Not With Us Yet

Due to his current owner having medical problems Terry is still not here and will now be another couple of weeks. We are giving his owner all the time in the world as it has been a tough time for him and all of this is very hard for him.

Mr Binx is a good as always, will try get some more photos on this week. We are going to give him a vet trip at some point in the new year as he does have a little hop to his back leg when he is running and last week he did start limping for a couple of minutes on that leg so best to be safe than sorry. It isn't causing him any pain so I'm not too worried.

I'll keep you updated and get some new pictures as promised

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Binx x

Hoping you all had a brilliant Christmas!

So last Christmas I mentioned how I had rehomed 13 dogs in 9 months, since then I have rehomed another 16 dogs and Mr Binx is number 30. I think I'm being quite consistent, 30 dogs in a year and 9 months isn't too bad if you ask me!! So the 17 dogs of 2013 are:

Toby
Chewie
Crystal
Peggy
Mabel
Pansy
Bobby 
Bunny 
Terry - who unfortunately needs a home again
Primrose 
Karma
Blanche 
Roo
Oscar 
Pippa
Tolley
Tyke
and of course mr Binx who still needs a home! 

Now I'm not a big fan of the Queen but yesterday for the first time I watched her speech and it was all about reflections. Reflecting on this year makes me so proud, I can look at that list of dogs and realise I've saved so many lives this year, and in return they've saved me and kept me going. It makes me laugh when people call me a hero, an angel, amazing etc. Really I'm not, I'm doing something I love and not doing this would make me feel awful. If we didn't take Terry he would be dead, Mabel would not have lasted in kennels much longer and any of them could have gone to terrible homes without the rescues help. I've saved 17 dogs this year and will continue saving them in 2014, would be nice if just a few of you decided to do the same and joined me on my quest to save these dogs.

Now I have some sad news, Terrys owner died on Saturday and so he is coming back to us tomorrow. I would just like to say Carol was an amazing lady (I don't normally do names but I think in this case, it will be fine), she took in a dog with so many issues and did so much to help rescues. It is awful that such great people are always the ones to leave us early so today I would just like to say thank you to Carol and may you RIP and hope you meet all your old friends at Rainbow Bridge. In her memory I will do all it takes to give Terry the best home he deserves.

I will update you with how Terry is doing at some point in the next week, now in the meantime please read up on the initial story of Terry, the dog we saved just in time! http://lucythedogfosterer.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/apologies.html

If I don't post before, happy new year to you all and please remember be grateful for the family and friends you have, they can be taken away in an instance and of course love your dogs more than ever, they are your family and please if you have any problems this year, don't result in rehoming your dog, in the end they could be all you have left! 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Binx xx

... and breathe!

Really sorry had a hectic week but my final assignment of this year has now been handed in so I can breathe a sigh of relief!

Unfortunately I have bad news, the couple came down from Scotland as planned but as before Mr Binx did not like the dog... we are baffled. He has never had one problem with our girls and is usually well behaved with other dogs on a walk so nothing makes sense. Anyone who is interested will need to be local and come for many visits with their dog to get him used to them, which may involve a muzzle at first to prevent any nipping (which looks to be out of nerves). We are worried if he goes along that he will get worse with dogs and will become more anxious. We will take it one step at a time with him but at the moment he is happy here with us and will be throughout Christmas. So everyone Merry Christmas! Have a good one, look after your doggies, treat them like your family and no dumping them because you are bored/fed up of last years puppy.

Oh and before I go, Pippa was rehomed on Thursday to a lovely family who fell in love at first sight and after a first viewing decided they would like to adopt. I was just waiting for her to crash into the christmas tree when I dropped her off in her new home but I know she will be happy there and she really is going to be a member of the family.. as she should be!! 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Mr Binx xx

Bad News I'm Afraid

Right lets get the worse news out of the way. Unfortunately Terry the yorkshire terrier we had in earlier this year will be coming back to us. I don't want to openly put the circumstances but unfortunately his owner has taken seriously ill and is in hospital. We are in close contact with the ladies husband but we are allowing him his own time to get Terry back to us and he isn't wanting to rush. These are extremely sad circumstances, where I nearly cried when I found out. It is not the owners fault at all before anyone points fingers and it is of course not Terrys fault. I will keep you all updated but I expect he will be back early next year. 

More bad news, Mr Binx viewing for tomorrow has being cancelled. May I just say before you consider applying read the advert carefully!! Mr Binx is spoilt, as are all my fosters and they do sleep on the bed. This is just the way we run in this house but some dogs would not benefit from being shut away from their owners. Mr Binx and Pippa are like this and need to sleep on the bed or at least in the same bedroom as the owner!! Thankfully we feel this is fate for Binx as a couple in Scotland had registered interest and we were going to call if the viewing fell through. So I have contacted them and they are going to come down on Friday! The couple live only a short distance from the beach and in the heart of the greenery of Scotland... I only wish I could live there myself. Now as you know I have two ex fosters in Scotland already. Mabel and Bunny and both have the perfect homes so I am very hopeful. All my faves go to Scotland!! 

I will update you next week hopefully but with the madness of Christmas please excuse me if I get delayed. Binx is doing well, is now fully vaccinated and will be coming to work with me tomorrow for a few hours to meet people and raise some money for the rescue :) With the raffle tickets in October we raised £1200 for the rescue which will help greatly towards vets fees :) 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Binx xx

So Much Interest

So Christmas is coming fast and I'm getting busier and busier with the load of college work and more work hours but I'm still here and still have my little Binx! We've had a lot of interest for Mr Binx so please if you have registered interest don't be offended if we don't call back. I am being picky about him because he is such a loving, perfect dog. I don't want him to go to a home with too many dogs where he would get overwhelmed or somewhere where he would be left as he does have separation anxiety and will bark the house down when left, especially if theres no dogs for company. Now I have just spoken to a lady and have arranged a viewing for Sunday. The lady has a young westie so I think as long as the two get along the viewing will go well, however if they don't we may have to start rethinking what sort of home is suitable for Mr Binx. 

I don't think there is much more to update on. As Christmas is approaching we are obviously being more picky with homes. Although we won't go to a complete standstill, rehoming a dog this month will be around how busy a lifestyle someone has. Who has the time for a new dog when they have all the family round and the hussle and bustle will cause more stress than it already is moving to a new home for the dog. So don't be offended, we are thinking of everyone here. Not only the dog, who is obviously most important, but for people and there families. Its a busy time of year and no doubt the next couple of months will be more hectic than ever but I'll keep you updated on how we get on! 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Binx xx

Bad News I'm Afraid

Unfortunately the viewing of Binx didn't go well. He was overwhelmed with the three dogs and would not stop barking and was clearly distressed. We tried going for a walk to calm them all down but Binx took a definite disliking to one of the dogs, which did end in a little scrap and their other dogs been quite scared of Binx. It was obviously not going to work and we were all very disappointed. So Binx is still with us and we are now thinking he may be best rehomed with just one calm female dog for company. He adores Tinks and spends alot of the time snuggled up to her so he would benefit from being with another dog.

On a more positive note yesterday Binx had his first off lead walk and was brilliant. He had a run then came back to let me know he was okay and never went too far so I was really happy for him there. I think if he did see a dog his recall wouldn't be great but it can easily be improved on through trust and training. 

Quick Recovery

So within a day of being to the vets to be neutered, Mr Binx was outside for a walk and back to his usual happy self. I have never seen a dog recover so well! He has not even being bothered by it and hasn't tried to lick once so thankfully haven't had to cone him! So happy for him and the quick recovery has meant we have arranged another viewing for Binx on Monday with the couple I have spoke about before and their three dogs! If it goes well Binx will be rehomed next week. 

Binx is doing so well, theres not much more to add. He is going to be joining me at work tomorrow to try get some donations in for the rescue. No doubt he will love the attention... and peeing absolutely everywhere :P

No doubt I will update you either Monday or Tuesday letting you know how the viewing went, everyone please keep your fingers and paws crossed for this little man

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Binx xx

A whole New Dog

So first I'd like to just touch the viewings that I mentioned the other day. I went to see Pippa and remembered what a mad dog she is, full of so much energy. She really is a fantastic dog and although the viewing went well the couple unfortunately didn't feel Pippa was right for them. So its back to the drawing board for Pippa but we really do want the perfect home for her as she is the perfect dog! 

Now onto Binx. Binx also had a viewing on Sunday and his also went very well. A retired couple who have three cairns came over without there dogs to meet him and I think its fair to say they've fallen for him. So much so that they are constantly wanting updates on the little boy so fingers crossed when he meets their dogs they will all get along and Binx will have his forever home.

On Monday Binx went to the groomers and is now looking amazing! Binx was very well behaved and patience and it was an amazing difference after. Mr Binx has not only lost a lot of hair but has also lost some years and now looks like an adorable young boy. The vet even thinks he is younger than the original 4/5 year old estimate! Under his long hair was a lovely grey brindle pattern which makes him look like a little silver tiger. He really is gorgeus, but obviously because of the weather we are covering him up for the most part with a nice warm fleece. Today Mr Binx is at the vets getting neutered, a dental and microchipped and lets hope he recovers quickly so his interested potential owners can come see him again :)

Busy Week Rescuewise

Wow, so it really has been a busy week. Obviously Tyke was rehomed and then we welcomed Mr Binx into the rescue. Mr Binx is a 4 year old cairn terrier, possibly crossed with a skye terrier. Currently Mr Binx is in a bit of a state and very scratty as can be seen from the pictures, but he is due in at the groomers on Monday so will be much better then. 

Mr Binx is a very friendly little boy who loves people and is good with other dogs. He loves following me around and being with me at all times. His favourite place is the back of the sofa where he sits and then puts his little paws on my shoulder. He is a very quiet little boy and loves to be snuggled up on the sofa. That being said if the door is open he will go outside and run and have a good sniff around, having selective hearing and only coming in when it suits him. When he comes in he will then run straight back out as soon as you get near the door. He has a very cheeky nature. Binx is fully housetrained, however will mark the house a lot at first until he has made the territory his own. This will hopefully be improved when he is neutered and hopefully so will the smell of pee that keeps clinging to his long fur. Binx does suffer from separation anxiety and will howl if left, however won't destroy the house and I'm sure he quietens down after a while and just sits by the window. 

Other than being a smelly little boy, Binx is very good and friendly and I just can't wait to show him off when he has being groomed! All being well Binx does already have interest and a viewing will be arranged once he is totally free of kennel cough. A retired couple with three cairn terriers would love Binx to join their family and if the viewing goes well Binx will have his forever home with them. They seem lovely and are very knowledgeable of the breed, along with having a secure garden and being around all the time. Just the right home for Binx! He won't even be left when they go away as they take their dogs with them to a cottage in Cornwall! 

Things are also looking up for Pippa who has a viewing with a couple tomorrow evening. I will update you with that tomorrow as I am of course going along to offer advice and make sure they are right for such a perfect girl.

Finally we have another dog coming in on Sunday from a lady moving into a rented house which doesn't allow dogs. As far as I'm aware its a very friendly dog with children and other dogs, however not cat friendly.

The rescue has had a very busy week, however I think I've posted too much for now and have to go to work so bear with me and I'll hopefully update you next week! 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Binx 

New Foster Dog

Just a quick update, I do have a new foster. A 5 year old cairn terrier called Mr Binx... I will update properly later as I must force myself to do assignment work now!! haha

A Home in the Country

So the other day I posted about a couple interested in Tyke and yesterday they came to adopt him. Although their dog was a little unsure at first they both settled down after a short while and it wasn't long until Tyke was on the mans knee giving him 'Please Rehome Me!' slobber. It didn't take long for the wife to fall in love and yesterday he went to his new home in the country with them. Tykes new home consists of a gorgeus house, in the middle of the countryside with many fields for him to run and play in with his new jackapoo sister, Purdy. They are both a similar age and I'm sure in time will become the best of friends. 

I think thats all I can say about him. Heres a picture of how happy he is..

So I'll update you Tuesday with the next dog ;) 

Lucy, Tinks and Sally... for now :) 

Doing Well

Tyke is settling in really well here and there really isn't much to add. He is a perfect little boy, house trained, not destructive if left. He is such a good little boy and as he settles more, his mischievous young nature is coming out. Tyke loves playing with his ball and will fetch it to me to throw to him. His favourite trick is throwing it in the bath and then growling at the bath because he doesn't want to go in it! 

Tyke is on antibiotics for his kennel cough and is getting better but it does seem to flare up at night. His skin is getting much better on his back end and with use of coconut oil its not as dry and flaky now and his hair is growing back alot quicker than expected. He is back at the vets Thursday for a check up and maybe more antibiotics, along with getting microchipped and his extremely long nails clipped down. The aim now is to get him looking his best and rehomed. Tyke has received plenty of interest... who could blame people for falling for this cute little scruffy boy!! Kathy has spoken to a couple who are interested, who already have a little crossbreed so I will be in contact with them later today and hopefully a viewing can be arranged already for this little guy!! Its amazing having so many sticky dogs to have one that is getting interest so quickly.

I'll keep you updated this week and will update on Pippa tomorrow, as I'm taking her to the vets.

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Tyke  :) 

Poundie

So Tolley has been rehomed to his forever home and I'm sure he will be very happy now. So today we went to the pound to pick up our next foster dog. I saw Tyke on a website and immediately fell for his scruffy looks and I'm sure he won't be with us long. 

The pound estimated Tyke at 3-4 years, however our vets have said he is between 1 and 2 so only a youngster. Tyke is a full on scruffy small crossbreed. He is currently a tad overweight, has a skin condition on his back end which is more than likely due to a bad flea infestation and has bad kennel cough which will need treating before he is vaccinated. Other than that he is in good condition and with a bit of TLC he will be looking gorgeus. Tyke is a very friendly, playful dog. He loves people and other dogs and greets dogs very well, with a quick sniff as a hello and wag of his tail. He is not over the top and didn't react to Sally barking away at him for no reason. He loves playing with his ball and is trained to sit down. He is also very gentle in taking food and he seems housetrained. It seems so odd to have such a perfectly behaved little man and at the moment I think he would suit anyone who wants a little dog to join their family. Tyke was left for a couple of hours today and wasn't destructive, however did try bolt out when I left so he will need someone speedy with a secure front garden preferably, in case he does get out. At the moment that is the only fault I can see and that isn't too bad at all. I will keep you updated, he does need to return to the vets tomorrow due to having a high temperature today. Fingers crossed he won't be with us too long. He isn't the easiest dog to get photos of but I will try tomorrow, these are some taken from the pound. 


Pippa is doing well with her new foster and came to see me today at work. Shes still over the top with attention and love but it was nice to get a big Pippa slobber. I will be taking her to the vets next week for her booster vaccs so can post more about her then.

So thats all for now, 
Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Tyke x

Bonfire Night

I would like to just do a quick post regarding bonfire night. Can you please please take care. Make sure dogs are kept inside and only let them out on a lead. Too many dogs are going missing due to being spooked by fireworks. So make sure they are tagged and hopefully they'll be chipped. If your dogs are frightened, close the curtains, turn the TV up and make sure they have a comfy den to hide in. There are mixed opinions on fussing dogs but in my opinion it depends on the intensity of the fear. Tinks is very scared so is currently laying in my hoodie close to my body but some dogs will take the attention as praise. And can I just urge people to just attend big events rather than setting them off in your garden. It is much safer for everyone. 

Lucy, Tinks and Sal x

Mad Pup

Gosh can't believe how much big boy Tolley has changed since he was last here. He is growing more and more confident by the day and is becoming a very loving and loyal young boy. He is definitely a mummys boy and looks at me with the most loving eyes at times. Tolley has clearly had a very isolated past. On walks he is scared of traffic and groups of people, in the house he is scared of many electronics and household items: Hairdryer, straighteners, vacuum, duster, chargers.... just to name a few. Its awful seeing him like this and it does make it difficult to do everyday chores as he is so petrified he will go to attack them and if not kept an eye on he could end up causing some serious damage to himself. This is something I am going to discuss with our behaviourist and hopefully there will be a solution, I'm thinking it will involve desensitising him to the objects but this could take a long time. Tolley is improving on walks and now only stops occasionally in fear from cars but with a few treats in my hand and a "Good Boy!" he knows to carry on and that them words mean he gets a treat! He caught this on in a day so I am very impressed and proud of him so we will definitely get somewhere with him... I don't care how long it takes! 

Other than that Tolley is just a mischievous pup, he loves chewing things, especially whats not his... i.e shoes haha. Think some more toys are needed for this big man, donations appreciated ;). His favourite trick is to pull out the dog bed into the middle of the floor and mess it up which does end up quite messy as the bed consists of the bed itself, a pillow, a blanket and a duvet (yes they are spoilt). Overall anything soft he loves and he doesn't understand that not all toys are his! I do love him though, especially when he looks up with his big mischievous grin. I can't help but smile as I know how nervous he can be and he is really coming out of his shell. 

Tolley is going to be undergoing tests at the vets due to having an odd gait and possible hip problems. This could end up in two ways, either no walks and just mental stimulation, or a gradual exercise plan to build up his muscles. This will obviously determine what type of home we are looking for, for him. Whereever he goes though the owner must be prepared to work with him and be rewarded with plenty of love. Tolley absolutely loves the girls but does get too excitable at times and does bark if he wants to play and they don't so he really does need a home with a very playful dog who will give him confidence when out and about and allow him to reach his full potential. 

I think that is all about Tolley, I will post some pictures up at some point, I still need to get some new ones but since he is barely still it is hard. Anyway just a bit of an update on my life (boring part so please feel free to stop reading now), as you may be aware I am currently studying for a HND in Animal Management, after talking with a behaviourist and Kathy I am now looking into studying canine behaviour in hopes of being a  dog behaviourist in the future. Anyway I'll keep you all updated on that as I progress and hopefully being part of the rescue will help me build my own little business up in the future... its a bit of a dreamlife away but we can only dream. 

One last post a friend of mine and a lady who adopted a very special dog earlier this year is currently in the process of releasing a book about pet bereavement and will also be doing seminars around the UK so I will help in promoting this as she rescued our old girl Mabel who we thought would take ages to rehome and is a very special and inspirational woman! So watch this space I will keep updating when it is properly released but if you would be interested in pre-ordering one let me know and I'll pass you onto her :) Oh and I'm getting a copy of this book so expect a review on here ;) 

Lucy, Tolley, Tinks and Sal x 

Dog Swap

Now before I actually start I would like to say that this does not normally happen in fostering and in this case has been of no problem to either of the dogs. 

I can't remember if I said in my last post but due to the school holidays coming around we were having Tolley for the week next week. Unfortunately Tolley has managed to get through the fence at his fosters house trying to get to their neighbours dog so we have decided to get Tolley early. Now Pippa is great with most dogs but I think the size of Tolley unnerved her a bit and she was very nervous with him around. We decided it was the fairest thing for her to go to Tolleys old foster as she is great with kids and will be good with the five year old grandaugher visiting. Now Pippa loves everyone so didn't care about being moved and Tolley has stayed here before and was scratching at our gate when he realised he was coming to our house! Now we don't have to keep worrying about having Tolley when the grandaughter is over as he is now staying here as our foster. I have told you about Tolley before but I best add a bit about him. 

Tolley is an 18 month old full border collie, he is a lovely dog but very very nervous and highly strung! He is so scared of everything but is getting better with people he knows. He has been so confident here as he obviously remembers it from last time. I find it very hard describing dogs I hardly know so I will just copy his profile from the website.:

Tolley needs a mature, calm, quiet home with Collie experience where he will be used for Obedience work or Working Trials as he is so intelligent.  THIS IS NOT A FAMILY PET HE NEEDS A JOB TO DO.

Tolley is a super tricolour Pedigree Border Collie aged 16 months who has been brought up from a pup with children.

This is a fantastic dog for the experienced Collie lover, he is a very loyal and affectionate boy who just needs some sympathy and understanding.  He is only young and is immature for his age so he has all the time and ability to improve in the right hands.

Tolley needs a very patient owner who will allow him time to grow and mature because prior to coming into rescue he had very limited experience and lived a sheltered life without much exercise.

Tolley is a nervous, highly strung dog who needs calm, confident handling in an environment with a lot of patience and love.  If he gets over stimulated he fails to make the right decisions about situations and his behaviour becomes erratic.  This will cease as he matures in confidence and experience.  As part of his nervousness he is anxious about cars and strangers he passes in the street.  When out and about he is on high alert at all times and cannot relax.

He is still mouthing as if teething, and humping people's leg - these are both behaviours that indicate a highly strung, nervous dog.  He needs to be treated fairly and with kindness and rewarded for good behaviour.  He cannot tolerate being bossed around in a dominant way as he is very sensitive.  Full family commitment is needed to owning a dog so please check everyone wants a dog

 He is extremely affectionate and kind.  Due to the previous owner not giving him enough exercise and leaving him alone he is now anxious about being left.  He would be OK rehomed with another kind dog (s) who will play with him.

Tolley needs 3 hours each day to be devoted to him by a knowledgeable owner who will give him  attention, training and exercise.  Apart from that he needs peace and quiet in a low stimulation environment with quiet human or dog companionship.  FOR THIS REASON HE WOULD NOT SUIT A HOME WITH THE NOISE AND CHAOS OF CHILDREN.

He lives inside the house most of the time but enjoys many hours in a safely fenced and locked garden with access to the house for shelter. (note there are a huge number of dogs stolen from gardens so security is paramount as these often end up in dog fighting rings)

Tolley needs a big, well fenced garden as he loves to be outside.

All the usual collie stuff - this dog wants to please so is very trainable and learns quickly.

Would suit Obedience.  He is too nervous for flyball or agility, that would blow his mind

Tolley is dog friendly and has lived with another dog.  House trained, nervous of strangers outside the house and traffic so he needs a patient, calm, confident handler. 

Tolley is  CAT FRIENDLY he ignores cats and has lived with a cat.  We will only rehome him where the cat is very calm and confident with dogs and the owner prepared to work to introduce the animals properly and be very patient.

Tolley pulls on the lead so strong, fit owners needed, he travels well in the car.

This dog could live outside as he loves being outside in the garden.

So thats Tolley, overall hes a great dog but does need a very experienced owner, preferably with collies. Now due to an odd gait of his back legs Tolley is due to the vets tomorrow and we are going with a behaviourist who is working to help us with Tolley.

Now before I go I must add a bit about Pippa, in the 2 weeks she has been with us I have fallen  for her and cried today giving her over, even though it is only down the road and I'm sure she will be happy there. Today Pippa came to work with me and stood outside attracting everyones attention and cuddling our dressed up big dog along with any people that came by, including children of all ages. She does need to learn to calm down around children and not jump up but other than that I can't fault her. I really do love her and I will continue posting how she is doing as she is nearby and I will insist in being responsible with rehoming her! 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Tolley x

Not Much to Add

So seen as I haven't posted in a while thought I'd do a quick post now. Not going to lie I've been feeling really rubbish and drained and at the moment I just want to sleep haha. 

So Pippa is still here and as settled as ever. I can't add much more about this perfect dog that I haven't told her already. She is just a typical young girl with a mischievous attitude. She is a real scavenger and eats just about everything she can so things can't be left out on our kitchen sides. Its resulted in a bit of an upset tummy due to her eating one and a half tubs of butter... not at once thankfully but she is one silly girl. With a couple of days being fed rice though she was fine and I'm pretty sure she would do it again if she could! We are in the process of gradually upping her food so hopefully that will stop her scavenging behaviours.

Really don't think there is much more to add but my brain is so fuzzy at the moment even typing this is not making much sense to me. So I will leave you with that and keep everyone updated. 

Lucy, Pippa, Tinks and Sal x

Pippa Off Lead

Can't really add much about Pippa, I still feel she is the perfect dog. Today we all went to the fields where she had a good run with Tinks and was brilliant. She really does have brilliant recall and even when she went to chase a magpie after a quick whistle and shout she bolted back over to me with a big smile on her face. We did encounter one person and although I thought Pippa may jump up at her she didn't, she just stood by to say Hello. So all I can do is add more photos and another video.

2 Months Later and Oscar is Gone!

Thats right, Oscar was rehomed to the farmer and his family! They all loved him and he will be a well loved member of the family, and he will fit in nicely with the daschund pup. Oscar was clearly overwhelmed that people had come to see him so pounded all over them, nibbled their hands until they were red and the words at the end of the viewing "We'll have him" really did make me smile. Oscar will spend the rest of his days out every day working on the farm, a dream life for any dog I'm sure. Can't explain how happy I am for the little man. He is a very special dog and deserved the very special home he got. His new owner has said that he has settled in good and is getting along with the pup so I am now at peace knowing he is happy. 

So now I want to introduce Pippa. Pippa is a 15month old Springer Spaniel x Pointer and is beautiful. She is in rescue through no fault of her own and has no issues! She is good with children as has lived with a 2 year old, good with dogs, good recall, easily trainable, housetrained, can be left for a couple of hours without destroying anything and she loves everyone! She is really anyones dog. I can't even describe her as she is too perfect. She is just an all round lovely dog. She has settled in here just fine and has made friends with Tinks quite easily, she hasn't even retaliated to Tinks first meeting snapping or old Sallys growling. I really am impressed with her. As she is still young she is full of life and has a lot of energy to burn but as she is good off lead a good run twice a day will be fine for her. She loves her walks and although she does pull at first she does settle down and walks nice on a gentlelead (a head type collar). I think all I can do now is leave you with pictures and a video so you can see the beauty yourself! I do need some better pictures as it was hard to keep her still today but I'll get them at some point this week. 

 

Waiting for a Viewing

So we are still waiting on a viewing for the person who applied interest in Oscar. He is a farmer who has recently lost his terrier and is wanting a young, energetic terrier to take out with him when hes at work. He has a 13 week old Daschund and should be able to give Oscar everything he needs but this is definitely one that is relying on the viewing to see what they think of him. Hopefully it will go well and if they really love him he will be going as all necessary checks have been done and he seems the right person for Oscar. Obviously it all depends on how the viewing goes. Fingers crossed it will be soon though, the person is hoping to come tomorrow so lets hope for the best! 

Oh and if anyone would be interested in buying a raffle ticket with all money going to West Yorkshire Dog Rescue and if you are local to Huddersfield let me know. £1 a ticket and some brilliant prizes :) 

Thats all for now, I currently have little parrot boy asleep on my shoulder with his little leg around my body... I do love this sweet boy and will miss him when he eventually finds his forever home 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Oscar xx

Playful Oscar

Thought I would share this of Oscar playing with our Kong Wobbler yesterday. I don't think he understood the concept to be honest and was just trying to lick them out of the hole but it is funny to watch. Hopefully Ozzy will be having a viewing over the next few days so everyone keep their fingers crossed for our lovely cheeky man.

I'll end with a funny Oscar story: 
Today when we'd come home from the supermarket we'd left the bags in the room as per usual while we unpacked them. I was just taking some bits into the kitchen and came back to Oscar helping himself to some Naan breads... We still have half of each of them left for tea tomorrow. Just had to laugh at him though, he is so cheeky and will do anything for food! 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Oscar x

Cheeky Little Boy

Don't feel like I've spoken enough about our lovely Oscar recently. So today I thought I'd spread a few little random bits of information about him: 

• Oscar loves following you around the house, specifically when your in the bath. Oscar will stand on the bath tub and eat all the bubbles... probably not too healthy for him but it is funny to see him with bubbles around his head
• Oscar is such a snuggly boy. At night Oscar will curl up in bed and not move all night
• Oscar and Tinks... match made in heaven. Together they are absolutely nuts and can run around with each other for ages, both with big grins on there lips.
• He loves food! So much that now we have started just feeding him once a day he will look in the kitchen with sad eyes all morning as if asking for his breakfast. 

Oscar is Oscar... hes the most unique dog with such an individual, crazy personality... he really is amazing. If you can look past the first meeting of the crazy boy leaping all over you and nibbling at you in excitement and realise at heart he is a big softy then you will love him! On first meeting him you see a dog that you wouldn't believe could be controlled but when you've lived with him so long you realise he just loves to lay down on the sofa with you on the evening for  a cuddle. If hes not walked in the morning Oscar does tend to be all over during the day but after a walk he will happily curl up for a while. Overall I do love Oscar, at first I didn't feel any particular bond to him but now our bond is growing and he is currently looking at me with his big loving eyes, wagging his tail at 100mph... this boy will really make the perfect family pet.

We do have another person interested in Oscar but we are awaiting a homecheck and need to find a little more information out before we can sort a definite viewing. The home sounds perfect for a dog like Oscar but theres just a couple of things we need to iron out as Oscar does need the perfect home. 

Tolley has now gone back to his original foster. During his time with us I learnt a lot about collies. Tolley in particular is a very much outside dog, he would not suit a family home, rather a small holding where he will have run all day. I've learnt that boys will be boys and in the house both boys were dominant in the house, leading to problems... oh and never try separate dogs in the wrong way as you will get hurt! People tend to get bit for a reason and I am a strong believer for that, so when I got nipped trying to keep the boys apart it was my own fault for getting in the middle of them both. One day I will learn, its not the first time that has happened and doubt it will be the last but I am learning... I just care more for the dogs than I do myself haha! Now I will leave with some pictures of Oscar and Tinks cuddling at night! If I leave the room, Oscar will tend to go up and curl next to her, which is so cute to see! Sorry for the quality... my phone doesn't really like the dark 

And one other note for life in general.... just smile! 

Back to Blogging

Sorry had a bit of a mad week and have way too much to update you on, so lets just go back in time a little bit to the start... can't even remember where I last left off haha. So lets start with this time last week. On a good note Oscar actually had a viewing! A lovely man came on Friday to meet him and adored him and came again Sunday with his wife. They both absolutely loved Oscar, even though he did bounce all over them and nibbled there hands, he was actually calmer than what I expected so I was proud. Unfortunately the couple received some bad news this week and have decided at the present time it won't be fair to adopt a dog, however will come back to the rescue when the time is right. Nobody can fault people for the bad timing when things happen in life and lets hope that when the family is okay they will adopt a dog from us as they were great owners.

Now to this mad weekend. Tolleys foster is currently looking after his 5 year old granddaughter and for the time being we have taken him on until the child goes home for the sake of both of them. Tolley is still very nervous and it wouldn't be fair to put him in that situation. Tolley is an 18 month old handsome pure bred border collie (no papers). Tolley has come in from a family home who could no longer financially cope but it is clear at some point hes had a bad past. As I said he is very nervous! Tolley is doing very well here with the girls, however does not get along with Oscar in the house. When they are outside they are both fine though and run around burning off all the excess energy they have. Tolley needs improving on the lead as he will currently lunge at anything that spooks him and is a strong boy. While he is here we are simply burning his energy by giving him free run on the garden all day. Tolley would need a house with a big garden, preferably where he has free run of the majority of the time as he loves being outside. Tolley is very friendly once he has got used to you and will sit near you for a stroke. He is very well mannered in the house and will not jump on the furniture or go up stairs. He does have separation anxiety and will bark if left, however whilst here we are crating him, simply to separate him from Oscar on an evening. Oscar is also being crated and both are doing very well and currently fast asleep in their separate crates. Tolley has done very well with the girls though as I said, and is actually quite nervous with them if they try play in a way he doesn't understand. Even Old girl Sally has tried to play with him! Tinks has snapped at him and he ignored her and just skirted around her so he is brilliant with most dogs, I'm wandering if its Oscars dominance which means they don't get along. Tolley will need very very(!) collie experienced owners who will be willing to give him time and patience and give him the home he needs. He is not really a pet dog and would do best on a small holding where, as I've said, he has free run of the land. Tolley is cat friendly however unsure of how he is with cattle and sheep etc. I suspect he will be nervous. 

Anyway thats all for now that I can think of, I'm going to relax before a weekend full of work. 

What Do I get from it?

The other day someone asked me that exact question and it was so hard to explain what it is I actually get from it as the person in question meant in a money/opportunity sort of way. So I thought I'd answer in detail on here and give you all an idea of what I get from fostering.

1. When I started fostering I had experience with terriers and poodles. All very different but all generally well behaved dogs. Since then my experience has grown so much. I've met over 20 different dogs in just over a year. The snappy ones, the nervous ones and the mad ones. The escape artists, the destroyers and the plain ignorant ones. In my opinion nobody will ever get so much hands on experience so quickly than when your a fosterer. I've learnt so much being a foster, different behavioural techniques including how different dogs learn. How to handle dogs, how to transport dogs, how to understand dogs etc. 

2. A whole new light behind rescues. How many dogs are abandoned per year etc. Yes we see it all on the tv but when you actually become involved with a rescue and see how many dogs come in for pathetic reasons and then obviously the poundies. And when you go into a pound for the first time and see so many sad eyes looking out of the bars at you, mainly staffies but many other breeds which you would never imagine would be abandoned. When you see how full a pound is and realise no matter what one of these dogs will be PTS because of lack of room. And when you see the man in his van coming to PTS a dog, right then and there and your heart sinks to the bottom of your stomach because you know why hes there. I get the pleasure knowing that when I save a dog from the pound that dog will not be PTS, not only that but a space has being made and another dogs life has been saved.

3. Confidence. Because of the rescue I have met so many people (mainly animal lovers) and it is so nice to talk with people who share the same interests. People who I would have never spoken to before. But now with the foster dogs and memories I have a whole bout of confidence to talk to people. 

4. An amazing reference. When you apply for a job you know they'll be looking for an outstanding reference and I know that Kathy will give me one because of all the work I do.

and finally 5. a sense of Pride! I never truly show it but I am so proud of what I do. I have saved so many dogs lives, I have changed so many dogs lives. And without the rescue some of these dogs would not stand a chance and would not be in the brilliant homes they are now.

The real question is why would I not do it? Yes they can cost a fortune in replacing things they have wrecked (normally remotes). And yes they do take up a lot of my home time. They tire me out, stress me out but then they make me smile, they give me something to do and work towards. Never ask me what do I get from fostering, instead give me 5 reasons why I shouldn't... I'd like to see you try ;)

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Oscar. 

I am extremely busy this week and next with college, work and my friends 21st but please bare with me, I'll try post again at some point and tell you about Tolley the Collie :) x

Quick Op

Sorry its going to take a lot to beat my last post and I'm afraid I can't do that. It was a hard post to write and I would like to apologise for the people I upset, including my dad and Bunnys auntie. However I am hoping that tug at everyones heart strings makes you realise just how important our dogs are and how we must stick by them through thick and thin. 

Now onto our Oscar boy. Now don't worry hearing the word op. Oscar had managed to catch his nail on something and was pretty much hanging on and it needed to be removed, so he went in on Tuesday morning and won the hearts of everyone at the vets. His new owners must be warned though that apparently Oscar does not like needles and screamed the place down when he saw it for the anaesthetic. And although he reacted badly to dogs at the vets, the nurse introduced him to hers and he was fine. So it is obvious when he is on the lead he just wants to play with other dogs and not hurt them. He was a little drugged up Tuesday evening, having a peaceful night was actually quite enjoyable but he was back to normal yesterday morning.

While at the vets Oscar has had a full MOT. All nails clipped, ears cleaned and anal glands empty so now he is definitely ready to go. He is definitely a lot calmer now and seems to behaving himself a little more. He still jumps up and will mouth occasionaly but if hes ignored it doesn't take long for him to settle down. The vet nurse has informed us of a couple looking for a terrier and she is going to tell them about Oscar and Hugo so fingers crossed for either of them. Their both so similar to each other in their crazy, individual ways. Anyway the couple are away at the moment so lets hope when they return the nurse can persuade them to adopt.

Oscar has a check up tomorrow but don't think there is much else to add on him. He is currently sleeping away right next to me, snuggling up. Someone will be very lucky to have this boy, they just need to understand his ways. 

Lucy, Oscar, Tinks and Sally x

Sa'di (Sad Story Warning)

In September last year Lee who helps out a lot for the rescue took in an old poundie. Sa'di is a collie x spaniel and has been a heartwarming story for all those involved. My dad went to get her from the pound and in his words 'when I picked sadi up from the pound she walked so slow and I had to lift her into the car'. At the vets Sa'di was given a list of problems, she had
mammary tumours, was deaf and nearly blind and her skin was in terrible condition. Sa'di was
given just a few weeks to live. She was in good hands though and although Lee knew her time would be short with Sa'di she gave her the best possible life, and when Lee moved up to Scotland earlier this year it was a shock to see videos of Sa'di running happy and free on the beach without a care in the world. She was happy and still fighting to make sure the end of her days would be the best. 

So it was a shock when I went to petsit for Lee that Sa'di was still fighting and was so happy and bubbly. Her little cheeky grin she gave when she wanted feeding really gave me a reason to smile. For the two weeks I was there Sa'di was going strong but sadly when Lee came home she took a downward turn. Her cancer had progressed, she had to be carried to bed and the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep. Sa'di brought smiles all around till the day she went to rainbow bridge. Lee knew she was on borrowed time with Sa'di but I don't think anyone expected her to surpass her few weeks to live by a year. She was a fighter and had the best last year anybody could possibly ask for a dog. 

Now please consider this, when you get a dog they will get old, they will break your heart and they may get ill. But they only have you, they are so loyal to you so when it comes to them being old and frail don't dump them and leave them to die on their own, stand by them until their very last breath because they would do that to you. 

When I came home from uni in December 2011, my girl went downhill from the day I went home. Before that she had been fine but she had waited for me as Sa'di had waited for her owners. And when it came the time to say goodbye I held her in my arms one last time and watched as she peacefully slipped away. It is heartbreaking having a dog but the amount of love and memories they will give you is worth the heartbreak so please don't forget that. 

Now is heart wrenching as this post is to read, trust me it was a hard one to write and now to end it I will just post a video that has always made me hold on when I think of my Em.

http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

Run free at Rainbow Bridge Sa'di xx

Mabel

So since I've been promising this post here it is. As you know when I was in Scotland I went to remeet Mabel. Its unbelievable the change some love and a good home can do so here are the pictures :) Please look carefully at these pictures, look how happy this girl is compared to when she came into rescue and think you could be that difference in a dogs life. The picture titled 'The Love of a Foster' will always be my highlight of fostering. I've seen this girl at her worse and at her best and without the rescue and myself, this oldie didn't stand much of a chance. You could give that dog a chance and become a foster. Its not only lifechanging for the dog but for you and we are always desperate for more fosters.

 

 

The Love of a foster

 I also have some sad news, which I will post following this as the poor girl needs a page of her own <3 x

An amazing change

So I returned from Scotland yesterday and was quite happy to see how much Oscar has calmed down. Maybe I just remembered him to be twice as bad as what he actually is but he didn't seem to jump up as much and the biting is definitely becoming less frequent now. Its fair to say he is doing very well. Now he is starting to show signs of calming down and his food agression is becoming improving I am going to start trying to train him more. Oscar will need a lot of work with his recall so will need some offlead walks which will take some confidence from me but with my dad we will both work with it. Along with this I'm going to try doing some basic clicker training with him and see how he does. 

Before I went I had bought Oscar a new head lead. Oscar may be small but he is strong and does pull on the lead, even with a harness on and it was removing the fun element from walks. Now, with his new lead he walks lovely and the difference is so noticeable. Although he does complain a little at the start, once on the walk he walks next to me. Anyone who decides to adopt Oscar will be recommended on these leads in hopes that they will continue is on lead training with it. 

I think thats all I have to update at the moment, he is off back to the vets later as one of his back nails is coming back so poor little man may be having an op at some point this week to get it removed. I'd rather it be professionally removed than him managing to snap it off himself and cause him alot of pain but then again the only thing we want with the rescue dogs is to make sure they are as happy and pain-free as possible (obviously).

Now since its being Summer, everyones being away and we seemed to have hit a brick wall but 5 dogs have being rehomed this week, meaning we have more room to get dogs into fosters. I was lucky enough to go send Barnaby Boo off yesterday and I feel he will be very happy in his new family home which will just be perfect for him.

Currently in rescue:

Roxy - 1 year old loveable labrador cross
Patch - 6 year old collie cross
Misha - 5 year old staffie
Doris and Dixie - Pair of 10 year old jack russels
Cinders - 10 year old poodle cross

Vikki - 1 year old jack russel x chihuahua 

Bobby - 2 year old yorkie

Baxy - 5 year old yorkshire terrier

Tolley - 16 month old border collie

Gilbert - 2 year old patterdale

Benji - 7 year old yorkshire terrier

Max - 5 year old agility jack russel 

Hugo - 2 year old jack russel

Bert - 5 year old labrador x collie

Stanley - 8 year old terrier
Marley - 4 year old patterdale x lab
Cleo - 1 year old mastiff x great dane
Eddy - 5 year old American cocker spaniel

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Oscar x

Please pester me if I don't post Mabel pictures at some point this week... will try remember either tomorrow or Wednesday! 

Donations

So this time last year you may remember me saying I had been down to a county show in Cheshire, obviously this year I couldn't go along as I was petsitting up here in Scotland however obviously Kathy went along and over £400 was raised for the rescue over the three days. Obviously we are very grateful.

Now heres a surprise donation. The other day when on the phone to my dad he told me a letter had come through the post with £10 in it, written from a kind lady who had said it is for the rescue and if she had more she would give it. Now the only person I can think this could be is a lady up my street who I may have mentioned before. One day as I was cleaning my car, Roo, Blanche and Tinks yapping from inside the house and Sally stood outside with me a couple walked past with there collie (I think). They stopped to talk and ask about what I did so obviously I told them. A few weeks ago while walking the dogs I saw the lady from her house, and she shouted down asking how I was and how the dogs were and asked what rescue do I foster for. Just these 2 occasions and I believe this lady has posted this very kind donation through my post. I can't explain how happy it made me, yes its not the hugest amount of money but if everyone did that random act of kindness it would be brilliant and would go straight into paying the vet bills for these dogs. Now if anyone wants to make a one off donation you can on here http://www.westyorkshiredogrescue.co.uk/donate.htm. If the lady whos donated me that money sees this please donate via that next time as thats just the way I'll put your money through :) 

Now out of the asking for donations stage, the other day I remet Mabel. http://lucythedogfosterer.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/sweet-old-mabel.html as Mabel was with us only a couple of days I didn't post much about her but that was my first post. Mabel weighed in at just 11.7kg and was so skinny and fragile it made me cringe looking at her without her coats on. We all thought Mabel would be in rescue until her days ended and by the looks of it, I didn't feel like she had long but a lovely couple in Scotland, with alot of experience with lurchers and greyhounds, who run a boarding came forward. Within a couple of days her new owner was down and picking her up. The other day I went to see her, and what a chunky girl she is now! Shes gained around 3kg, and although it doesn't seem much, trust me it is! She even has little rolls of fat as she lays down, as opposed to being able to see all of her ribs and spine. It was so lovely seeing her and she greeted me with a smile and plenty of cuddles. The best thing was I got to see her in her new home, living the life of luxury, spoilt to her own living chair and her own space on the sofa next to her new owner. Living in the countryside, with an enclosed run where she can play chase. It really did make me smile and her new owner was so happy to have taken her in and I think we all must say it was fate they all found each other. From huge lurchers to a medium staffie x whippet is a bit of a change but she seems very happy in her new home and so do her owners. I've forgot to fetch my camera wire with me but as soon as I get home I will post on here the pictures of her and me :) 

Currently in rescue:

Roxy - 1 year old loveable labrador cross
Patch - 6 year old collie cross
Barnaby - 2 year old collie x jack russel
Misha - 5 year old staffie
Doris and Dixie - Pair of 10 year old jack russels
Cinders - 10 year old poodle cross

Vikki - 1 year old jack russel x chihuahua 

Bobby - 2 year old yorkie

Biscuit - 9 month old mastiff x

Baxy - 5 year old yorkshire terrier

Tolley - 16 month old border collie

Boo - 2 year old collie

Gilbert - 2 year old patterdale

Benji - 7 year old yorkshire terrier

Max - 5 year old agility jack russel 

Hugo - 2 year old jack russel

Bert - 5 year old labrador x collie