Forget Me Not Reading Rescues

18/10/2026

💙 Larisa, we will Forget You Not 💙

This year, we have said goodbye to far too many of our Forget Me Not dogs as they journeyed to the otherworld, where all dogs go. Each leaves behind people who loved them, stories worth remembering and a space that no other dog can quite fill.

I truly believe there are no bad dogs. So often, their behaviour reflects what they have lived through, what frightens them and what humans have asked them to endure. Yet we expect so much of them—sometimes more patience, tolerance and understanding than we expect of our own children.

Larisa carried the trauma of her life in Romania. She could be tricky, without a doubt. She needed understanding, patience and someone willing to love her with all the experiences she brought with her.

And she found that with Lainey. Through Lainey, she found friends who came to know her, understand her and love her too.

This week, I shed a few tears when Elaine sent me a photograph of the beautiful tribute those friends had put in place for Larisa. A memorial plaque, flowers and a place to pause and remember a little dog who mattered so very much.

There is something incredibly moving about knowing that a dog who once suffered so much became so loved that people wanted to leave a lasting reminder of her life.

Thank you, Lainey, and everyone who gave Larisa love, friendship and a place to belong.

Run free in the otherworld, darling girl. You were loved here. You still are.

As always, Larisa, we will Forget You Not. 🌼🐾💙

15/10/2026

Please could people go to the website and vote for Forget Me Not Reading Rescues. We would be very grateful 🙏

14/10/2026

✨🪄 It’s the season of magic spells, patience, kindness and the very best treats! 🪄✨

One week ago, we could barely get near little Winnie. ❤️🐾

After spending five years in a home with no outdoor space, Winnie has a lot to learn about the world and, most importantly, that humans can be kind.

But with a little sprinkle of magic, a whole lot of patience, gentle kindness and some very tasty treats, we are beginning to see something beautiful happen. ✨

Winnie is starting to trust. 🥹❤️

It might seem like a small step to some, but for a little soul who has been so frightened, it is HUGE. Every sniff, every moment of curiosity and every tiny step towards us is a victory worth celebrating.

There is no rushing Winnie. We will go at her pace, let her find her confidence and show her that she is safe, loved and never has to be afraid again. 💗

Rehabilitation isn’t always about big leaps forward. Sometimes, it’s about the tiniest steps, the quietest moments and the magic that happens when we simply give a dog the time and patience she needs.

✨ One week down, and Winnie’s journey is only just beginning. ✨

We believe in you, little Winnie. One day at a time, one treat at a time, one little sprinkle of magic at a time. 🪄🐶❤️

If you would like to help Winnie continue her rehabilitation journey, please consider donating to her fund. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps provide the time, care, support and treats she needs as she learns to feel safe and trust again. 💗

Please donate via her JustGiving page below:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/serena-swanston-19?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL

Thank you for helping us give Winnie the chance she deserves. 🐾❤️

13/10/2026

Just £120 to go for Winnie’s fund which will mean we can pay for a home vet visit. Four Training sessions. And a month’s worth of food.

Iʼm raising money to Get Winnie to Safety. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

13/10/2026

🐾💜 WINNIE NEEDS A LITTLE HELP FROM SOME CANINE FRIENDS 💜🐾

Do you have a calm, confident, well-adjusted dog who could help Winnie take her next small step?

Winnie is still very frightened, but her kennel door is open and she is watching the world outside. We would love her to see a calm dog quietly enjoying the garden, helping her discover that the world can feel safe. 🐶🌿

This is the next part of her rehabilitation programme. She has done so well already, and we believe she will get there—with patience, kindness and time. Every little step forward matters. 💜

There will be no pressure to come out or meet another dog. She can simply watch from her safe space, at a comfortable distance and entirely at her own pace.

We’re looking for gentle dogs who can remain relaxed without barking at her or approaching her kennel. Visits will be arranged individually, keeping everything quiet and manageable.

📩 If you’re local to Reading/Caversham and think your dog could help, please message Forget Me Not Reading Rescues.

A little canine company could mean so much to this frightened girl. 💜

12/10/2026

🐾💜 A little change for Winnie… and a moment of hope.

Today, Winnie is lying down on her bedding. Previously, whenever we observed her, she was sitting upright, watching what was happening around her.

In this photograph, her hindquarters are tucked to one side and her front legs are stretched out. Her head is still raised and she is keeping a watchful eye on us, but she is allowing her body to rest.

We cannot know everything she is feeling from one photograph. She is still cautious, but this change may be an early sign that she is beginning to settle. 💜

We are giving Winnie quiet, comfort and time, allowing her to choose when she feels ready to do more.

For a frightened dog, progress can be very subtle. Today, it looks like lying down on a soft bed.

Thank you to everyone supporting Winnie and Forget Me Not Reading Rescues. Your kindness is helping us give her that time. 🐾

🙏 The link to Winnie’s JustGiving page is below. If you can donate or share her appeal, you will help us continue providing the care and support she needs. Every donation makes a difference. 💜

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/serena-swanston-19?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL

08/10/2026

🐾💜 MR PICKLES NEEDS A HOME AND SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN HIM 💜🐾 3 MONTHS FOSTER WITH POTENTIAL TO ADOPT ONLY

This year we have rescued some beautiful dogs… and the year isn’t even over! One of those dogs is our lovely Mr Pickles.

His story began when a family saw him on Facebook and paid petrol money for him to be brought from Wales. Just five days later, after he growled at the man of the house, he was asked to leave.

When Mr Pickles arrived at Forget Me Not Reading Rescues, he was in a terrible state of fear and confusion, with a deep mistrust of men. He was sad and very lonely. With no foster space available, he went to the Cobham kennels.

And there, he found Mia. ❤️

Through patience, care and kindness, Mia has helped transform Mr Pickles into the beautiful dog we see today.

He is only a year old, with so much still to learn. He needs time to feel safe and build trust, particularly with men. But once you earn that trust, he will give you his all. 💜

We are now looking for a patient, committed foster-to-adopt home where he can continue to grow in confidence.

🐾 He can live with children over eight years old.
🐾 You must be able to make multiple visits to the Cobham kennels, allowing him to build a relationship with you before moving home.
🐾 You must commit to five one-to-one training sessions.
🐾 Ongoing socialisation at the Cobham kennels will also be required.

Mr Pickles needs people who will give him time, understand his worries and help him feel secure.

Could you be the person who gives this young boy the chance he deserves?

📧 Please email [email protected] to enquire.

Please share — his future family could be reading your post. 🐾💜

TO APPLY APPLICATION WILL ONLY VIA OUR E MAIL [email protected]

07/10/2026

🐾💜 AN UPDATE ON LITTLE WINNIE

Firstly, thank you to everyone who has donated to Winnie’s cause. Without your support, we could not have taken her in. You have made it possible for us to offer her somewhere safe and begin giving her the care she needs.

Winnie has arrived at Forget Me Not Reading Rescues. She is beautiful, but she is absolutely petrified.

At the moment, she is tucked into the corner of her kennel, only coming out for food. But she is eating—and that is a small win. We are giving her warmth, quiet and time, allowing her to settle at her own pace.

Winnie came from an overseas rescue six years ago. As we understand it, there was no home check, no rescue backup and no follow-up. She was later found living in a deeply concerning and vulnerable environment.

We have nothing against rescuing dogs from overseas—we do so ourselves. But bringing a dog here comes with an ongoing responsibility.

A dog arriving at your door with no rescue backup is absolutely not right. These dogs deserve better from rescues. They deserve more.

They deserve proper home checks, ongoing support and somewhere to turn if things go wrong—even years later.

Rescue must mean a lifetime safety net, not simply a journey to someone’s door.

Winnie deserved that commitment. Every rescue dog does.

Now Winnie is in our care, thanks to you. We will take things one small step at a time and keep you updated on our beautiful little girl.

💜 Every penny donated towards Winnie’s care helps us support her recovery. Please, please share our JustGiving page and help us reach our target.

If you can donate, we are so grateful. If you cannot, sharing her appeal could help it reach someone who can. Your kindness has already brought Winnie to safety—please help us give her the care and support she needs next. 🐾💜

Serena and the Forget Me Not Reading Rescues team

Iʼm raising money to Get Winnie to Safety. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.