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Meet the Team Behind AA Dog Rescue

AA Dog Rescue is run by a dedicated team of passionate animal lovers who work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need. Since being founded in 2013, the organisation has grown into a trusted rescue working across the UK and Spain, helping thousands of dogs to find safe and loving homes.

 

Behind every rescue is a group of people committed to giving dogs a second change.

 

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OUR FOUNDER & PRESIDENT - CHARLEY NATHAN AA Dog Rescue was founded by Charley Nathan in 2013 after years of experience working with animals. Charley previously served in the Metropolitan Police before dedicating her life to helping dogs in need. Her passion for animals began long before the rescue was established. Charley bred and produced show jumpers and has spent many years caring for and training animals. After fostering and adopting rescue dogs herself, she saw first-hand the number of dogs desperately needing help and safe homes. What began as a small rescue effort quickly grew into AA Dog Rescue which now saves dogs from abandonment, neglect and high risk shelters. Charley continues to oversee the rescue, co-ordinates transport and works closely with adopters to ensure every dog has the best possible chance of a happy future.

OUR VICE PRESIDENT - CHARLOTTE WILDE Charlotte Wilde is the president of AA Dog Rescue. She has been training animals for most of her life; it started when her parents finally gave in and bought her a pony for her 11th birthday. When Charlotte left school she got a "proper job" in accountancy, but decided to follow her heart after the birth of her son in 1994. Since then she has trained and supplied animals under direction of some of the biggest names such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese & Christopher Nolan, has earned the privilege of working on everything from Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean to Emmerdale. She says that being a puppy trainer on 102 Dalmatians has to be one of the most demanding. Most recent achievement has been to successfully train her rescue dog 'Shadow' to fly a plane as part of the 'Dogs might Fly' Team shown on Sky1. Shadow is an AADR rescue dog!

Key Patrons:

PROFESSOR JO DELAHUNTY KC Jo was called to the Bar in 1986, took silk ( made a Queen’s Counsel) in 2006 and was appointed Gresham’s Professor of Law in 2016, a role she undertakes alongside her full time silk practice. She has won many industry awards for her work. In March 2019 Jo was  given the Freedom of the City of London to mark the centenary of 100 years of suffrage in recognition of her contribution to the Law. Jo is one of the UK’s leading family barristers specialising in legal aid child abuse law rising to prominence, and winning industry awards, for her work in contentious cases involving complex medical evidence and catastrophic injuries to/ the death of a child, child sex abuse, witchcraft/ ritualized abuse and ISIS radicalisation cases. Her clients often have mental health difficulties or serious learning difficulties and she acts for both children and adults. If there is a link between child abuse and animal abuse it is that they look to adults to rear, love and safeguard them. When they are failed , we should not stand idly by if we can help. That belief led to her involvement with AA Dog Rescue . She agreed to become a Patron in 2019 after getting to know AADR and its team . As Jo says ‘AADR does what it says on the tin: it rescues all dogs that come to its attention whether they be pups or seniors, in Spain or the UK. It’s a rescue service not just a rehoming agency. AADR puts the dog’s recovery, welfare and placement needs first and it’s after care to them and their adopters is second to none’. Jo has two of our Spanish pups. As she says ‘this is a protection network for dogs for their lifetime’: that’s unique and that ethos is down to the drive and integrity of Charley Nathan, its founder and fighter’.

NICKY STEVENS Nicky Stevens, born in Wales began singing at the very early age of four. In 1973, Nicky became a member of the famous pop group Brotherhood of Man. 40 years later, they are still together. Nicky now also helps AA Dog Rescue and is a valued member of our team.

SHARON & STEPHEN GARNER SPANISH PROPERTY CHOICE - THE GARNERS OF SUN SEA & SELLING HOUSES Our family is very proud to be asked to be a Patron of this amazing Charity. We think most of you will know how important our rescue animals are to us, so to be involved and be able to support such a wonderful charity moving forward, is extremely humbling. We have seen first hand the amazing work they do and we promise as a family business, to do all we can to offer our support. Thank you for asking us, Sharon, Steve, and all at Spanish Property Choice - The Garners of Sun Sea and Selling Houses.

AA Dog Rescue Patron, John Conteh, British former professional boxer
John Conteh, MBE

 

Born in Liverpool, John began boxing at the age of 10 at a boxing club in Kirkby. 

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John is a British former professional boxer who completed from 1971 to 1980. He held the WBC light-heavyweight title from 1974 to 1977, and regionally the European, British & Commonwealth titles 

between 1973 & 1974. As an amateur, he represented England and won a gold medil in the middleweight divisio at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games in 2017. John was awarde an MBE for service to boxing at the Queen's Birthday Honours.

 

John was introduced to our work by our President Lord Rose & we are delighted that he is now a valued member of our team.

AA Dog Rescue Patron, Sharon & Stephen Garner, Spanish Property Choice -- The Garners of Sun Sea & Selling Houses
Sharon & Stephen Garner

 

Our family are very proud to be asked to be a Patron of this amazing Charity.

We think most of you will know how important our rescue animals are to us, so to be involved and be able to support such a wonderful charity moving forward, is extremely humbling. We have seen first hand the amazing work they do and we promise as a family business, to do all we can to offer our support.

Thank you for asking us, Sharon, Steve, and all at Spanish Property Choice - The Garners of Sun Sea and Selling Houses

AA Dog Rescue Patron, Vicki Michelle, MBE
Vicki Michelle

 

Vicki Michelle MBE is an English actress best known for her role as Yvette Carte-Blanche in the television comedy 'Allo 'Allo!

 

As well as being the current president of the Heritage Foundation she now also helps towards our cause.

AA Dog Rescue Patron, Francoise Pascal
Françoise Pascal

 

Françoise is well known for the passion in her work and her vivacious love of life. 

 

She is best remembered for her role as Danielle Favre in the television series 'Mind Your Language' and films such as 'La Rose de Fer' and 'Burke & Hare' and 'There's a girl in my soup' with Peter Sellers.

VICKI MICHELLE MBE Vicki Michelle is an English actress best known for her role as Yvette Carte-Blanche in the television comedy 'Allo 'Allo! As well as being the current president of the Heritage Foundation she now also helps towards our cause.

JOHN CONTEH MBE Born in Liverpool, John began boxing at the age of 10 at a boxing club in Kirkby.  John is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1971 to 1980. He held the WBC light-heavyweight title from 1974 to 1977, and regionally the European, British & Commonwealth titles between 1973 & 1974. As an amateur, he represented England and won a gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games in 2017. John was awarded an MBE for service to boxing at the Queen's Birthday Honours.

FRANCOISE PASCAL Françoise is well known for the passion in her work and her vivacious love of life.  She is best remembered for her role as Danielle Favre in the television series 'Mind Your Language' and films such as 'La Rose de Fer' and 'Burke & Hare' and 'There's a girl in my soup' with Peter Sellers.

Our Rescue Team:

SHARON REYNOLDS (NEE BAYS) CHARITY SECRETARY & ADMINISTRATOR Sharon has been involved in Spanish rescue since 2008. She joined AA Dog Rescue through her love of dogs, photography and to assist with advertising the dogs for homes. She now support the organisation in an administrative role and works side by side with Charley, the co-founder. As the charities Secretary, Sharon helps ensure the smooth running of the rescue by managing essential records, documentation and organisational responsibilities. Sharon also plays an important role in supporting the rescue through advertising and social media, helping to raise awareness of the dogs in our care and promoting them to potential adopters.

TINA NEWNES TREASURER Tina Newnes joined AA Dog Rescue in November 2019, bringing with her previous experience from working with another dog charity, As Treasurer, Tina is responsible for overseeing all financial matters for the rescue ensuring the funds are managed responsibly to support the ongoing rescue, care and rehoming of our dogs.

KAREN JAMES CO-FOUNDER & UK HOMING Karen James helped establish AA Dog Rescue alongside Charley and played an important role in developing the rescue during its early years. She now heads up our UK homing and works tirelessly to ensure that every dog and puppy is carefully matched with the right family, giving them the best chance of a happy & secure forever home.

BRENDA BEHARRELL & GLEN STAFFORD ADMINISTRATORS - OUR ROCKS! Brenda & Glen have both been on board from the very beginning! They work tirelessly in the office keeping everything running smoothly.   They also fundraise on our behalf. We would truly be lost without them!

BILL GIBSON DOG BEHAVIOURIST Some dogs that we rescue have lived through some of the most difficult treatment and sometimes find it hard to adjust. This is where Bill Gibson of Connors Legacy comes in. Bill has helped so much and AA Dog Rescue would not be the same without him on our side.

Other Patrons:

KIRSTY FALK DOG BEHAVIOURIST I've been a dog walker for fearful and reactive dogs for the last 12 years. I'm fascinated by dog behaviour and have a very dog centric approach to my job and life, these guys teach you an awful lot if you just know what they're saying, and listen. I discovered AA rescue while looking for my own dog and I'm so glad I did. I was lucky enough to be trusted with their most broken dog, a tiny Podenco I called Pizza. I didn't just get a dog from AA though, I've found like minded dog lovers, dedicated to the cause. I'm very proud to be a patron of the rescue, They go above and beyond, from the moment a dog is mentioned to them that needs help, they do all they can, until the dogs last days.

ELAINE SURRIDGE SUPPORTER & FUNDRAISER I have been a volunteer with AA Dog Rescue for over 10 years. It all started when I delivered duvets to the rescue from Tesco.  Further visits to the rescue with bedding & food donations led to walking the dogs and reaping the rewards of loving dog cuddles. I was hooked!  I have also been able to take more of a front seat (literally) on some of the trips to Spain to help bring the dogs over to the UK to their new homes. I particularly enjoy getting involved with organising the Open Days and fund raising with my daughter Amber and feel very honoured to be a Patron.

KAREN MOBEY SUPPORTER Karen has been riding horses since the age of 6 and has always had animals. She used to fundraise door to door for the RSPCA as a youngster. Karen assists with promoting the rescue and finding forever homes for the dogs.

VAL REEVE SUPPORTER & VOLUNTEER I started volunteering September 2016, walking dogs and fostering when needed. I now help out when the dogs come over from Spain greeting all the new owners as they arrive which I love. Over the years I have met some amazing people and of course the star of the show the dogs themselves. We failed at fostering twice and have our own AA dogs Buddy & Smudge. It’s all worthwhile when you see the dogs and their journey on the AA Dog Rescue Owners Group on Fb.

GEOFF VERNAU AA DOG RESCUE CHARITY SHOP PROPRIETOR MALDON Geoff opened the AA Dog Rescue Charity Shop in Maldon and runs with shop with the help of his wife Sarah & a team of volunteers. "I started out life as a mechanic. I went to college for five years as an apprentice. I went into construction after my apprenticeship and started my own business. We built the bridges over the Watford section of the M25, and laid all the drainage. I passed my HGV class one and drove long distances for many years, self employed. I then went into MOD surplus but continued to drive lorries. I had an accident that wrecked my back and ended my career as a lorry driver. I volunteered in crown court for the witness service, learning much about law in the process. I first met Charley many years back along with Karen. I began to donate bedding for the dogs and, coats for girls at AA from the surplus warehouse. My family and i have adopted dogs from the AA ever since, the first being Flick, a staff cross. I am now semi- retired and love nothing more than to spend my time with family and carp fishing. I am an avid Arsenal fan as I was born in Woolwich and spent many a cold night watching the Gunners at Highbury. I also volunteer for the Tenerife horse sanctuary, working in the charity shop. I love dogs especially from AA. I am honoured to be part of the AA dog rescue team & a patron.

REBEKAH STRAUGHAN SUPPORTER, VOLUNTEER & LEGAL ADVISOR Rebekah, a solicitor, and her husband Dave are massive animal lovers and supporters of AA Dog Rescue. They won't sing their own praises, but we do!

ANNE DEE SPIRITUAL ADVISOR Anne is a world-renowned Horse Communicator, Pet Psychic and Spiritual Advisor.  While training to develop her gifts, Anne discovered that she had a unique ability to hear and understand the feelings of animals. Today, Anne receives countless requests for help with animal illness and other problems. It is our great honour to have Anne on board helping the dogs in need.

BARBARA & KEVIN READ SUPPORTERS & FUNDRAISERS Kevin and I first approached Charley and Sharon to offer to help when I realised they were based close to where we live. Not long after that, we agreed to foster a pup — although I think we might hold the failed foster record, because we adopted our gorgeous Tony so quickly! Since then, we’ve also welcomed Jeffrey into our pack, so we now have four dogs altogether. We’re now completely committed to doing whatever we can for AA and are proud to be part of the team. I’m at Latchingdon every month running the AA shop to help raise funds, and I also knit and crochet doggy jumpers and blankets to sell in the shop. Kevin is more of the maintenance man and mechanic, and when he’s not working he also helps out on handover days. It’s incredibly rewarding seeing the pups head off to start their new lives in safety and surrounded by love, and we’re so happy to play even a small part in that. It probably helps that we’re completely crazy about animals!

GAIL ALLERY FUNDRAISER - SPAIN Gail has an entrepreneurial background, owning several businesses over the years, including an office equipment business, a Kentish country pub and, more recently a ladies fashion business, perfectly placing her to organise the fashion show and the fashion shoot for AA Dog Rescue.. Gail has been helping and homing abandoned and injured dogs since the move to Spain in 2004, also volunteering at the 'Dog House' in Huércal-Overa until it closed. The home has 'revolving doors' for homeless and unwanted dogs and she currently has 4 plus one long suffering cat. She has been helping at the AA Dog Rescue Charity Shop for the last 6 years and she is now in her second year as event organiser. "All for the love of dogs"

We also have a fabulous team of dedicated staff and volunteers at our kennels in Spain. We are always looking for local volunteers!
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