Random Post

So when I say its a random post it pretty much is. Yesterday I bought a book as a bit of a laugh for me called 'The Dastardly Book for Dogs'. I just thought I'd share a paragraph that seems very true.

There was a time not long ago when dogs were necessities, not accessories. We coralled wayward sheep in the farmland. We brought warming brandy to climbers in the hinderland. We were a valued asset to every fireman, a faithful sentinel for every rag-and-bone man and a slavishly loyal friend to everyman. We roamed freely because we earned our keep, and our agressions and wanderlust were celebrated, not curbed. It was a time we ran on the ground instead of being toted around in frilly pink satchels, a time when we were simply hosed off in the garden instead of ferried to the groomer. It was a time B.D. - Before Domestication, when we could be what we are, dogs.

Dogs should be treat like dogs simple enough to say. So if you want a funny book looking from a dogs perspective it looks like a funny read... and was only a pound :) 

And staying on the subject today my calendars quote is so true:

You ask of my companions. Hills, sir, and the sundown, and a dog. They are better than beings, because they know, but do not tell - Emily Dickinson 

Photo Shoot

So yesterday Studio 18 put on their annual charity day and chose West Yorkshire Dog Rescue as their charity. Being the 'best dogs' in the rescue at the moment Gatsby and Gemma were invited along to get their photos taken by the Examiner. Unfortunately I was working so didn't go along but apparently they were both very well behaved, which to be honest is no surprise. Thanks to the lady as well that made the dogs a tray of Peanut butter dog biscuits! The dogs love them, even though they are restricted to one a day on their diet. 

I really don't understand why these 2 have been in rescue so long, they've both been in around 6 months now and really they're both such lovely dogs. The only bad thing I can say about Gemma is that shes a slobbery monster! Haha, she loves giving kisses first thing in the morning and when you come home and I'm sure she tries to nibble your ears. She's such a cute girl though. And Gatsby well hes just a total stunner, I love him to bits. He's just a chunky boy. Can I just say he is full patterdale, his stocky body does make him look a bit like a staffie but that is just because he's fat. Not that I've got anything against staffies, I absolutely love them since being in rescue and especially after meeting the gorgeus Domino last week. 

The other day we went for a nice long walk in the field. Gemma was great off lead and loved playing fetch, even though I did have to tug the ball off her. She was so well behaved chasing after the ball with Tinks. Gatsby does not have the best recall and because I was on my own I didn't let him off the lead this time, it's hard enough keeping an eye on Tinks nevermind worrying about him. He didn't seem to mind anyway and just walked next to me through the fields. Unfortunately I didn't get to take any photos. Again because I was on my own and keeping an eye on 4 dogs is a challenge as it is. 

So Gatsby and Gemma are two gorgeus chubby dogs, it has now been decided they can be rehomed separately as long as they have another dog for company. I will try add some pictures at some point this week. 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally, Gatsby and Gemma x

Good news....

... No Gemma and Gatsby have not found a home lol. Although that would be fantastic unfortunately that's not the good news. 

Ambers new owner text me last night, I've been thinking about her a lot since she left, worrying about whether she's settling in and how they're coping with her but theres been no need what so ever. Amber sounds like she's enjoying her new life well and truly and I can tell she's getting spoilt! She is meeting new people, new dogs and loves her new best friend, the young boy she has been rehomed with her. She gets walked 3 times a day and apparently greets him like he's been gone forever when he comes back after school. I am so happy for Amber and the family who rehomed her and I am so happy they accepted her into their family straight away and ignored her quirky barking behaviour when she meets new people.The best thing is I know with this family she will get everything she needs and more and I think it won't take too long for her to get used to people and calm down with new people.

So thats one piece of good news but theres another! My dads cousin started fostering a couple of months ago after an emergency dog came up, Penny the JRT. After doing that they fostered Heather for a short while and recently they have fostered a staffie, which is yet to be put on the website named Domino. I have met him and he is such a stunning boy so I couldn't blame them when they said they wanted to adopt him! Which is great news, even better they will continue to foster in the new year. This is why it is important to share posts on fb! So family can find out and  have their hearts melted by these dogs! Oh and another good thing about Domino he absolutely loves their niece (8) and nephew (2) and they love him to bits right back. I'm so happy for the family. 

Now one more... but keep hushed for now Blitz the staffie has got his new home after spending so long in rescue. So lets hope his time with his new family goes well and he will become a permanent addition along with his doggy friend Tallulah.

So thats all for now, 

Lucy, Gemma, Gatsby, Tinks and Sally xx

A quick fostering poem

Well I haven't done a poem in a while but I'm in the mood right now so have wrote this one. It's not great, I've stumbled a few times while doing it but I think it pretty much sums fostering up. People always ask me how do i do it? How could I not do it really? I love fostering, it has pretty much become my life. Yes I form bonds with these dogs but it has come to the point now that when the day comes when they go to their new homes I am so ecstatic for them, its hard to be sad. And when you get another dog to help straight away, at what point do I have to be sad for the last dog, who is now living the perfect life. Oh and note when I say people I mainly mean the rescue, and my old fosters new owners :) And their old ones for that matter. 

Also I feel I should be the one thanking WYDR, they have provided me with this amazing opportunity, they've given me my gorgeus dog Tinks, who is my whole life now and not only that, when I was really down after quitting uni I had fostering that well and truly changed my life. It's made me so happy and has given a distraction over Ems death last year. West Yorkshire Dog Rescue and fostering have well and truly being my therapy <3 


People keep thanking me for all I've done,
Yet all I think is I haven't helped enough,
What I do, I love, and I don't feel I can stop, 
So don't thank me for sharing my love.

It's getting to the point of addiction with this,
Sounds crazy doesn't it, but fostering really is, 
You get to give a dog all the love they need,
Making them change, more than what you'd believe.

And eventually it will come the leaving day, 
You can't help but having to wipe a tear away,
But seeing them smile as they leave you behind,
A look in their eyes, a thanks for saving their life.

You have to smile as you look towards the door,
Another dog waiting for you to adore,
And as they look with sad eyes upon you, 
You smile and say 'don't worry, I'll save you' 

And you see, the process begins again,
A never ending circle removing all pain,
How can I stop now and not save a life,
Dogs are far too precious to not be treated right. 

Researching the Patterdale

It is said with any dog you plan on getting you should always research the breed. I pretty much know everything about the jack russel and Gemma is such a quiet dog that just wants to curl up but Gatsby... he's his own individual and has a different character in a way I can't describe. So today I decided it was about time I researched the breed. Normally I do this before I get a foster dog, if it's a breed I'm not familiar with but I didn't get much chance with these two. Originally I thought the patterdale was just the typical terrier. Apparently not. So let me help you and show you what I've found about the breed. I must say Gatsby doesn't seem to follow the breed 100% but what dog ever does?

The patterdale are more of a laid back kind of terrier compared to other terriers and are not as yappy. They are very solid terriers and apparently do have bull terrier bloodlines. The patterdale terrier is mainly a hunting dog, they are good watch dogs and are very hard. They are more likely to kill a fox than let it get away like foxhound. Patterdale terriers need a firm owner that will take charge of them, to prevent behavioural problems. This is probably the reason why Gatsby is food possessive and can be possessive over his 'spot'. He does need someone who will tell him no and stand their ground so he knows he is not the boss! The patterdale terrier needs plenty of walks to burn energy, although they are quiet in the house and love to curl up when out and about they have a lot of energy. On this note Gatsby currently doesn't have the best recall so it will take time and trust to let him off lead in a field. Until this happens he will need a lot of walks on the lead and a lot of training. Patterdale terriers need to be stimulated and burn their energy, especially if living with other dogs to stop any fights. However saying that, this does not seem to be in Gatsbys nature. He may growl at a dog in warning but will not fight with another dog. 

So overall Patterdale terriers are stocky terriers that need a confident dog owner to take charge. Gatsby would definitely need this and would be a lovely companion to another dog friendly dog. This would improve his confidence and make him an even better dog than what he already is.

Looking very positive now the patterdale terriers have no health problems and they require very little grooming so they are technically very cheap dogs on that note and you don't have anything to worry about.Obviously Gatsby is a chubby man at the moment which can increase the risk of health problems however we are working towards him losing this weight gradually. This is why it is really important to not overfeed your dog! It is not good for them and although Gatsby is a very healthy young boy if it's left to long it can be horrible for the dog.

Anyway, I've talked to much now. So thats all:

Lucy, Tinks, Sally, Gemma and Gatsby 

Two Chubby Doggies

I think one of the best ways to describe Gemma and Gatsby is chubby. Gatsby is such a fat little patterdale and Gemma is slightly overweight. So obviously now it is diet time in the house. Tinks is getting chunkier anyway so she needs it too. So they get given food once a day, at teatime. As Gatsby is possessive over food I am no longer leaving food out all day for them, so if they don't eat the full lot (100g) when I give it them at tea time thats it for the full day. We are also on no treats terms except maybe carrot sticks. So hopefully the 2 of them will start to lose the pounds. 

Gatsby is such a lovely little boy, his favourite thing is a good scratch on his back, he loves it when I do that and pulls his lips back in a grin. He was so well behaved in the bath last night and think he quite liked all the attention of a good massage. Gatsby has got on really well with our 2, he loves playing with Tinks and tends to just ignore Sally. 

This is where I get to the point of Gemma and Gatsby together. Personally I don't think they need to be with each other. They are hardly ever cuddled up to each other like I'd thought and only occasionally play so I do think they could be rehomed separately as long as they both have another dog in the house. 

Gemma is such a sweetheart, she is always wagging her tail and smiling at you and just loves to be cuddled and loves her belly rubbed. She is constantly rolling over for me to wag her tail. She is brilliant off lead and overall is just a perfect little girl. She'd suit pretty much anyone. 

Well I'll add pictures at some point but for now thats all,

Lucy, Tinks, Sally, Gatsby and Gemma x

Too much to do

So I have college work to do and other things  but I thought I better come on here and update you.

Amber has a home!!! 

The lady who came to visit the other day with her 6 year old son has rehomed Amber and was counting down the days for me to bring Amber up today. Amber was really good, she was all calm and loving and rolled over almost immediately for a belly rub. I really do feel she will give Amber what she needs in terms of socialisation and training and more than that I think her son will soon  become best friends with her.

Anyway now we are fostering Gatsby and Gemma... yes two but we'll cope. Anyway they've been on the website a while so I'll just copy their profiles here for you. :) 

Gatsby and Gemma - a FANTASTIC little pair MUST BE REHOMED TOGETHER Gatsby and Gemma, described below, are fostered together.  They are totally in love and get on really well.  Gemma's nerves are well controlled now she has Gatsby in her life and she is a much more relaxed and happy dog. Gatsby is a perfect gentleman and shows Gemma the way in life, he is thrilled with his new sister and so proud to have her by his side as she is so pretty. Gatsby and Gemma play together, go walks together, eat together, sleep together.  They are like a little married couple. It is difficult in rescue to find homes for pairs of dogs and by offering them as a pair together we are shooting ourselves in the foot and making life harder for ourselves. But we think the effort of waiting to allow this love affair to continue is worth it and we hope you will support our choice and offer them a home as a pair. Surely there is someone out there who has a big enough heart and sufficient financial and lifestyle stability to offer them a together home forever. NO CATS PLEASE OBTAIN FULL FAMILY AGREEMENT TO CONSIDERING ADOPTING THESE DOGSBEFORE YOU APPLY Click HERE to register an interest in Gatsby and Gemma together as a pair
	< Gatsby MUST BE REHOMED WITH GEMMA This is a really sweet little dog who has not had a good life so far and needs his own forever home with kind, experienced dog owners who will give him lots of exercise. Gatsby is a 2 years old terrier who has never had enough walks and has been spoiled with lots of treats so is overweight. Would suit an owner who also wants to start a keep fit campaign and lose weight and gain fitness together.  He will need normal amounts of food and additional exercise and must be allowed to lose weight very slowly over about a year.  Fast weight loss can do serious harm. Gatsby is exceptionally friendly and kind. He is a very loyal little dog who forms close bonds with people he likes AND IS VERY LOYAL. However he needs to gain more confidence with other dogs as he has lead a very sheltered life where he was not exposed to dogs as a youngster so he has a lot to learn.  Therefore he is good with most dogs and the photo shows him playing happily with his best friend Marshall.  But he will bark at dogs who show any aggression towards him.  In the home he needs to be fed in another room from resident dogs as he is possessive over food.  He would be better as an only dog, or with a very experienced dog handler he could live with a calm, bigger gentle dog who was a non terrier type.  Living with another dog would certainly improve his confidence and accelerate his learning about dogs. Gatsby is crate trained and he is fostered with other dogs, the crate is used simply to keep him separate whilst in the same room, whilst the foster leaves the room, to prevent any arguments.   Because the foster is experienced there is no problem with Gatsby and other dogs, he runs off lead around the fields OK with groups of dogs.  However we recognise he would benefit from lots of socialisation with kind dogs to build his confidence.   NO CATS PLEASE Phone Kathy 07711617148 between 9am and 5.30pm or text any time. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME AND SURNAME IN THE TEXT. Click HERE to register an interest in Gatsby PLEASE NOTE - if you have a holiday soon we cannot keep a dog until you return so you need to make alternative arrangements if you adopt a dog before you go away.  If you are unable to do that please view our dogs after your holiday.
	< Gemma MUST BE REHOMED WITH GATSBY Gemma is a 5 yrs old Jack Russell cross Corgi.  She is a lovely pet, likes children, very affectionate, house trained, good on lead and off lead, travels well. Gemma is not cat friendly as we originally thought.  no cats please. Gemma has been abused and is afraid of people in caps, the vacuum cleaner, brooms and sticks.  Therefore a calm, quiet home is needed with sensible, patient people. Gemma is being fostered with Gatsby they are now the firmest of friends. We are looking for a kind home with patience, someone around most of the time and children over 8 years old. Neutered, vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms, microchipped Phone Kathy 0771161714

Great Viewing

So that viewing went much better than I thought. Amber was still Amber though (woof, woof, woof) but surprisingly it didn't chase the family away and they dealt really well with it. The little boy, whos only 6, just ignored Amber, sat down totally relaxed. That was the one thing worrying me about the little boy but any child that can deal with a dog yapping at them has great potential to be a great dog owner. The lady wasn't bothered about the barking, she accepted it as Amber and it didn't put her off

So from the beginning we knew Amber would need a second viewing. She needs time to settle with people she doesn't know and any potential owner needs to get to know Amber and see her for the darling she is. This next viewing is next Monday. So I'll post again then. I'm going away Thursday for a few days just to have a much needed break. Dad will be here to look after the girls, so don't worry about them. haha. 

So lets cross everything again for next Monday :) 

Lucy, Amber, Tinks and Sally x

Quick Post... We have another viewing!

So tomorrow Amber will have her second viewing :). A lady and her young son will be coming tomorrow evening so expect an update then. Sorry don't have much time to update, I have work soon and a trip to Blackpool zoo tomorrow with college so a bit rushed for time. I will try update fully tomorrow night with hopefully some good news.

Lucy, Amber, Tinks and Sally x

Nothing New

I thought I'd better post simply because I haven't in a while but I have nothing much to say. Amber is still with us, the only people showing any interest have wasted our time so she's still here, cuddled up to me, not knowing anything about the timewasters. I'm glad to be honest, she's such a great dog when you've got to know her. At night she loves to curl up underneath the  covers with me and if I stroke her she'll roll on her back to have her tummy rubbed. Apparently tickling her tummy is the best thing in the world! She's doing really well, her and Tinks are the best of friends now. People say to me how do you not get attached? I do, I just get over the fact that these dogs are leaving me, I'm only worried now that Tinks won't feel the same and will be heart broken when Amber goes. But that's how we live here and she needs to learn that. She'll always have a friend in Sally and will hopefully be a friend to every other foster dogs we get.

I've been quite busy lately, just starting an animal management course, having these in my spare time. The dogs are my calming medicines after a stressful day lol. Well thats student life for you, I have a presentation due in a couple of weeks and the thought of talking in front of people just scares the life out of me. I could talk about animals and their welfare for ages, mainly ranting, haha. But give me a subject on nutrition and I'm just a muddled mess.

Anyway thats enough rubbish about me, you only read this for the beautiful foster dogs, and that foster dog is still Amber. She's been here over a month now and I just don't see why she keeps being overlooked. 

Lucy, Amber, Tinks, Sally x