Becky Mead

Brighton Half Marathon - Why I’m fundraising for Dogs Trust

My Journey with Rescued Dogs

As someone who has had the privilege of rehoming two incredible dogs from the Basildon branch of Dogs Trust, I am passionate about the impact of rescuing dogs rather than buying. Rescued dogs often come with untold stories and unique needs, but the bond formed with them is truly rewarding. This is why I am fundraising for Dogs Trust – an organisation that gave me the opportunity to provide a loving home to two incredible dogs, and in turn, taught me so much about dog behaviour and unconditional love.

Dogs Trust’s mission is simple yet powerful: to give stray and abandoned dogs another chance at a brighter future with responsible, caring new owners. In 2023 alone, Dogs Trust successfully rehomed over 10,000 dogs and cared for over 13,000, including 300 “underdogs” – dogs that had been with the charity for more than six months. But as the demand for their services increases, particularly during the current cost of living crisis, the charity’s work is more important than ever. With your help, Dogs Trust can continue to provide care, rehabilitation, and a fresh start for even more dogs in need. Every small donation can make a big difference in helping give these dogs the future they deserve.

My journey with Dogs Trust began in 2018 with Cjay, a large husky x akita who was around 5 or 6 years old when we rescued him. His past was mostly a mystery – he was found as a stray and had already been passed through five homes before we were lucky enough to offer him his forever family. Cjay, our BFG, had the most enormous character. Despite his size, he was the gentlest dog imaginable, a lazy, laid-back boy with the heart of a puppy. We gave him the life he deserved, full of love, adventure, and time spent around our horses. Cjay taught us invaluable lessons about handling large dogs, and with the help of our education in dog behaviour, we helped him build confidence, especially with other dogs. He spent his final years living out his best life, and I’m forever grateful that he found us. Sadly, we lost Cjay in the summer of 2024. It was incredibly heartbreaking, but we take comfort in knowing that in his last years, he knew the love of a permanent family.

Fast forward four years, and we were in a position to take on a second rescue - a sister for Cjay. The wonderful team at Dogs Trust Basildon, who had been so kind and helpful during our search for Cjay, made it clear they would help us find the right dog. They were particularly delighted when we expressed interest in adopting an older dog or one with medical needs. Dogs in this category are easily overlooked, which is heartbreaking, as they deserve just as much love as any dog. That’s when Juno, a 10-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, entered our lives.

Juno’s history was a mystery; all we knew was that she had come from Ireland and had recently undergone surgery to remove mammary cancer. She quickly became a comedic force in our household, and despite her age, she had boundless energy. Juno was the definition of a “needy baby” – constantly wanting attention and affection, but also incredibly intelligent and full of surprises. She’s one of those rare dogs that can intuitively read a room, and there’s not a person or dog who doesn’t instantly feel comforted by her presence. Juno helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life, and I can only describe her as my guardian angel. Her ability to calm and help other dogs has been nothing short of extraordinary. Even now, at 12 years old, Juno still has the energy and drive of a much younger dog, running 5km through the woods, along the seafront, and across meadows. Together with our best friends, Meg and her Border Collie Peggy, we make up the perfect running team.

The process of rehoming Cjay, and later Juno, was incredibly seamless thanks to the wonderful team at Dogs Trust. Their support, guidance, and dedication to matching us with the right dogs was invaluable. Their support with both Cjay and Juno’s medical needs has been excellent - the charity helped with Cjay’s rehabilitation  hydrotherapy due to his hip dysplasia. And their ongoing financial support with Juno is a real helping hand when it comes to her skin medication.  Knowing that we were able to give Cjay and Juno the knowledge of what real love and stability feels like is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that we provided them with their forever homes, giving them the security and affection they both so desperately needed. I hope that stories like ours can inspire others to consider rehoming, because every dog deserves a chance at a happy life, no matter their history or age.

Recently, I’ve joined full-time at Essex Dog Services, where we continue to help other dogs, offering guidance and support to dogs and owners alike. This work has deepened my passion for canine welfare and has inspired me to organise a fundraiser for Dogs Trust. The work they do for dogs like Cjay and Juno is incredible, and I want to help ensure that more dogs in need have a second chance at happiness.

On March 2nd 2025, I will be running the Brighton Half Marathon in aid of Dogs Trust and in remembrance of our beloved Cjay. I am wholeheartedly grateful for all the donations and support that will go towards Dogs Trust – an organisation that truly does a fantastic job for all dogs in need, both past and future. A dog is for life, and I am proud to continue supporting their mission.

Link to my fundraising page is below:

https://events.dogstrust.org.uk/fundraisers/beckymead

Thank you for your support!

Becky