MAVI – born on the streets, ready for a life of safety

Mavi is a young male dog, about 1.5 years old, born on the streets in 2023. His mother – a gentle Golden Retriever – was once adopted as a companion animal. She was no longer a puppy, just a young dog, and that’s when the children quickly lost interest. What once seemed like a fun addition to the family gradually became a burden.

People noticed that she shed fur. That she needed walks. That she required attention. Slowly but surely, she became 'too much' – and no one wanted to take responsibility. Pati was simply left to her fate. Outside. Not truly alone, but among the many other dogs who had also been abandoned.

In the region where Stichting Hand & Poot operates, this sadly happens all too often. Dogs are seen as disposable: fun for a while, then no longer welcome. Though they’re sometimes given scraps of food, they live without real care or protection. No sterilisation. No future.

Pati became pregnant – unintentionally, unwillingly. And that’s how Mavi came into the world.

Mavi spent about six months living on the streets, together with his mother and siblings. Until we repurposed our parents’ property into a safe haven for dogs. That moment marked the beginning of Stichting Hand & Poot – born out of necessity, driven by love and determination. That’s when we brought Pati and her entire little family to the property.

There, Mavi grew up safely, surrounded by other dogs at our foundation’s shelter. He understands canine language and knows how to adapt within a group. But deep down, he’s just a sweet boy who loves to lie beside you and retrieve toys – a true Golden Retriever at heart. We’re convinced that once Mavi finds a home of his own, he’ll be even more capable of showing his talents and growing into them. For now, he’s being held back – simply because he lacks the individual attention and space he needs to truly thrive.

The dogs at Hand & Poot are raised in a home environment. They don’t know kennels, but they are familiar with the everyday sounds of domestic life – like the vacuum cleaner, washing machine, or doorbell. Mavi is fully vaccinated, microchipped, and has a passport – ready to travel. He’s a sweet, social dog looking for peace, space, and people who truly want him. Forever. He doesn’t walk perfectly on a leash yet, but he’s eager to learn, friendly, and used to living in a pack.

Mavi deserves a place where he’s not just an afterthought – but finally at home.

By adopting Mavi, you’re not just giving him a chance – you’re helping to break the cycle.

📩 Want to know more? Email us: info@handenpoot.nl🌐 Visit: www.handenpoot.nl

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