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22 Feb 2026
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22 Feb 2026
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Reign the rescue dog at The Underdogs NI
The Underdogs NI, an animal rescue in Magherafelt, has had to temporarily close its doors recently after running out of funds.
This comes just as one of their dogs, Reign, needs life‑changing surgery but the rescue says it is completely out of money.
"We are forced to close our doors," the rescue said. "Not because we want to… but because we simply have no choice. We are out of funds completely, sitting with a bill of over £2000 and now needing £5000 to help Reign."
Reign was rescued after she was found in a "heartbreaking condition," neglected, unregistered and with no way to trace her past.
She has an autoimmune disease causing severe skin problems. While steroids can help with her skin, the bigger crisis is her mobility as her left cruciate ligament is completely gone, the rescue said.
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Her right cruciate is starting to fail, the rescue said, and without surgery, she will lose her ability to walk.
The cost to repair both legs is around £5,000, and she needs the first operation urgently.
Speaking to Derry Now a member of staff told us that on arrival Reign was very timid but really lovable. "She's a very sweet and soft-natured girl. So far, she's been good with people and other dogs and at the moment, she's settling on really well with a dedicated foster. She's putting a lot of work and effort in to help her.
Pictured above is Reign, the rescue dog from The Underdogs Northern Ireland
"We fundraise constantly, we work around the clock, and we stretch every penny as far as it can go, but it’s no longer enough. We hate asking, but we genuinely don’t know what else to do," the rescue said.
So far, over £3k has been raised and the rescue is overcome with gratitude.
"We just can't get over the generosity of the general public. It is amazing. We're absolutely delighted with it. This is Reign's chance," a member of staff at The Underdogs NI said.
"Every dog deserves a chance. Every dog deserves to be made better. And we will always fight for them, but right now, we cannot do it alone," the rescue said.
"We need your help to save Reign. We need your help to reopen our doors. We need your help to keep going."
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