Panda shoots & he scores!

Old, abandoned and “potentially dangerous”, Panda had spent a lifetime in a cage. But after almost ten years in the animal shelter, SARA’s longest-resident has been adopted here on Lanzarote.

Do you enjoy stories with a happy ending? How about a dog that arrived at the island’s largest animal shelter almost ten years ago and has been there ever since, but now has a loving home to call his own here on the island!

Panda, named for his black and white fur and his lovable bear-like nature, arrived at SARA when he was just two years old. Although cherished by all the staff and volunteers, his size and the fact that he was a Staffie meant he was often overlooked by potential adopters.

This was further complicated by his need for a special licence (SARA offers advice on how to best obtain one).

One such person willing to take on the challenge was 21-year-old lifelong resident Arabella Poxon, who lives in Playa Blanca. Growing up on the island, she was surrounded by animals, both rescued and adopted, and spent much of her childhood raising funds for various animal charities and groups.

She promised herself that, when she had her own home, she would adopt the dog that needed it most. It was a match made in heaven when she met Panda, and it was love at first sight. She says, “When I met him, I felt an instant connection. I had to obtain the PPP licence first, and it took many months. There was no way that was going to stop me, and I went up to SARA from Playa Blanca to walk my boy as often as I could in the meantime.”

Arabella was very grateful to all the staff and volunteers who cared for and loved Panda over the years. When she obtained the licence in March, she took him home the very next day.

She says, “It’s obvious, given his age, that he won’t have many more years left, but those years will be his healthiest and happiest in a loving home as the only pet being cared for and adored. He’s been the goodest boy! He is like a puppy again, playing, being cute, and very needy for cuddles, which I adore! Not one teething problem experienced, even though I was prepared for all things.”

Could you give a SARA dog or cat the happy ending they deserve? Visit https://saraprotectora.org/en/home/ to see which animals are available. Or call (+34) 928 17 34 17 (English spoken). Donations and dog walkers are very welcome.