Puppies Dumped in a Bin Get a Second Chance

Recently, two five-month-old crossbreed puppies were brought into our care after they were found abandoned in an industrial bin in Finglas, Co. Dublin. Discovered by a member of the public and brought into a nearby pet shop for help, the puppies were later brought to us after it was discovered they weren't microchipped, and no owner could be traced.

Named Zeus and Aries by the charity, the frightened brothers were incredibly nervous and shut down. They relied entirely on one another for comfort and were so overwhelmed by the world around them that they were too afraid to step outside their kennel for weeks.

Zeus and Aries are just one example of the many upsetting cases of dog abandonment that are continuing to happen across Ireland. While these pups have been given a second chance, many dogs across the country still need help. So far this year, we have been contacted by more than 1,500 owners seeking to surrender their dogs into our care.

That's why we are encouraging the public to take part in Ireland's Dog Census 2026. Now in its third year, the Census helps us better understand the realities of dog ownership, allowing it to shape services, campaigns and advocacy work that support dogs, and the people who love them, across Ireland.

Thankfully, both Zeus and Aries have now found wonderful forever homes and continue to make progress every day. Zeus’ adopter says that he’s still shy, but at home, he acts like he “owns the place” and has been a wonderful addition to their family. Aries managed to steal the heart of one of our staff and now loves nothing more than playing with his toys, pottering around the garden, sniffing in quiet fields, and snuggling up with his canine sister, Ruby, who helps him feel brave. 

Paulina Padlo, Communications Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, said: “Watching Zeus and Aries grow in confidence was incredibly rewarding. They arrived terrified and unsure of the world around them, but with patience and kindness, they slowly began to trust again. Seeing them now in loving homes is exactly why our work matters.

“Every dog deserves the chance to live life to the full, but we know many owners face challenges that can make keeping a dog difficult. By taking part in Ireland's Dog Census, people can help us better understand those challenges so we can continue developing the support, education and campaigns that help more dogs stay in loving homes.”

We are encouraging everyone, whether they currently own a dog or not, to take part in Ireland's Dog Census by visiting dogstrust.ie/census and helping us to ‘count every dog, so every dog counts’.