Dog Rescuer Chooses Dogs Over Husband: Liz Haslam's Bedsforbullies Story
When Liz Haslam's husband issued the ultimatum "it's me or the dogs," she didn't hesitate. After years of rescuing Bull Terriers, she chose the dogs. That decision ended a 25-year marriage and left her running Bedsforbullies, a sanctuary for rescued Bull Terriers, alone. According to iHeartDogs, the couple married in 1991 and had been together for 25 years before he left. They moved to a home in Suffolk seven years ago, where Liz used their half-acre of land to start a dog boarding business that evolved into Bedsforbullies. Liz told Express.co.uk, "He'd got to the point where he'd had enough and wanted to slow down. But I wasn't prepared to give it up. So he decided to go." The former couple hasn't spoken in the year and a half since the ultimatum. Now Liz works tirelessly, often on her feet until 11:30 every night, with no days off. Her story is one of unwavering commitment to dogs that need her most—and of the difficult choices that sometimes come with that commitment.
The Ultimatum: 'It's Me or the Dogs'
For Liz Haslam, the ultimatum was a turning point. Her husband, after years of marriage, gave her a choice: "it's me or the dogs." According to iHeartDogs, this came after she refused to stop rescuing dogs. The couple had been married since 1991 and had been together for 25 years before he left. They moved to a home in Suffolk seven years ago, where Liz used their half-acre of land to start a dog boarding business that evolved into Bedsforbullies, a sanctuary for rescued Bull Terriers. As the sanctuary grew, so did the demands on Liz's time and energy. Her husband, however, had reached his limit. Liz told Express.co.uk: "He'd got to the point where he'd had enough and wanted to slow down. But I wasn't prepared to give it up. So he decided to go." The former couple hasn't spoken in the year and a half since the ultimatum. The decision wasn't easy, but for Liz, giving up the dogs was never an option. "I took the dogs in, I can't just stop," she said. This section explores the emotional weight of that choice and the irreconcilable differences that led to the end of a long marriage.
Liz Haslam's Lifelong Passion for Dogs
Liz Haslam's passion for dogs isn't a recent development—it's been a lifelong commitment. According to iHeartDogs, Liz and her husband moved to a home in Suffolk seven years ago, where she used their half-acre of land to start a dog boarding business. That business eventually evolved into Bedsforbullies, a sanctuary for rescued Bull Terriers. This evolution wasn't just a business decision; it was a natural progression of Liz's dedication to helping dogs in need. Over the years, she has taken in countless dogs, many of which required special care. Her husband's desire to slow down clashed with her unwavering drive to rescue. Liz told Express.co.uk, "He'd got to the point where he'd had enough and wanted to slow down. But I wasn't prepared to give it up. So he decided to go." Even after the ultimatum and the end of her marriage, Liz continues to devote herself fully to the dogs. She doesn't get days off and is usually on her feet until 11:30 every night caring for the dogs. Her statement, "I took the dogs in, I can't just stop," encapsulates her lifelong dedication. This section highlights how Liz's passion shaped her life and ultimately led to the difficult choice between her marriage and her rescue work.
Bedsforbullies: A Sanctuary for Bull Terriers
Bedsforbullies is more than just a rescue—it's a sanctuary specifically for Bull Terriers in need. According to iHeartDogs, the sanctuary takes in dogs that need special homes or have been badly injured or mistreated. Among the residents are Shelby, a deaf Bull Terrier who struggles to trust men, and Ted, a 10-year-old senior who prefers to be the only pet. These dogs require patience, understanding, and a lot of care, which Liz provides daily. The sanctuary started as a dog boarding business on the half-acre of land at Liz's home in Suffolk seven years ago. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged rescue operation dedicated to Bull Terriers. Liz's commitment to these dogs is unwavering. She doesn't get days off and is usually on her feet until 11:30 every night caring for them. "I took the dogs in, I can't just stop," she said, explaining why she continues despite the personal cost. The sanctuary's focus on Bull Terriers means Liz often deals with dogs that have been misunderstood or mistreated. Shelby and Ted are just two examples of the many dogs that have found refuge at Bedsforbullies. This section explores the sanctuary's mission and the special dogs that call it home.
Life After the Ultimatum: Challenges and Rewards
Life after the ultimatum is challenging but rewarding for Liz Haslam. According to iHeartDogs, the former couple hasn't spoken in the year and a half since the ultimatum. Liz now runs Bedsforbullies alone, with no days off and usually on her feet until 11:30 every night caring for the dogs. The work is relentless, but Liz's commitment remains strong. "I took the dogs in, I can't just stop," she said, emphasizing her sense of responsibility. The rewards come from seeing dogs like Shelby and Ted thrive in a safe environment. Shelby, a deaf Bull Terrier who struggles to trust men, and Ted, a 10-year-old senior who prefers to be the only pet, are just two of the dogs benefiting from Liz's care. However, the challenges are significant. Not only does Liz handle the daily care of the dogs, but she also faces the uncertainty of the sanctuary's future. Recently, Bedsforbullies received notice from their landlord that the land will soon be sold with plans to redevelop the property. This means Liz must find a new location for the sanctuary, a daunting task given the number of dogs and the specialized care they require. Despite these obstacles, Liz remains dedicated to her mission. This section examines the daily realities of running a sanctuary post-ultimatum and the mixed emotions that come with it.
Uncertain Future: Relocation and How to Help
The future of Bedsforbullies is uncertain. According to iHeartDogs, the sanctuary recently received notice from their landlord that the land will soon be sold with plans to redevelop the property. This means Liz Haslam and the dogs must relocate, a process that will be costly and complex. To help with relocation costs, the nonprofit has started a GoFundMe page. Liz's situation is precarious: she has no days off and is usually on her feet until 11:30 every night caring for the dogs, and now she faces the added stress of finding a new home for the sanctuary. The dogs in her care, such as Shelby (a deaf Bull Terrier who struggles to trust men) and Ted (a 10-year-old senior who prefers to be the only pet), require specialized care, making the search for a suitable property even more challenging. Despite these hurdles, Liz remains committed. "I took the dogs in, I can't just stop," she said. The GoFundMe page is one way supporters can help ensure that Bedsforbullies can continue its mission. This section outlines the current challenges and provides information on how people can assist.
Caring for Special-Needs Rescue Dogs: What Liz's Story Teaches Us
Liz Haslam's work at Bedsforbullies highlights the unique needs of rescue dogs, especially those with special requirements. Shelby, a deaf Bull Terrier who struggles to trust men, and Ted, a 10-year-old senior who prefers to be the only pet, illustrate the patience and tailored care involved. For senior dogs like Ted, choosing the best senior dog food is crucial to support aging joints and metabolism. Dogs with anxiety or trust issues, like Shelby, may benefit from understanding whether dog anxiety supplements are effective. Rescue dogs often arrive with sensitive stomachs, so finding the best dog food for sensitive stomachs can make a real difference. Adding superfoods to feed them now can boost overall health, while recognizing the hidden signs of canine joint pain helps senior dogs stay comfortable. For skin and paw issues, learn how to treat dog paw irritation. When it comes to food quality, human-grade dog food with clear ingredient sourcing can be a safer choice, and freeze-dried raw dog food offers a convenient raw alternative. These considerations are part of the daily reality for rescuers like Liz, who put the dogs' well-being first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bedsforbullies? Bedsforbullies is a sanctuary for rescued Bull Terriers founded by Liz Haslam in Suffolk. It takes in dogs that need special homes or have been badly injured or mistreated.
Why did Liz Haslam choose the dogs over her husband? Her husband gave her an ultimatum: "it's me or the dogs." Liz refused to stop rescuing dogs, saying, "I took the dogs in, I can't just stop." The marriage ended after 25 years.
How can I help Bedsforbullies? The sanctuary has started a GoFundMe page to help with relocation costs after receiving notice that the land will be sold. Supporting that fundraiser is one way to help.
What kind of dogs does Bedsforbullies take in? The sanctuary specializes in Bull Terriers, including dogs like Shelby, a deaf Bull Terrier who struggles to trust men, and Ted, a 10-year-old senior who prefers to be the only pet.
What challenges does Bedsforbullies face? The sanctuary must relocate because the landlord plans to sell and redevelop the property. Liz also works long hours with no days off, often until 11:30 every night.
Source: iHeartDogs
