Headlines have been buzzing with an extraordinary tale of love and loyalty towards rescue dogs that took an unexpected twist. Mike Haslam, aged 53, and his wife Liz, aged 49, recently brought their 25-year marriage to an end following Mike’s startling ultimatum: “It’s either me or your 30 beloved rescue dogs.” In a surprising turn of events, Liz chose her cherished canines, and her decision raised more than a few eyebrows.
Liz, a mother of one, has harbored a lifelong passion for our four-legged friends, having been raised in an environment where dogs were a constant presence. Her mother was a breeder of West Highland Terriers, while her father ran an animal food business. Seven years ago, Liz and Mike made their home in a quaint two-bedroom farmhouse in Barnham, Suffolk, sitting on half an acre of land. It was there that Liz decided to establish a boarding kennel business and subsequently founded the BedforBullies charity, dedicated to rescuing Bull Terrier dogs.
As Liz’s commitment to her rescued pups continued to swell, it began to strain her marriage. Feeling increasingly sidelined by the overwhelming demands of caring for these animals, Mike delivered an ultimatum: him or the dogs. Liz made her choice, and Mike walked out of their lives. Since then, the two have not exchanged a single word.
In contemplation of her decision, Liz shared, “I believed, after 25 years together, he should have understood that giving up on the dogs was never in my intentions. Nevertheless, I was resolute in my decision not to part with my cherished canine companions. Consequently, he made the choice to depart, and that was undeniably his decision.” Even after the separation, Liz continues to open her heart and home to more dogs, extending her compassion even to a homeless man. She dedicates roughly 18 hours daily to the care of her dogs, which includes four daily walks, and pours hundreds of pounds each month into their medications and treatments.
Among her 30 rescue dogs, a significant portion has unique needs, including five who are deaf, two with only one eye, three former fighting dogs, four with various physical defects, and one coping with brain damage. Over the years, Liz has embraced approximately 200 rescue dogs into her care, including holiday dogs that help cover her rent and bills. BedforBullies, her charitable endeavor, relies solely on donations and willingly takes on dogs that other rescue organizations may decline. Liz’s commitment and affection for these animals remain steadfast, and despite financial hurdles, including a substantial vet bill and rent arrears, she couldn’t be more content with her choice. Liz’s narrative is a testament to the profound connection between humans and animals, as well as the extraordinary lengths some will traverse to provide for those in need.