Rescue Stories: Meet Bruno, Mia, and Kira – The Gentle Giants Waiting for a Home

 Sometimes, the dogs with the hardest beginnings have the biggest hearts. Today, I want to introduce you to three incredible souls—Bruno, Mia, and Kira. These dogs have been waiting in our shelter in Corfu for nearly two years, watching other dogs come and go while they remain behind.

We believe there is a perfect family out there for each of them. Could it be you?

A Rough Start: The Story of Bruno and Mia

The story of Bruno and Mia began in heartbreak, but thanks to the watchful eyes of good people in Kerkyra, it didn’t end there.

As tiny puppies, only two or three months old, they were spotted being dragged through town by a neglectful owner. They had no food, no water, and no shelter from the scorching Greek sun. When they were finally rescued, they were terrified, hiding under a car to escape the heat. They were emaciated and weak.

We shudder to think what would have happened if those kind strangers had looked away. Thankfully, the owner agreed to surrender them. Marketa, our shelter founder, took them in as soon as she had space.

I remember the day they arrived. Seeing their miserable condition brought tears to my eyes. Yet, despite the cruelty they had endured, a flicker of hope remained.

From Survival to Safety

Mia (named after my own beloved late dog) loved people immediately. Bruno was shy but curious. Almost instantly, they began playing with other dogs—a beautiful sign that their will to live was unbroken. We knew then that we owed them the life they were almost denied.

However, nearly two years have passed, and neither Bruno nor Mia has found a family. They are safe and loved here, but a shelter is not a home.

Meet Bruno: The Gentle Giant with a Quirk

Bruno has grown into a magnificent, large boy (at least 30kg). He is a survivor who now truly appreciates a full bowl!

  • Personality: He is a calm spirit who shares a pen peacefully with four other dogs. He can be a little shy initially and doesn’t always demand cuddles, but he is gentle and okay around people. He just needs a patient human to show him the ropes.

  • Needs: Because of his size, he would need a careful introduction if joining a home with existing dogs. Like all shelter dogs, he is eager to learn.

  • Fun Fact: Bruno is extra special—he has 6 toes! It doesn’t affect his walking; it just makes him all the more unique.

Meet Mia: The Cuddle Bug

Mia is a big girl with an even bigger heart. She is incredibly food-motivated (perhaps a memory of her hungry puppyhood), so she will need a family who can help her manage her weight, as she loves to finish everyone’s leftovers!

  • Personality: Mia is very attention-seeking and affectionate. Despite her horrible start in life, she adores humans and wants to be near them constantly.

  • Social Skills: She is non-problematic with other dogs and generally happy-go-lucky.

  • Size: She is roughly the same size as Bruno—a big, beautiful girl ready to take up space on your sofa.


Meet Kira: The Forgotten Soul

Finally, I want to shine a light on Kira, a beautiful, gentle girl around 25kg who often gets overlooked.

Kira came to us as an "unwanted accident." Her owner’s dog had an unplanned litter, and he reached out to Marketa because he didn't want the puppies. We took them in and ensured the mother dog was spayed to prevent future unwanted litters.

While all of Kira's siblings found homes quickly, Kira has been waiting in the shelter for over two years.

Why Kira Needs You

Kira is a sensitive soul. She is submissive and sometimes gets bullied by more dominant dogs in the pack. When play gets too rough, she often retreats to hide inside an olive tree. It breaks our hearts to see her so timid.

  • Potential: Kira is super sweet and non-problematic. She simply needs training to adapt to life inside a home.

  • The Perfect Companion: I have seen countless dogs spend years in a shelter only to blossom into perfect family pets within weeks. I know this is possible for Kira. Her gentle soul will make her a loyal, loving companion for a quiet household.



Can You Offer a Forever Home?

Bruno, Mia, and Kira have spent their entire youth in a shelter. They are safe, fed, and cared for, but they deserve more. They deserve soft beds, quiet nights, and a human of their own.

If you have room in your heart and home for one of these dogs (they can be adopted separately!), please reach out.

👉 Ready to Adopt? Please contact Marketa to learn about the adoption process, transportation, and how to bring one of these beautiful dogs home.

All dogs are in excellent health, fully vaccinated, sterilized, and disease-tested.

Even if you cannot adopt, please share this post. One share could reach the person who changes their life forever.

Winnie and Milo's story

Niki's story

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