The Graham Dog Sanctuary
The Graham Dog Sanctuary
About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Hi my name is Aly Graham-Gage and I am the Founder and one of the trustees for the Graham Dog Sanctuary.
A little bit about me – I have been a nurse for the last 42 years and have no formal background in working with dogs.
However as my Dad was a police officer, from the age of 5, I was brought up around police dogs.
As a family we always had a rescue dog at home and I have continued with this theme all my life.
Around 10 years ago on a chance visit to Cyprus, I found a tiny puppy in terrible condition wandering the streets. I took him to PAWS, a nearby shelter and said I would fly him home with me. Unfortunately he was too young so after a quick visit back to England, I went back out and had him with me whilst I volunteered at the shelter– and came home with two!! While I was there I realised the scale of the problem in Cyprus, and whilst I’m aware that our own country has its issues with re-homing of dogs, I felt that I had been led to PAWS. I also believe that any dog saved, from any country is a win!!
That said, I have continued to go out and volunteer at PAWS whenever I can and currently have 8 rescue dogs, my daughter has 4 and I have also been able to find loving homes for many others with friends and acquaintances.
The purpose of my charity is to help the old, the injured and the overlooked who have been in the shelter for far too long. With kindness, care and great veterinary support, I aim to find them caring, forever homes.
Tilly – or Miss Tallulah Belle to be precise is 12 year old GSD that I’ve had from a pup. She’s starting to show her age now with stiff joints and hearing loss but I shall endeavour to support her in living a full life for as long as she has.
Daisy – also Doodles, Doodlebug, Princess!! My daughters first born (!) and twin to Tilly and also feeling her age. Still loves playing with the hose spray and is a loon for a Frisbee!!
Poppy – Younger sister (11) of Daisy and Tills, ‘Popachops’ or Pookiebear is a sweetheart. She gets a bad rap because of her size and colouring but in reality is scared of her own shadow!!
Ted – The founder of the charity!!! The tiny scared puppy that I found 10 years ago but who now rules the roost!!! Quite a character and keeps all the big girls in check, I don’t think he realises his age.
Grace – Gracie is a little darling – although quite unhinged in a lovable way!! Not sure of her age, she was maybe 2-ish when I brought her over with Ted so probs around 12 also. Loves to jump on your lap, then reverse and sit on your chest (we call it ‘the tit sit’!)
Molly – also answers to Moomin, don’t ask! The most timid of the group, aged around 10. Flew over with my beloved Lola, a darling rottie cross who sadly passed at the age of around 15 three weeks ago. Molly, like a lot of the rescues had suffered trauma and abuse and I have never been able to completely train the fear of men out of her. That said
Yogi – the Bob Marley of the dog world, he is the most laid back of the bunch. A true delight that had been in the shelter for over 4 years when I caved and bought him over. Loved by all who meet him we think he is around 10.
Lily – on our visit to arrange the flight of Lola who then became two with Molly joining, we found this little scrap starving in our Villa gardens. Guess what comes next? After flea and tick treatment and de-worming my daughter Jade had fallen in love and over to the UK she came!! Lily-mouse is a poppet although we hate her yipping!
Ella – This little girl is 3 ½. She spent her first 9 months at PAWS – the usual, as bag full of puppies thrown over the gate. She was then found a home in the UK where all seemed well for the next 9 months – until a vet called PAWS and said a couple had bought a fit, healthy young dog in to be euthanised. PAWS called me to see if I could foster and after initially saying no – she came to me and the rest is history. I am officially a failed foster parent!!
Morti - part dog part fruitbat, Lord Morticus is around 9 years old and they broke the mold after this one!!! Named Morti as an irreverent reference to ‘rigour mortis’ as he goes completely stiff when picked up!! Also known for his permanent display of ‘teefs’.
Maple – the baby of the pack at around 1 ½. Found dodging traffic on the Cyprus highways and taken in by a foster Mum who couldn’t keep her long term, this tiny terrorist has brought fun and games to the gang.