I loved holiday dog so much I paid £3k to bring her back to the UK

Sue Fisher, a 65 year old retiree, has opened her heart and wallet to save an injured stray puppy she found on holiday in Morocco. The former trust and corporate administrator, along with her sister Natalie Eaton, 55, discovered the dog they later named Lucy with a severely broken leg behind their hotel in Taghazout, November 2023.

Fearing the pup wouldn't last on the streets, Sue forked out £100 for crucial surgery to insert a metal pin into the shattered limb. Charmed by Lucy's resilience, Sue shared photos with her husband Grant Fisher, 60, also retired, who was equally smitten, prompting the decision to adopt the plucky dog.

Sue ensured Lucy got all necessary treatments at a shelter before flying back in July to bring her new four-legged friend to their home on the Isle of Man via Paris. After spending about £3,000 on the entire endeavour, Lucy is now living a cherished life with Sue, Grant, and two other dogs.

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Reflecting on the experience, Sue said: "When we found Lucy in Morocco she was in so much pain - she wouldn't have survived on the streets."

Still captivated by Lucy's charm, she added: "But she was so gorgeous, I just fell in love with her."

Continuing her tale of kindness, Sue explained: "I took her to the vets and paid for her surgery to fix her leg."

To complete the rescue story, she shared: "I sent photos of her to Grant and told him the situation, and he said 'can we adopt her? '."

Finally, full of joy, Sue remarked: "Six months later I was flying back out to get her - we just wanted to give her a better life."

And now, according to Sue, Lucy is revelling in her new Royal status: "Now she gets treated like a princess and she's so happy, confident and loving."

Sue entrusted Lucy, a Moroccan Beldi, to the care of Al-Nour Tierhilfe shelter and set up a monthly donation for her upkeep. After receiving necessary injections and treatments, Lucy had to wait several months for antibodies to form before she could travel.

Sue and Lucy had to fly via Paris to obtain a pet passport, and upon arrival in the UK, they were greeted by pet siblings Mr Darcy and Lola. "Once I had made the commitment I knew I couldn't go back on it," said Sue.

"I didn't want to let Lucy down."

"I wanted to give that poor little puppy the life she deserved."

Now 16 months old and standing at 73.5cm tall - twice the height of their other dogs - Lucy has quickly adapted to her new home. Despite never having been toilet trained or used a lead before, Lucy picked them both up happily within a day.

Sue shared: "She was so good - at first she was petrified, but even then she was well behaved."

"She is still so clingy and loving and puts her head on my chest."

"I think she knows we saved her life."