During our holidays to Albania over the past few years, we’ve often offered food and water to street dogs — but this year, Teddy changed everything.

He followed us every day, stayed with us at the beach, and even followed us home. He made sure the children were never alone, always keeping an eye on them when they went off to play. He made it very clear that he wanted to be part of our family. He was so sweet and just wanted love.

The life of a street dog is full of uncertainty. Teddy had won the hearts of the locals and expats who fed him when they could, but every day was still about survival. He was desperate for someone to take him in and love him.

When we left, it broke my heart. We said goodbye to him on the beach, and I promised him that I would try my best to save him and bring him home. I couldn’t stop thinking about him — I cried for days and had many sleepless nights worrying. I spent countless hours trawling the internet, messaging anyone I thought could help. Thankfully, after ten days of trying, the amazing team at JETA Tier und Mensch — an overstretched local rescue — agreed to help look for him. A Facebook post was shared asking for help.

On the day of the search, no one could find him. To make matters worse, the team received a photo of him with an injury. I was heartbroken — I thought I’d let him down.

But the next day, a wonderful thing happened. A group of animal lovers and people who knew Teddy set out again in the morning. Luckily, they found him in his usual area. They took him to the safety of a vet, where he could finally get the treatment he desperately needed.

The vet cared for him for a month — treating his injury, neutering him, and completing all the necessary blood tests and vaccinations. Dogs leaving Albania must wait four months after their rabies vaccine before they can travel. So once his vet work was done, Zamira, a wonderful lady who cares for animals in need, took him home to look after him while he waits to come to the UK.

Teddy is now ready to travel, and we’re hoping to bring him home in early November.

Up to now, I’ve covered all his costs — vet bills, boarding, and paperwork — spending around £1,200. I’ve gone without to make it happen (my hair now resembles a scarecrow’s, but at least it suits the season!).

Now, I just need a little help to cover the final transport and import costs to bring him safely home. Every donation, no matter how small, will help Teddy finally have the safe, loving life he deserves — a life where he’ll never be alone again.