Where it began

Homeward Houndz was founded on 17th March 2025 by Mandi, a passionate animal lover based in Birmingham, with a mission to help dogs in need find safe, loving forever homes across the UK.

The idea for Homeward Houndz was born from heartbreak. After the sudden loss of her beloved mum, Mandi was left to care for Rosie, a one-year-old Micro Bully. Struggling to find a secure and suitable new home for Rosie, Mandi turned to rescue services. Only to discover how difficult and overwhelming the process could be. This experience ignited a deep determination to make a change in the world of dog rescue.

After volunteering for several months and learning the ins and outs of dog rescue work, Mandi felt called to create something new. Something that placed compassion, understanding, and the right match at the heart of every rehoming. 

Thus, Homeward Houndz was born.

The Story of Pia and Hugo

One of the first dogs rescued was Hugo, a gentle Neapolitan Mastiff who had been abandoned and was just hours away from being put to sleep. Hugo’s story took a beautiful turn when Pia stepped in and adopted him, offering him the love and security he’d never known. Pia and Mandi quickly discovered that they shared the same values, passion, and commitment to rescuing dogs in a way that prioritised each dog's individual needs and unique personality.

Together, Mandi and Pia make the perfect team. Bringing different experiences and breed-specific knowledge to the rescue, especially when working with more complex or misunderstood dogs.

Homeward Houndz has since grown into a dedicated team of five volunteers, with more joining as the rescue expands. Each team member plays a vital role in supporting the dogs through every stage of their journey. From intake, to assessment, to adoption, and beyond.