News

Where are they now?

August 25, 2025

After 542 days in GAWS’ care, numerous meet & greets, an unsuccessful adoption venture and a short stint in foster care, smart and sassy American Staffy Svetlana finally made it to her forever home.

Found wandering the streets back in October 2023 as a puppy, Svetlana spent most of her young life at GAWS, where she kept busy perfecting her manners and tricks. The high-energy dynamo received daily walks, food, water, care and loads of pats from GAWS staff and volunteers, and they were dedicated to finding her an owner who would love her.

There was one dog volunteer who had a special place in Svetlana’s heart. Over six months, Verity and Svetlana developed a special bond at GAWS. Svetlana found her forever person with Verity and she was adopted in March 2025.

Svetlana’s new life with owner Verity:

We decided to adopt Svetlana after we lost our dog last year, and after volunteering at GAWS for 6 months I knew that she was the dog I wanted to take home. She is a ball of energy, but also loves to sit and cuddle or follow anyone around the house all day as she fits perfectly into our family life.

She already has her routine and loves sleeping in, then will run to everyone in the family to give them kisses and cuddles. She is very talkative, and everyone loves her expressive personality. We've quickly learned soft toys are no match for her exuberant personality, she instead gets first pick of the cardboard boxes in the recycling, which she quickly tears to shreds.

Svetlana has settled in amazingly, she loves cuddles and her toys, and following whoever is home, around the house. She now gets to come to work with me several times a week at a doggy daycare where she's working on her manners and social skills.”