Our names are: Stella and Luna
We came from: Cyprus
Now we live in: South Devon
Our favourite things are: the beach, chewing, napping, playing together and with our other doggy pals, and snacks
Follow us on Instagram: @stelly.and.luna

Stella & Luna’s story

Having been desperate to bring a dog into our lives and looking at local rescue shelters for months, around the beginning of 2021 we came across Underdog International. Initially we had applied for a different dog, however instead Eve sent us some photos of Stella and we fell in love with her instantly. We were very lucky as it was a very quick process for Stella to arrive as she already had a place on a flight, and she arrived with us in April 2021.

Stella settled in with us as a family at home quickly, and we knew she was absolutely the right dog for us. We didn’t know very much about her background, and she initially seemed a calm and pretty confident puppy at home. She is the most loving and clever little dog. Quite early on we introduced Stella to short days at doggy day care as this was something important for us as there are times we are both working – and she fitted into this like a dream and it is definitely still one of her favourite places! As time went on we noticed more anxiety in Stella, and more triggers became apparent – unknown men, bikes/prams, cars, walking sticks, and a degree of separation anxiety when left home alone. We were supported with how to approach this by the team at Underdog, and never felt alone even though at times it has been difficult.

We continued to work through Stella’s anxieties with her at her own pace, and although there have definitely been ups and downs, looking back she has made incredible progress. We quickly realised how important the company of other dogs is for Stella – in circumstances when she might be becoming fearful, as soon as another dog came along she was immediately happier and more at ease. It was obvious how much she would benefit from having a doggy sibling (….plus how much we would love that!). We were regularly browsing the dogs for adoption on the Underdog website… and then we found Luna. Luna was in a foster home in the UK and very quickly we had fallen in love with her and the ball was rolling!

Luna joined our team in December 2021, and settled almost immediately. She is totally different to Stella, but they couldn’t be a better pair. Luna is very trusting and much more of a typical zoomy puppy than Stella, who is more of a wise old soul. Within MINUTES of arriving Stella and Luna were sharing toys and cuddling together on the sofa – a match made in heaven. Luna has had such a huge positive impact on all of our lives – she is so affectionate and loving with people, and she has really helped Stella with her confidence and anxiety. Although there is still a long way to go and we have recently got in contact with a behaviourist, Stella is much more comfortable in unfamiliar environments with Luna by her side, and they are perfectly happy to be left on their own in the house when needed now. It is just so rewarding and heart-warming seeing them both living their absolute BEST lives together running on the beach and curled up together on the sofa with content little smiles on their faces.

If you are wondering about adopting a dog, we could not recommend Underdog enough. We have felt supported from the very beginning and still do a year down the line. It definitely hasn’t always been an easy ride, but it is just SO worth it and we could not imagine life without these two girls. We are so incredibly grateful to Underdog for bringing them to us, and for everything they do for so many dogs!

- Francesca & Edward