Bonded rescue dogs in Devon urgently need a loving permanent home

Two rescue dogs are seeking a permanent home after spending nearly three years in Romanian kennels.

Luca and Maya were found as puppies alongside their sibling Freya, abandoned in a bin. 

They were taken into foster care until space became available at a shelter in Bistrita, Romania, supported by the UK charity 1 Dog At A Time Rescue, also known as Happy Tails. 

The pair were born on March, 25, 2023. 

ABOVE: Luca and Freya as tiny puppies shortly after being rescued and taken into foster care.

The shelter provides care for dogs rescued from neglect and abuse, but capacity is limited, and the pair remained in care for several years.

The dogs arrived in the UK in October 2025 and are currently in foster care near Crediton, Devon. 

They were initially placed in kennels, which were described as noisy and busy, leaving them cautious around new people. Rescuers say Luca and Maya are bonded and should be rehomed together.

The charity emphasises that the dogs can be rehomed anywhere in the UK. 

They are best suited to a rural or semi-rural home with a large, secure garden and direct access to the house. 

ABOVE: The pair are very bonded

They will need a private room where they can feel safe and relax, as well as patient owners who can help them gradually adjust to home life.

Luca and Maya are initially nervous around strangers, particularly men, and may bark when meeting new people. 

They are affectionate and playful, once comfortable, and enjoy spending time together. Both dogs are reported to be friendly with other dogs and walk well on a lead, although they will require ongoing training around roads and traffic.

Rescuers advise that they are best as the only pets in a household and may not be suitable for children under 16.

“They would be very happy living on a smallholding or in a home where they can spend time with their people,” says their fosterer. 

“Luca and Maya will need a patient, kind and understanding person who is willing to take the time they need to help them learn how to slowly fit into a home life.”

The pair are described as strong, active dogs, and the charity recommends prospective owners be able to provide several meet-and-greets to build trust. 

They have not yet travelled in a car beyond transport from Romania to the UK and between kennels, and so are unlikely to be ready for long journeys in the near future.

Luca and Maya’s journey reflects the broader work of 1 Dog At A Time Rescue. 

The UK-based charity was co-founded by Jayne Sully, who also serves as trustee, and is run by a team of volunteers committed to improving the lives of street and stray dogs in Romania. 

The organisation works to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs, providing medical care, socialisation, and training to improve their chances of finding suitable homes in the UK.

Rescuers say that Luca and Maya’s story demonstrates the challenges faced by dogs moving from long-term kennel care to a domestic environment. 

They require a home that can accommodate their need for space, routine, and gradual socialisation.

Anyone able to offer Luca and Maya a home is asked to contact 1 Dog At A Time Rescue, and can reach them at www.1dogatatimerescue.org/contact/