Small enough to know every dog. Determined enough to change their life.
Every dog is treated as an individual, with the time, care and lifelong rescue support they need to move forward safely.
How it started
Congleton Dog Rescue was founded on 21 August 2025 by Dawn Cooke to rehabilitate and rehome dogs of all breeds across the UK. Dawn understands that dogs entering rescue may face complex challenges, and each one is given the individual support, time and patience needed before rehoming.
Dawn brings an excellent, proven track record in assessing and rehoming Dobermanns through Adopt a Rescue Dobermann UK. That experience—and her passion for helping every breed—is the driving force behind Congleton Dog Rescue. Every dog is assessed and observed by Dawn before being signed off as ready for the next stage.
Based in Cheshire, the rescue is supported by the dedicated team at Country Kennels and Daycare in Swettenham, where dogs receive professional care during their stepping stone to happiness. Dawn manages the rescue voluntarily, while public donations fund kennel costs, food, veterinary bills, beds, toys and the other essentials that keep the work moving.
We have rehomed 31 dogs. The archive contains 35 published success stories because it also includes foster-family outcomes, settled-home updates and other positive welfare outcomes.
Legal status: Congleton Dog Rescue currently operates as an independent, volunteer-run rescue and is not a registered charity.
The archive includes confirmed adoptions, foster-family outcomes, settled-home updates and other positive welfare outcomes.
The milestones that matter
Six dated milestones show how the organisation began, grew and built stronger rescue partnerships.
Dawn establishes Congleton Dog Rescue
The rescue is founded to assess, rehabilitate and carefully rehome dogs of all breeds, with welfare and suitable matching placed ahead of speed.
Read how the rescue beganThe first confirmed rehoming
Bonya becomes the rescue’s first confirmed rehome, showing how local assessment, community support and a carefully matched family can create a lasting outcome.
Jason Brady launches the rescue website
The independent Congleton Dog Rescue website launches on 29 October 2025, giving the organisation a permanent online home for adoption information, rescue stories and public guidance.
Read the website launch story
The £5,000 milestone is reached
Community fundraising reached £5,000 on 19 December 2025, helping fund care and strengthen the rescue’s foundations.
Read the fundraising milestone storyThe Jollyes partnership passes 200 donated tins
The One-Tin Challenge demonstrates how a simple recurring partnership can provide dependable practical support for dogs in rescue care.
Read about the One-Tin ChallengeBurgess Pets provides essential supplies
A wide-ranging donation of medical items, food and safe walking equipment gives the rescue practical support for current and future dogs.
Read about the donationHow a rescue actually happens
Every dog we help goes through the same four stages — here's what that looks like in practice.
Rescue
We take in dogs who are surrendered, straying, or in situations that can no longer meet their needs — often at short notice.
Assess
Dawn observes and assesses every dog, while Country Kennels and local vets provide professional care and identify any health or rehabilitation needs.
Rehabilitate
Foster carers work on training, socialisation and confidence-building, so we understand exactly what home each dog needs.
Rehome
Experienced volunteers complete a home check, successful families attend at least one kennel meet-and-greet, and every adoption includes a settling guide and full rescue backup. Read our post-adoption support guide.
The people behind the rescue
Congleton Dog Rescue is run entirely by volunteers, giving their evenings and weekends because they believe every dog deserves a second chance.
Dawn Cooke
FounderDawn founded Congleton Dog Rescue on 21 August 2025 and manages it voluntarily. Her proven assessment and rehoming work with Adopt a Rescue Dobermann UK now supports dogs of every breed through this rescue.
Jason Brady
Website ManagerJason launched the rescue website on 29 October 2025 and continues to maintain it, keeping dog profiles, rescue stories and adoption information current.
...and the volunteers who keep it running
Foster Carers
Open their homes to dogs in need of a safe space, providing day-to-day care while we find the right family.
Home Assessors
Carry out home checks and matching conversations to make sure every adoption is the right fit for dog and family alike.
Fundraising Volunteers
Run raffles, events and appeals that cover vet bills, food and bedding — the rescue runs on what they raise.
Want to be part of the next chapter?
Whether you're ready to adopt, keen to foster, or just want to help us keep going, there's a place for you in this story.