The founder of a pet-rescue charity in Cookham is urging residents to adopt dogs through her new children’s story.

Lisa Loops, founder of Muddy Paws Crime, has released a new book for 2 to 6-year-olds based on the life of her dog, Leo, who passed away earlier this year.

As part of a larger series written by Lisa, ‘Leo’s Mischief at the Park’ tells the story of a rescue dog who, having found a loving home, now has happy dreams of getting up to no good.

When he wakes up in the morning, a clue from the night before asks the reader, “Was this a dream or did it really happen?”

Inspired by the life of her dog, Lisa hopes that through her charity work and writing, she can encourage more people to adopt pets.

“The message I would like to get across to the public is to adopt a dog rather than shop online,” said Lisa.

“There are so many rescues full to the brim with dogs that need happy homes.”

Lisa’s charity, Muddy Paws Crime, was set up in response to growing numbers of pet thefts in the area.

“I saw the number of stolen dogs going up and up,” said Lisa, speaking to the Advertiser in May 2022.

“I thought, I need to do something – I can’t just watch this, crying my eyes out.”

As well as adoption, Lisa is also encouraging residents to foster a pet.

This way, dogs are given time to be assessed in a home environment, rather than in kennels, where they can show their true nature.

This can also be a way for locals to retain some animal company after the loss of a pet without completely moving on.

“After the sad loss of my darling boy, Leo, I am not ready to own another dog at present,” said Lisa.

“But since I have so much love to give to a pet in need, my partner Graham and I decided to foster, and at present have two lovely spaniels which we are assessing.”

Muddy Paws Crime, mainly operating on Facebook, covers the whole of the UK and Ireland, specialising in finding stolen pets.

Formed in 2021, the charity is currently working on approximately 100 cases.

“In that time, we have reunited many pets through social media appeals,” said Lisa.

“We also have a support chat with the owners as every day is emotional turmoil for them.”

Although Lisa encourages adoption to combat illegal pet trafficking, she is also urging future pet owners to take care when looking for a rescue centre.

“There are many ‘pop-up’ rescues, so please do your homework before adopting,” said Lisa.

Dog rescues in the UK, unlike kennels, are not always registered with the local council and can accept donations rather than charge fees.

In 2022, Muddy Paws Crime launched a petition to regulate and license such rescue centres, but it did not receive the necessary signatures and support.

However, a new petition has now been started in light of a recent police raid on a pop-up rescue in Essex last month, where 37 animals were found dead.

Lisa’s new children’s book ‘Leo’s Mischief at the Park’ can be purchased on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/aHp2eGF