Tennis Star Novak Djokovic Shines a Spotlight on Dogs Trust

While only time will tell which tennis greats will be the top dogs at Wimbledon this year, the world’s number one ranked player has already won a top spot in the hearts of animal lovers for taking the time to shine a spotlight on a canine in the care of Dogs Trust, the largest dog welfare charity in the United Kingdom.

Novak Djokovic, his girlfriend Jelena Ristic and their five-year-old toy poodle Pierre recently had the chance to meet Bella, an adoptable one-year-old Goldendoodle from Dogs Trust’s Canterbury Rehoming Centre. Called Honey by her previous pet parents, who could no longer care for her, Novak and Jelena renamed her Bella both for her beauty and for the Serbian word for ‘white,’ in honor of her pretty white coat.

The multi-Grand Slam champ stated: “Bella seemed more interested in the tennis balls, but it was great to meet her and I hope she finds a new home soon. I love dogs, so meeting Bella and getting to rename her was a real pleasure. She looks like she has the making of a great ball girl/dog!”

Bella is just one of the approximately 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs who receive comfort and care at Dogs Trust’s 18 rehoming centers each year.

For more information:

• visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

Photos courtesy Dogs Trust