Beach walk to help homeless English bulldogs find forever homes

English bulldog owners are being invited to a Farewell To August charity walk on Sunday (August 31) to help more bullies find their forever homes.

It has been organised by Olivia, a North Devon volunteer and fosterer for Geordie Bullies Springboard Rescue UK (GBSR) – one of only three breed-specific rescue charities in the UK dedicated to helping English bulldogs.

Olivia and her bulldog Louise will be hosting the walk on Braunton Burrows and hope as many local English bulldogs owners will go along as possible. They will meet at 10.45am at the Sandy Lane car park with the walk starting at 11.

Above: Olivia, Harry and Louie. 

GBSR is dedicated solely to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming English Bulldogs through a trusted network of foster carers nationwide. The charity relies solely on donations.

Above: Olivia’s bulldog Louie with Boris and Bruno, who are currently being fostered in Holsworthy and looking for their forever homes. Credit: GBSR

Regional coordinator Wanda Kew first met Oliva and her bulldog, Louie, when Oliva travelled from Barnstaple to Weston-super-Mare after seeing a post on social media because she wanted Louie to meet other bulldogs.

After learning more about the charity, Oliva and her partner Harry decided to become volunteers, opening their hearts and home to Vinnie, their first foster.

In January she decided to start a monthly walk on Braunton Burrows, but sadly no one turned up for the first event and she was devastated, but persevered and kept promoting the events, sometimes walking alone with Louise.

In July her efforts paid off and it was the most successful walk yet, with five dogs attending, including Boris and Bruno, who are currently in foster care in the South West.

Olivia said: “Back in 2022, Harry and I rescued our bulldog Louie. That’s when we first came across Geordie Bullies at the bulldog meet-up walks in Weston-super-Mare, where we met the lovely Wanda. She’s supported us so much along the way and we honestly couldn’t have done it without her!

“After seeing the amazing work the charity does, we knew we wanted to help other bulldogs find their forever homes too. Our first foster was Vinnie – a bouncy, cuddly, funny boy who completely stole our hearts. Vinnie now has the best family and a brother called Tank.

“Now we’re doing all we can to fundraise and spread the word so more bulldogs, just like Louie and Vinnie, can find their happy-ever-afters.”

All English bullies owners are welcome to join the walk and more information can be found on the South West (Braunton Burrows) Bulldog Walk for GBSR UK Facebook event page, link https://www.facebook.com/events/1037565578232272