Hollyoaks star helping to rehome dog from Many Tears Rescue

Western Telegraph

10-06-2025

Malique Thompson-Dwyer, best known for his role as Prince McQueen on Channel 4's Hollyoaks, has joined the search to find a special home for Promise, a long-term resident at Many Tears Animal Rescue in Llanelli.
Promise, described by the rescue as a "forever pup," has complex needs and has not received a single rehoming enquiry despite months in care.
Mr Thompson-Dwyer said: "I fell for the little guy immediately and was so tempted to apply to adopt him myself, but he needs a home where someone can devote more of their time to him than I can.
"Even my mum was trying to work out a way so we could as a family adopt him.
"If I can help Sylvia find him the special home he deserves though, I will be really pleased."
Promise has been described as a 'forever pup' (Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue) The actor, who has rescue dogs himself, became aware of Promise's situation through a mutual friend and met Many Tears founder Sylvia Vanatta earlier this year.
Many Tears Animal Rescue primarily takes in ex-breeding dogs that have never experienced life in a home or known human kindness.
Since its founding, the rescue has rehomed nearly 40,000 dogs.
Ms Vanatta said: "I called him Promise as I made a promise to him that I would never give up on him.
"On arrival he showed obvious signs of complex needs.
"He had no spatial awareness, had very little control of his body, and was walking into everything.
"He didn't respond to human attention at all.
"He also didn't sniff, which is unheard of; it was as if his brain did not work like any other dog we had known."
Despite his challenges, Promise has made remarkable progress with the help of the rescue's dedicated staff.
Ms Vanatta said: "Through the sheer dedication of the staff here at the rescue, he now responds to his name, runs around without falling down, plays with a ball, and is learning 'how to be a dog'.
"He's adorable.
"It's very likely that he will always be pup-like, which means he needs a very special person to watch out for him on his behalf.
"For example, he doesn't recognise dangers.
"It will be like dealing with a toddler."
Hollyoaks star Malique Thompson-Dwyer is hoping to help Promise find his forever home (Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue) Mr Thompson-Dwyer hopes his involvement will help find Promise the right home.
He said: "The search for the perfect owner starts here."
He has recorded a video about Promise that has been shared on social media by both himself and the charity.
Mr Thompson-Dwyer said: "Sylvia has invited me down to the charity again.
"She is a remarkable woman and the work the charity does is equally as remarkable."
The actor first gained recognition on CBBC's The Dumping Ground and has since appeared in Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
He was the youngest contestant in the history of the latter show at the time, taking part at just 20 years old.
Anyone who believes they could offer Promise, or another dog at the rescue, a loving home is encouraged to visit www.manytearsrescue.org for more information.