Vicky tucker
'WHEN PEOPLE ACT WITH COMPASSION,
EXTRAORDINARY THINGS HAPPEN'
- Vicky Tucker
Paddington:
From Peru With Love
🐾
a story of connection...
rescue...
and hope.
A Chance Meeting
Paddington’s story began high in the vibrant, chaotic streets of Peru, a place full of colour, culture, and unexpected encounters.
It was there that he made a life-changing decision.
He chose his human.
Mirelle was travelling through Peru, taking in the sights, sounds, and spirit of the country, when Paddington appeared.
A scruffy, determined little dog with bright, knowing eyes, he appeared out of nowhere and basically refused to leave.
What started as a curious encounter quickly became something more. Paddington wasn’t just wandering, he had decided. Mirelle was his person.
No matter where she went, he followed.
Through markets, along dusty roads, and back to her accommodation each evening.
Paddington had made his choice, and Mirelle knew she couldn’t leave him behind.
Paddington waited outside Mirelle's
accomodation every night.
Click on the button below to find out more.
Preparing for a New Life
Bringing a dog home from another country is no small task. Mirelle's trip was at an end and she had to return home to arrange everything.
Paddington began his journey to becoming an official international traveller with the help of Colitas con Canas, a small but dedicated rescue organisation in Peru that focuses on helping vulnerable and often overlooked dogs, particularly older dogs and long-term strays, find safety, medical care, and loving homes.
Their work goes far beyond basic rescue. They provide:
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Veterinary treatment for injured and neglected dogs
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Rehabilitation and socialisation to prepare dogs for family life
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Foster care and shelter support
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International adoption coordination for dogs in need of homes abroad
For Paddington, they became his bridge from the streets to a new life.
They guided Mirelle through every step, including:
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Full veterinary health checks to ensure Paddington was fit to travel
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Vaccinations, including rabies, administered within strict timelines
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Microchipping for permanent identification
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Rabies titre blood testing, required for entry into the UK
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Parasite treatments before travel
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Official health certificates, issued and government-endorsed
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Export documentation, ensuring compliance with UK import rules
Every detail had to be perfectly timed, a process that takes patience, care, and expert coordination
It took 60 days for everything to be put in place.
Reunion time for Paddy and Mirelle, his
journey home begins...
An epic journey.
The Two-Week Journey
After 60 long days of preparation, Paddington’s journey home began, this took a further two weeks, a carefully coordinated adventure across continents.
His journey included:
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Road transport across Peru
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Pre-flight preparation and care in Lima
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An international flight to Europe
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A supervised layover in a transit hub
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A second flight into the UK
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Arrival clearance and final checks
Despite the distance and unfamiliar surroundings, Paddington handled it all like a trooper, as if he knew he was heading to his forever home.
Life at Home
Since arriving home, Paddington has embraced his new life in ways that show just how far he’s come.
From a street dog navigating survival, he’s become a much-loved companion who is learning what it truly means to feel safe.
Simple things, a warm bed, regular meals, toys, and affection, have transformed his world.
Paddington now knows life's luxurys:
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The joys of long walks and exploring new surroundings
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playing in the snow
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baking with his Mirelle
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The comfort of curling up indoors, warm and secure
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The excitement of toys
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The routine of daily life, meals, walks, rest, and play.
Paddington is living his best life, with his best human by his side, and he has brought joy to so many people who have followed his story - what more could a Peruvian street dog ask for!
Helping Others: Tod & Olly & Millie
Paddington’s story didn’t end with his rescue, it became the beginning of something bigger.
Inspired by her experience, Mirelle is now helping other dogs still waiting for their chance. Tod, Olly and Millie are among those whose stories have already found their happy ending thanks to the funding raised for Colitas Con Canas.
With Paddington by her side, Mirelle continues to raise awareness and support, helping more dogs like these find safety, care, and their the loving homes they deserve.
Classic Paddington Portrait.
Art With a Purpose...
For Paddington's People,
Paddington’s journey has inspired me to reach out to Mirelle with a creative collaboration, using my artwork to give back to the rescue that made it all possible. Creating art with purpose is something I am passionate about, and as a fellow owner of a rescue dog myself I would love to help give other dogs their happy ever after.
I have painted a special portrait of Paddington, using a beautiful photograph by Mark @fetchmycamera_.
The original artwork has been gifted to Mirelle, to celebrate their special bond, and thank her for the chance to collaborate on such a worthwhile cause.
With Mirelle and Paddy's blessing a series of high-quality prints have been created to raise funds for Colitas con Canas. Two versions of the print are available:
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A classic portrait of Paddington
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A limited text edition featuring the words:
“Paddington From Peru – Ambassador for Colitas Con Canas”
In support of the rescue’s ongoing work, 50% of all proceeds from print sales go directly to Colitas con Canas, helping fund veterinary care, food, shelter, and rescue efforts for dogs still in need.
It’s a way for Paddington’s story not only to be remembered, but to actively help change the lives of other dogs, perhaps they too will find their forever home just like Paddy!
live fundraising tracker
As it isn't currently possible to link payments directly to Colitas Con Canas at checkout, all funds raised through print sales will be transferred by me each week via their PayPal (@colitasconcanas.org).
For transparency, I will share confirmation of each donation here, as well as on my Instagram and Facebook pages, so you can follow the impact of your support is making.
Mirelle and Colitas con Canas will also receive regular sales updates and reports to ensure everything is cleasr, open and fully accountable.
prints sold (limited edition) | Prints sold (ambassador edition) | Funds Raised | Last Updated |
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