At Saving Saints, we advocate for the welfare of all big paw breeds, ensuring their complex needs are met for long-lasting care.
At Saving Saints, our mission transcends the traditional boundaries of rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. We place equal emphasis on prevention and education, advocating for the welfare of all large and giant breed dogs. Our goal is not just to address the immediate challenges of large and giant breed ownership but to illuminate the often-overlooked reality: despite their imposing stature, large and giant breeds possess unique vulnerabilities. Their care demands a departure from contemporary dog ownership methods, necessitating specialised attention that recognises their distinct physical and emotional requirements.
By harnessing the expertise of specialists and fostering a supportive community ethos, we champion the cause of these majestic animals, striving towards a future where every giant paw is empowered to lead a life that's not just healthy, but also understood and valued.
Join us in our journey to safeguard the welfare of these magnificent dogs, one giant step at a time.
Navigating the Misconceptions of Big Paw Breeds
Big Paw Breeds have been stars of the screen for years, from Beethoven and the Newton family 30 years ago to today's endless list of social media icons. This visibility has led to misconceptions about the responsibilities involved in caring for large and giant breed dogs. A scroll through any social feed reveals a stark contrast between dogs in educated environments and those treated as lifestyle accessories. From puppies navigating stairs to being carried around like ragdolls, to being allowed to leap from trucks and SUVs without proper support, the online narrative dangerously oversimplifies the requirements for their proper care.
Many are drawn to big paw breeds due to their adorable puppy phase. However, without adequate training, numerous owners find themselves overwhelmed and ill-equipped to handle the demands of these powerful dogs, leading to rehoming or unregistered sales within the first year. Regrettably, we frequently encounter surrendered puppies and adolescent dogs with physical and behavioural challenges, with some breeders refusing to honour return-to-breeder contracts.
Conditions like hip dysplasia, exacerbated by allowing dogs to regularly navigate stairs or jump from cars, are not uncommon and are incurable, resulting in a debilitating quality of life indefinitely.
The Impact of Economic and Lifestyle Changes
Surrenders have surged, prompted by financial hardships, divorce, relocation, or health crises. We are witnessing a concerning trend in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis. It's imperative to recognise that the welfare of these breeds demands a consistent, lifelong investment. The bottom line is, these dogs are expensive to buy and care for.
In essence, if prospective owners cannot afford to provide for these dogs in the event of unforeseen circumstances, they should refrain from acquiring them altogether, including rescues.
A Global Challenge
A Global Challenge The situation for giant breeds is particularly challenging beyond the UK, with insufficient legal protection against abuse in many parts of Europe. Some countries lack official dog rescue facilities, leading to the use of "killing stations" where unwanted dogs meet a tragic and brutal end. Our commitment extends internationally, working with rescue partners to save these dogs from abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
Our Dedication to a Better Future
We vehemently believe all dogs deserve better. Many of the dogs we rescue have suffered unimaginable cruelty at the hands of their former owners, left to fend for themselves on the streets, chained up, or starved, in the UK and abroad.
Our organisation steps in to provide these dogs with the best possible life, supported by a community of dedicated individuals who understand the unique needs of giant breeds.
Our History
Founded in 2013, Saving Saints embarked on a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Saint Bernards and their crossbreeds. From the outset, Saving Saints distinguished itself by welcoming dogs that had been rejected or deemed too complex for adoption because of their behavioural issues or health concerns.
Our journey has been marked by numerous success stories rehabilitating dogs facing a range of challenges, giving them a second chance at life within loving homes. As our charity evolved, it became clear that the needs and welfare concerns of Saint Bernards were mirrored in other giant breeds, leading us to open our arms to any large and giant breed dog in need.
We successfully initiated an overseas rescue programme and have seen us reach out to save giant breeds from European kill shelters and Asian meat markets, demonstrating our global commitment to big paw welfare.
The charity has also introduced additional areas of rescue and provision, including TriPaws and Dog Therapy. TriPaws specifically caters to the rescue and rehoming of dogs with physical ailments with dedicated support. Dog therapy was introduced to help vulnerable and isolated people in care homes, hospices, hospital settings, mental health units. Today, some of our dedicated Saint Bernards and other big paws visit places across the UK to help those in need feel the love of a big paw breed, while helping to raise awareness of their needs to more people in the community.
Having firmly established its presence, the charity is redoubling its efforts towards preventive measures. By prioritising awareness and education on the unique needs of giant breeds, especially among prospective owners, we want to ensure that every family welcoming these dogs into their homes does so with a comprehensive understanding and informed choice.
Take a look at our new YouTube Channel here
Meet the Trustees
Rachel
Hello, I’m Rachel, and I’ve proudly served as the Chair and Secretary of Saving Saints for the past ten years. My journey with rescue dogs began when I adopted my first furry companion, Toby, as a puppy from Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter when I was 18. He was a lovable Rottweiler cross who completely stole my heart.
Today, I feel incredibly fortunate to share my life with a diverse pack of four-legged friends. Here I am with Monty, Destiny’s only surviving pup, who was born completely unexpectedly a week after she arrived in the UK. Destiny had been rescued from Romania at the age of seven, and no one at the rescue realised she was pregnant. Monty developed a severe abscess and had one eye removed just four weeks after his birth. He now lives happily alongside his female St Bernard companions, Dotty, Willow and Zara, each bringing their own unique personality and joy to my life.
In addition to my dedication to animal welfare, I work as a mental health worker, qualified EMDR psychotherapist and advocate, supporting the well-being of both humans and animals. I also have a passion for cars and enjoy spending my spare time on track days, particularly driving my Porsche 911.
Dotty, my bombproof girl, often accompanies me as a PAT dog, spreading comfort and joy wherever we go. In the photo, you’ll also see my beloved St Bernards, Kuba from Romania and William, a UK rescue. Sadly, both passed away due to common health issues seen in St Bernards, including bloat and heart failure.
Through my experiences and dedication, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals, advocating for their welfare and ensuring they receive the love and care they deserve.
Helen
I'm Helen, a dedicated advocate for dog welfare with a deep-rooted passion for rescuing dogs from the meat trade. My journey in dog rescue spans many years, during which I've specialised in offering a lifeline to those dogs who've faced the most harrowing circumstances.
In my home, I'm greeted daily by a diverse pack that spans the size spectrum from small to giant breeds. Each day is a new chapter in understanding dog behaviour, a journey I embrace with all my heart.
Among my furry family is Kingsley, a St. Bernard rescued from the meat trade, now living harmoniously with his new pack. My role as a dog behaviourist allows me to guide dogs like Kingsley through their past traumas, helping them flourish in their forever homes.
My commitment to dog welfare reaches beyond the confines of my home. For the last five years, I've been a Trustee and behaviourist for Saving Saints, playing an integral part in safeguarding the future of countless dogs. My qualifications from the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training empower me to blend expertise with empathy, making a tangible difference in the lives of dogs and their human companions.
Amanda Rees
Hi, I’m Amanda. My Saving Saints journey began when I adopted Tal, my beautiful Greek street puppy, in 2021. Since then, I’ve fostered six rescues, including Tal’s street siblings, become a charity trustee, and joined the ranks of the ‘foster-fail’ gang when I adopted Shadow, my inimitable Anatolian Shepherd and definitely my most ‘interesting’ foster to date.
Every dog that I have had the privilege of knowing has taught me something special about how they need to be loved. The more complex the dog, the greater the lesson. I am proud to bring this lived experience, along with some theoretical understanding of dog behaviour, to my role as Trustee.
I believe in our charity, not just because of what we do but also because of how we do it. With two Greek rescues of my own, I feel strongly that our mission, “bringing the joy of rescue to all,” means helping dogs in need wherever they are in the world, regardless of geographical boundaries. It also means working hard to make our adoption and rehoming processes as safe, inclusive and effective as possible.
With thousands of large and giant dogs in rescue at home and abroad, our priority must be matching each dog’s needs with the best possible, loving home. We prioritise safety while avoiding rigid ‘tick box’ approaches. Every dog is different, and we aim to assess every adoption application on its own merits.
When I’m not responding to dog-related enquiries, reading canine literature, writing profiles, preparing videos, or fundraising, I work as a business and media consultant in TV and broadcast, as well as a non-executive Chair and Board director.
Born and bred in Wales, Welsh is my first language. Rwy’n siarad Cymraeg! Which means you are very welcome to start our conversations with the words “Shwd mae?”
Hannah
Hi, I’m Hannah and I joined the wonderful team of trustees after taking on my third rescue from Saving Saints in 2025. I am a continued ‘failed fosterer’ and now currently have five rescue dogs, three of whom are reactive to other dogs and one to people.
Over the last 10 years, I have focused on rescuing dogs who need a little extra support, whether through fear-based reactivity or additional emotional, health or age-related needs. These are often dogs who might otherwise be considered ‘hard to home’.
Growing up, I was surrounded by rescues, from gerbils and rats to chickens and rabbits, as well as cats, dogs and horses. I have a strong passion for helping both animals and people realise their potential, while giving them the time, space and support they need to do so.
This passion led me to become a Counsellor, CBT and EMDR therapist after initially pursuing a career in sales. I realised I missed seeing the meaningful difference that compassion and understanding can make in people’s lives.
I now feel very fortunate to work alongside my trusty ‘Therapup’ Weasel in the beautiful West Country countryside.
Grace
I’m Grace, a trustee of Saving Saints Big Paws Welfare and an accredited journalist based in the North West. My involvement in rescue is rooted in a belief that dogs deserve safety and care regardless of origin, breed or circumstance.
My journalism focuses on accountability and on reporting the experiences of people and communities that are often misrepresented or overlooked. I apply the same principles to animal welfare through clear, accurate storytelling that both informs and engages, while always treating our rescue dogs with respect.
I began volunteering with Saving Saints Big Paws Welfare by supporting its communications and social media, helping to document the charity’s work and the dogs behind it. This role later developed into a trusteeship, where I now support how the organisation communicates its impact both in the UK and internationally.
Time spent in Morocco, where stray dogs are part of everyday life, has shaped my understanding of rescue beyond a UK context and reinforced the importance of ethical, informed approaches to welfare.
I enjoy keeping active through weightlifting and hiking, and I love spending time with family.
I believe in responsible communication and in using platforms thoughtfully to support positive change. These values guide my work with Saving Saints Big Paws Welfare.
I’m proud to be part of a charity that combines compassion with rigour, and I look forward to continuing to support its work as it grows and helps more dogs move towards safer and more secure futures.
Why Adopt?
Adoption gives animals in shelters and rescue organisations a second chance at life. By adopting, you're providing a loving home to an animal in need and potentially saving them from euthanasia.
Adopting from shelters and rescue groups helps reduce the number of animals in overcrowded shelters and prevents further breeding, thus addressing the issue of pet overpopulation reducing pet surrender rates.
Many animals in shelters are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Shelter staff and volunteers often assess the animals' behaviour and temperament, providing valuable insights into their compatibility with your household and family members.
By adopting, you're supporting ethical practices and promoting responsible pet ownership. You're not contributing to the demand for animals from commercial breeders or pet mills, which often prioritise profit over animal welfare.
Adopted animals often show immense gratitude and loyalty to their new family, forming strong bonds with those who have given them a second chance at life. Knowing that you've provided a loving home to a previously homeless or abandoned animal can bring a deep sense of fulfilment and joy.
Adopting from local shelters and rescue groups strengthens your community by supporting their efforts to care for and rehome animals in need. Many shelters and rescue organisations provide ongoing support and resources to adopters, including training advice, behavioural support, and community events.
