Mayo SPCA rescue eleven puppies abandoned in Castlebar

‘Loneliest start’ for 11 five week old puppies abandoned in a box in Co Mayo | Irish Independent

Eleven puppies rescued after being abandoned in box in Mayo town | Connaught Telegraph

 

Mayo SPCA rescued eleven puppies from a box in Castlebar in August 2024. The rescued puppies, who were ‘no more than four to five weeks old’, were ‘desperately missing their mother’. We were unsure of the breed of the dogs, however, they appeared to have ‘some German shepherd in there which means they could grow into large dogs’. Later, after the puppies had been in the shelter for a few days, volunteers guessed that were most likely Shepard Boxer x, though it was not possible to say for definite.

We were grateful for all the donations of food which helped their development, especially mincemeat or some of the Purina puppy nuts.

Originally in the shelter the eleven puppies were named after Mayo GAA players: Aidan, Andy (still Andy), Clodagh (now Cookie), Conor, Cora (now Willow), Dannie (now Lola), Dillon (now Dylan), Grace (now Floki), Joe (now Floki), Keith (now Rio), and Kelly.

Floki (was Grace):

Grace was one of the last puppies to be adopted, still in the shelter in Oct, 2024. She was described by volunteers: ‘This little girl is a real pet. She is very relaxed and so well socialised. She is a typical puppy – curious, playful and eager to learn.’

Update for Floki (was Grace). She’s definitely more Viking trickster than Graceful There’s definitely a family resemblance with Rio and Andy. Although they look much bigger than she is.

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Gorgeous Floki getting on brilliantly in her wonderful home and preparing to learn to swim in the summer

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Floki is loving every second of her new life

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Another update from Floki (2026)

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Floki (was Joe):

Joe, the first of the puppies to head off to a wonderful future. Thanks so much to the Crisham family for adopting him 

‘We are delighted with our pup, he is so intelligent and placid. Has settled well with two other dogs and a cat . 24hrs in our home and already peeing and pooping outside. Already will sit and lay down and come to call.’

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Happy 1 year gotcha to Floki (was Joe)

Wha a stunning dog you have become and what an amazing family you have. It was wonderful to celebrate your gotcha day with you today

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In the 2025 Scruffs dog show, Floki won 1st prize in the ‘Most Glamorous Male’ category and 2nd place in the ‘Dog handled by a child under 12’ category. Feedback from the judges: ‘Floki is a very large dog and he obeyed every command given by his handler. The slightest hand movement and he knew what to do. It is so important to love your dog but also to train them in a positive way when they are so large.’

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What a beautiful dog he has turned out to be. And the bond that has been built with his owner @crishamkeith over the last 9 months is incredible. To see a dog thoroughly enjoy his brain being engaged, where training is fun …. We are blown away by this video. A joy to watch and loving the commands as gaeilge.

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The Tuam ‘Floki’ another of the famous MAYO 11

Isn’t he just magnificent (Feb, 2026).

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September 2026 update:

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Rio (was Keith):

Little Keith went to his wonderful new home today (Oct,2024)

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Welcome to the gorgeous Rio from Mayo SPCA, the latest addition to the Cummin’s family, we think we will give him the job of Marketing Assistant . A huge shout out to Mayo SPCA and all the amazing Rescue Centers for their amazing work saving our canine and feline friends . (Nov, 2024)

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We have a lovely visit from Rio today, one of the famous 11 pups and he would love to see photos of his siblings sometime!. Rio and Catherina brought €200 which came from a fundraiser by Paul Cummins Ballinrobe Veterinary Clinic and we are so grateful to them all (Feb, 2026).

Andy:

Andy was the second of the puppies to be adopted.

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Puppy no 2 with a wonderful new home and bright future ahead. Andy heads off to a fabulous new life (September, 2024)

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Here’s a pic of Andy aka the King! (Feb, 2026). 

Aidan

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We would love to hear from Kelly’s forever family how Kelly is doing!

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Clodagh (now Cookie)

At three months old (Oct, 2024), Clodagh was still in the shelter and was described by volunteers: ‘This little girl is just stunning. She has the most beautiful colouring She is a typical puppy – curious, playful and eager to learn. ‘

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Update from Clodagh’s (now Cookie) forever family in September 2026.

Conor

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Cora

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Willow, was Cora, enjoying every aspect of puppy life in her amazing new home (Oct, 2024)

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A lovely update from Willow (September, 2026)

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Dannie/ Daniel (now Lola)

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How beautifully is puppy Dannie settling into her wonderful new home (October, 2024)

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Update (September, 2026):

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Dillon (now Dylan/JD)

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Dillon, now JD, having SO much fun in his wonderful new home and doing what puppies do best…finding play opportunities in everything around him (Oct, 2024)

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Dylan, who was adopted last November, is doing really well and loving the good weather. He is living the absolute dream and loves his walks and the beach. (May, 2025)

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From Dylans forever family: ‘Our Dylan is a great dog. Big fella and bigger personality.’ (2026)

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Kelly

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We would love to hear from Kelly’s forever family how Kelly is doing!

Updates:

We would love an update and picture of how you are doing

We would love to receive updates from any of the owners of each of the eleven puppies. Send us photos and update paragraphs at any time to our email address, through our social media (Facebook or Instagram), or you can contact us through the form on the Contact Us page of this website!