Rescued puppy Dobby looking for forever home

Dobby, the four-month pup rescued from an alleged drowning attempt in Lisbon this month, has made a remarkable recovery and is now ready to begin the next chapter of his life: finding a forever home.

The four-month-old puppy, rescued by Associação dos Animais de Lisboa (AAL) after shocking footage showed a child holding the dog several times underwater in a public lake in Lisbon, has recovered well under veterinary care and is now being offered for adoption.

“There are stories that break our hearts. Dobby’s was one of them,” the association says in a social media post.

“As you know, Dobby was rescued after being the victim of an attempted drowning, in a moment that could have ended in the worst possible way. Fortunately, our association arrived in time,” it says.

Despite the ordeal, the charity says Dobby has shown an extraordinary capacity to trust people again.

“Today, Dobby is a happy little dog, full of life and completely in love with people,” the association says.

“It is incredible to see that, despite everything he has been through, he continues to trust those around him and faces each day with the joy of a puppy who simply wants to play and receive affection.”

A playful puppy

The charity describes Dobby as an affectionate and energetic puppy who loves cuddles, toys and treats.

He gets along well with other dogs, lives peacefully alongside cats and is expected to grow into a medium-sized dog, roughly the size of a Labrador, although his exact adult size cannot be guaranteed because he is a mixed breed, the association says.

Dobby has already been microchipped, treated for internal and external parasites and has begun his vaccination programme.

“Now he only needs a family”

The association says there is only one thing missing from Dobby’s recovery.

“Now he only needs what he has always deserved: a family who will love him forever.”

AAL says it is looking for adopters who understand the commitment involved in raising a puppy and can offer him the time, patience, training and affection he needs.

In return, the charity says, Dobby promises to fill his new home with “joy, kisses and happy moments”.

The association is asking anyone interested in adopting Dobby to get in touch via private message and explain the kind of home they can offer.

It also reminded prospective adopters that adopting an animal should never be an impulsive decision.

“Adopting an animal is a commitment for many years,” the charity said. “It requires time, dedication, healthcare, food, financial expenses and, above all, love.”

Dobby’s story captured national attention after the association alleged that a child spent around 40 minutes trying to drown him in a Lisbon lake. He was rescued in time and rushed to a veterinary clinic suffering from water ingestion, a severely swollen abdomen and injuries to his paws sustained while desperately trying to escape.

The association has since filed a criminal complaint and says it hopes Dobby’s case will help raise awareness of animal cruelty and strengthen protections for animals.