Cleo

This girl is incredibly special with an incredibly devastating story to tell. Cleo is a 4-year-old crossbreed from Cyprus and unfortunately she’s had to experience harsher realities than just living on the streets. Cleo was found tied up by her mouth and legs and was treated with unthinkable cruelty. Luckily this was reported to a nearby rescue and she was saved in time. The rescue there decided it was in her best interest to get her sent to Many Tears for the best chance of finding a home and getting that second chance of life she deserves, and while it was in her best interest, I imagine the journey to the UK was also terrifying after experiencing such traumatic events.

Cleo arrived with us at Many Tears in December 2024 and we were completely overjoyed when she was adopted by January. We couldn’t have been happier for her to finally have that start to life that she should have always had. Cleo settled into her new home incredibly well and we received nothing but positive updates. However, come July 2025 she was sadly returned.

Cleo’s health had deteriorated, leaving her struggling to walk and appearing to be in a lot of pain. After multiple vet appointments, her previous owners decided they could no longer keep her. Following further investigation with our vets, we discovered that Cleo has a condition called Leishmaniasis. This is a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies, which are not found in the UK, and it can only be contracted through their bite. Cleo has received a 28-day medication course for this and is currently on tablets for a couple more months whilst monitoring blood tests until she can come off them.

Cleo is currently doing so much better, she’s walking well again and seems to have that pep in her step back! Her energy has improved and she seems as happy as she can be given her circumstances. However, legs and joints seem to be causing her some trouble and the vet has recommended a joint medication for life and are currently investigating to see weather this will need long term treatment. She is a favourite here at the rescue and goes out with volunteers with no problem. She really just wants to be involved and out exploring.

Whilst Cleo appears to be the most perfect and sweet girl as she approaches you with a kind and gentle nature and gives lots of kisses, it’s important to note that this can be heavily influenced by appeasement behaviour and her way of ensuring she doesn’t face the same harm human hands have once caused her. She is incredibly sweet and affectionate nevertheless, but a good understanding of dog body language and someone willing to intentionally understand her and where her balance of comfort lies is what she needs and deserves.

Cleo will need an adult-only home where she can live in peace, and she must be the only dog in the home as she prefers her own space.

Cleo truly has a heart of pure gold, and earning her trust and forming a bond with her is something you can’t compare to. She’s a very special girl who deserves the most special life, living the rest of her days in peace, safety and unconditional love. I know it will be returned tenfold.