In August 2015, we were asked by Friends of the Dogs Wales at Cardiff Dogs Home to look at a new arrival described as having “a few problems.” That dog was Shelby, a Dogue de Bordeaux rescued from severe neglect.
When we first met her, Shelby’s condition was heartbreaking:
Painfully underweight with barely any muscle
Skin covered in infected bald patches
Coat matted with paint
Completely shut down emotionally
Despite this, her deep brown eyes told us she still had hope. We adopted her the very next day.
Shelby was immediately transitioned to a complete raw diet with Natural Instinct.
Blood tests revealed a severe Demodex skin infection, and she began treatment.
Just weeks later, we met holistic vet Sue Armstrong at Crufts, who guided us away from dangerous steroid use towards a holistic approach focused on gut health and immune balance.
With supplements, pre/probiotics, therapeutic baths, and lots of love, Shelby began to thrive.
Over several months, she put on 12kg, her coat grew back, and her personality blossomed.
Shelby became our shop’s official greeter. She welcomed customers, adored children, and had endless patience with excitable puppies.
In late 2018, we heartbreakingly lost Shelby to a heart condition common in her breed. But her story had already inspired countless customers and given us a mission: to carry her legacy forward.
Founded in 2019, The Shelby Foundation was created in her memory. We partnered with the Dogue de Bordeaux Welfare Organisation, the only Kennel Club–affiliated rescue for the breed.
The Foundation raises funds to:
Support the rehabilitation and rehoming of neglected Dogues de Bordeaux
Educate owners about responsible pet care and nutrition
Provide ongoing support for rescue centres and welfare initiatives
Every contribution, big or small, helps us make a difference. We raise money through:
🎾 Recycled Tennis Balls – collected and sold in-store for dogs to enjoy
🛍️ Carrier Bag Charges – every penny from bag sales goes directly to the Foundation
🎟️ Raffles & Prize Draws – regular events with fantastic prizes to keep the fundraising fun
Since its launch, The Shelby Foundation has raised over £8,500 thanks to the generosity of our amazing customers and community.
Shelby’s story is a reminder of the difference love, care, and proper nutrition can make. Through the Foundation, we honour her memory by giving other dogs the second chance she had.