Mid Sussex – Happy Breed Dog Rescue Society

sammy | rescue | August 20, 2009

Happy Breed Dog Rescue Society

Through good times and hard times, the Mid Sussex Happy Breed Dog Rescue Society has survived for 55 years. During those times of abandoned and unwanted dogs have been offered a ’second chance’. The Rescue’s founder, the late Mrs Marjorie Hervey, would have been very proud.

In the early post-war years, Marjorie had become worried about the number of stray dogs wandering about the Sussex countryside. At first, she took them to the police in case they were lost. She knew that, if they were not claimed within 7 days, they would be destroyed so she undertook to take them on herself.

She tried to re-home these strays, riding around the countryside on her push-bike visiting friends and local farmers. Some new owners gave her donations which helped with the veterinary care and boarding costs for the other strays.

As time progressed the number of strays increased and she decided that something must be done on a larger scale. Marjorie, along with a number of dog-loving friends, started some fundraising ventures and, in 1952, ‘Happy Breed’ was founded.

In 1973 it was decided that the Mid Sussex Happy Breed Dog Rescue Society would be a more appropriate name and in 1974 it was accepted as a Registered Charity.

Strays from the Mid Sussex area, if not claimed, are taken over and found suitable homes by the Society’s team of voluntary helpers. Also, owners who can no longer keep their dogs ask for help in the re-homing of their dogs (for many reasons, for example, poor health, moving overseas, family break-ups or, as is more and more the case these days, all the family have taken up full time work).

Dogs remain in the Society’s care indefinitely while a home is sought for them. One dog, ‘Rags’, stayed with the Society for over 2 years until the ‘right’ home was found for him.

The Society relies on donations and fund raising events to cover its expenses. Helpers are always needed. If you would like more details please call Carole on 01444 239005 or Linda on 01273 843897 . We would appreciate it if you would call between 10 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday. Check out our website at www.happybreed.co.uk for dogs looking for homes.