the Wild at Heart Foundation in 2015. After helping drive large-scale adoption, neutering, and education programmes worldwide, Nadine shifted her focus toward fostering compassion through child-led engagement with animals. Underdog International was created on the principle of “children helping dogs, dogs helping children,” combining animal welfare with youth development and education. The charity aims to create lasting change by nurturing empathy, responsibility, and kindness in the next generation while improving the lives of vulnerable dogs.