A month after being found tied to a park gate on Valentine’s Day, a dog has happily started a new chapter in her life thanks to Settle storyteller Sita Brand and her husband Graham.

The one-year-old Crossbreed, who was found abandoned in East End Park in Leeds with a note saying simply ‘I am Lara’, was taken to Dogs Trust Leeds as the most romantic day of the year drew to a close. Despite her ordeal she settled into life at the rehoming centre but it wasn’t long before she stole the hearts of Sita, who founded the charity Settle Stories, and her husband Graham.

The couple, who had been considering adopting a dog for several years but were visiting Dogs Trust Leeds for the first time, had failed to spot a homeless hound at the York Road rehoming centre that they thought would be their perfect match. But that all changed when they chatted to a member of the team and it was suggested they met Lara.

Sita says: “It was wonderful! As soon as we saw her walking towards us it really was love at first sight! We didn’t think we’d meet a dog that was ideal for us the first time we visited Dogs Trust Leeds, but the timing was perfect. She is the most beautiful dog in the world and we love her to bits. She is a fantastic addition to our life - and our work!”

Professional storyteller, Sita, whose work at Settle Stories seeks to use the transformative power of storytelling to change lives says she and Graham feel they – and Lara – have definitely found their ‘furry-tail’ ending. 

 She says: “She comes into work with me and she has become part of the team already! Everybody falls in love with her; she is the most beautiful dog. This is definitely a new chapter in our lives and hers and I’ve no doubt her story of triumph over adversity will inspire us and many others for years to come. She is a total joy.”

Amanda Sands, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Leeds, says:“We could not have asked for a happier ending for Lara. She is a gorgeous dog and obviously very resilient given what she went through but luckily Sita and Graham came along at just the right time and they are definitely her perfect match.”

To find out more about dogs at Dogs Trust Leeds who are still looking for love, you can visit the rehoming centre at Woodlands Farm, York Road, Leeds, LS15 4NL. You can also find out more at www.dogstrust.org.uk