AN INTERVIEW WITH SUSE BEYER FROM PET SHOP BOYZ

Suse, could you tell us which animal welfare organisation you chose and why you decided on this one?

We consciously chose the Hamburger Tierschutzverein, Tierheim Süderstraße Animal Shelter.
Firstly, because it's our city — Hamburg is our home. Secondly, because incredibly valuable work has been carried out there for decades: very close to the animals, highly professional, and with a great deal of heart by a truly exceptional team.
It was important to us not to support an abstract organisation, but one whose impact we can see, accompany, and support over the long term. For us, Süderstraße is not a “project”, but a partner with whom we would like to work even more closely in the future — and will.

PET SHOP BOYZ has several locations — in addition to various stores in Hamburg, you are also present on Sylt. Do you notice a trend among your customers towards adopting dogs from animal welfare organisations or rescue centres?

Yes, absolutely. We experience this very clearly — across all locations, whether in Hamburg or on Sylt.
Many of our customers consciously choose to adopt a dog from an animal welfare organisation or a rescue centre, often with a great deal of preparation, respect, and the desire to give a dog a second chance.
What has changed is that people are better informed. They come with questions, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine awareness that a dog is not a “lifestyle accessory”, but a family member with a history of their own.

What personally connects you to the cause of animal welfare?

For me, animal welfare is first and foremost a question of attitude. Dogs are completely dependent on us as humans — and that dependency creates responsibility. Not only when it is convenient, but especially when it becomes challenging.
I experience dogs as incredibly sensitive and loyal beings. Once you understand how much trust they place in us, you cannot help but stand up for those who have not yet experienced that kind of good fortune.

Many dogs from animal welfare organisations carry difficult experiences from their previous lives. Do you have any advice for people considering adopting a rescue dog?

My most important advice would be: time, patience, and absolute honesty with yourself.
A rescue dog often brings wounds and experiences with them — some visible, others only truly felt later. You should enter the relationship with openness rather than expectations.
It helps to seek good advice, realistically assess what you are able to offer, and give the dog the space to settle in. Trust does not grow at the push of a button — but when it does, it is the most beautiful thing in the world.

Why do you think it is so important to support animal welfare organisations?

Because they take on tasks that no one else would.
They care for animals who have fallen through the cracks — often quietly, in the background, and with limited resources.
Animal welfare does not only mean rescue, but also medical care, education, prevention, and long-term responsibility. Every bit of support helps to sustain this work — and to tangibly improve lives.

Thank you very much, Suse, for the conversation – and especially for the commitment of PET SHOP BOYZ to all the dogs who have not had an easy life.