Unsung Heroes: Dog champ has seen untold animal cruelty

It was a puppy called Yani who turned Denise Sharp into a rescue champion.

Ms Sharp opened the German Shepherd Rescue Trust in 2002 after her three-year-old pet died following a long string of health problems.

Although the 59-year-old had always had animals, Yani's struggles helped claim a piece of her heart for all German shepherds, she said.

"I still get teary talking about it. Anyway, about the same time I got a call saying there's this dog [a German shepherd], the owner is going overseas. Could I help?

"It kind of grew like topsy; we had more dogs before we knew it."

The trust takes in dogs who haven't been claimed from animal control, or have been neglected, and finds homes for them with the help of volunteer foster families.

Since Ms Sharp started, the trust has helped 752 animals find families. MORE>>