About Us

The rescue and rehoming initiative began life as a much needed service to help dogs and their owners in times of crisis. Following a large bequest from a generous benefactor, WSSR was established as a charitable trust in 2018. After more than thirty years of serving the breed, founder members Graham Tain, Treasurer Heather Riley and colleagues  handed on its governance to a new board of trustees in 2025, who share their vision: working towards a better future for the breed. 

Together, they recognise the challenges of the past and are united in their resolve to move the charity into a stronger, more impactful position for the future.

All four trustees are familiar faces in the breed, having owned and loved Welsh Springers for many years. Martin, Kim and Alison bring business development, finance, management and marketing skills, while Emma’s veterinary experience adds a new dimension to the charity’s evolution.

WSSR is entirely volunteer-led: it depends on a network of area representatives and drivers covering England, Wales and Scotland to ensure dogs are matched, transported and placed as efficiently as possible. In the words of its chair, “the time and energy volunteers commit is the most important donation WSSR receives—in return, we can cover out of pocket expenses and provide free training such as animal first aid.”

To find out more about volunteering opportunities please contact WSSR via the contact links on the site.