At Animals Worldwide, we believe that every animal deserves a chance, no matter their condition or past. So when we saw Flori’s Friends Rescue share their appeal for support on South East TV, we knew we had to get in touch.
On 17th October, we visited the Flori’s Friends team and were welcomed by an incredible group of people and some truly unforgettable dogs — all of whom have been disabled either through tragic accidents or neglect. Owner Natalia and care assistant Kylie introduced us to four remarkable dogs using wheelchairs to replace their back legs — all full of life, energy, and love.
A Grant for Elle’s Journey
During our visit, we learned about Elle, a dog whose story deeply moved us. Hit by a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) at just one year old, Elle was left at the roadside, alone and gravely injured, for six days. Cold, starving, with a broken spine and a severed front leg, her future looked hopeless. It was only thanks to traffic camera footage that Flori’s Friends were able to locate and rescue her.
What followed was a nine-month journey of intense rehabilitation, involving a team of international surgeons. Elle underwent:
- A bilateral rear leg amputation
- A partial front leg amputation
- Fitting of a custom-made front leg prosthetic from the U.S.
- A specialist dog wheelchair to give her full mobility
Despite having just one natural front leg, Elle’s spirit never broke. With physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, she not only survived — she thrived.
Today, Elle is one of the fastest dogs at the rescue and proudly serves as a mascot for Flori’s Friends, showing the world that disability is not the end of the road — it’s just a different path.
Our Support
Animals Worldwide is proud to have accepted Flori’s Friends’ grant request and provided £500 to support Elle’s ongoing care. According to Natalia, the entire grant went directly toward Elle’s hydrotherapy and physiotherapy, critical elements of her recovery and long-term health.
We are honoured to stand beside Flori’s Friends in their mission to give disabled and forgotten animals a second chance. Their work is nothing short of extraordinary, and we encourage others to support their efforts in any way they can.
Elle’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and hope. And thanks to Flori’s Friends — and to your support — she gets to live her life to the fullest.
If you’d like to contribute to future grants that support organisations like Flori’s Friends, please consider donating to Animals Worldwide.