Forget About Bunny just a minute...

I know Bunny is my foster dog but I would like to make an appeal for 2 of our long term residents, Doris and Dixie. I remember these 2 coming in nearly a year ago now, such a state and they went straight to the groomers. They really do need a loving home now. Oldies Club have even done a lovely appeal for them for us in hope they will soon found their forever home. 

Please view here to see it: http://www.oldies.org.uk/?p=84262

This is their profile on the rescues website:

 Doris and Dixie

This gorgeous pair must be rehomed together.  To research why having two oldies together is a good idea click HERE

Most people want a perfect dog.  If you are one of those people read no further.  If you are special enough to be kind to an old pair who have had it tough then please open your heart with love and read the sad story of this pair. 

The history and background of Doris and Dixie affects their behaviour so it is worth explaining so you get a better understanding of how they view the world and how they conduct themselves.  You just have to have a lot of  sympathy for them, it is not their fault how they behave it is the way they have been treated. 

Doris and Dixie have always lived together and have lead an extremely sheltered life, having never been taken for walks, only let out in the garden.  This puts them at an appalling disadvantage.  Everything in the world is new and frightening, although their confidence is growing daily.  Their seclusion and lack of socialisation as youngsters explains why they bark and things they meet on a walk like people, dogs, traffic, bicycles etc.  It also highlights the need to for a home where they will be given patience and love and gradual exposure to things over time. 

Both are ten years old and have been together all their lives and are so closely bonded.  They have little tiffs but nothing serious and they absolutely love one another so we cannot possibly split them.

They are being fostered on a small holding and when they arrived they were very nervous but every day they settle better and now confidently explore the fields off lead.  They are very loving and affectionate dogs who need a quiet, calm home with gentle kind people who have loads of patience.

They love going for walks on the moors they can be let off lead, they love running around and have good recall.and they come back home so happy after a walk no matter what the weather. 

If walked in the town with people about they just get so stressed so will bark at people, bicycles and dogs and walking them is just not enjoyable.  For relaxed, happy dogs they need to walk in quiet countryside with no-one about which they really enjoy.

They wear little coats to keep them warm in the rain.

These dogs are would be too nervous to live with the noise and chaos of children they need a quiet household. 

Both dogs are very loving and affectionate and love to be cuddled but as their behaviour outside is fearful they need experienced, calm, patient dog owners. 

We are looking for a loving forever home with a large secure garden and quiet country walks, no children, and people who really know what they are doing with dogs.  They need to be walked where there is no traffic, not many people or dogs, just calm gentle walks three times a day and a nice garden to play in. 

They DON'T demand a lot of attention and don't ask for a lot out of life and they still have many years left in them and they so deserve a second chance of a forever home.

NO CHILDREN

It will help if you have a sense of humour as they are funny little dogs that make you laugh and you have to see the funny side of their quirky nature.  We need real dog lovers, people who truly understand and have sympathy for dogs.

We have spent a lot of money on vet and groomer to get them into the best condition for rehoming.

Neutered, vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms, microchipped, they have been to the vets for a full dental clean and polish with removal of any rotten teeth, and at the same time they were clipped to tidy them up by a professional dog groomer who also trimmed their nails.  They had a bath so are nice and clean.

I know Bunny is gorgeus... I know she is the typical rescue dog everyone is looking for and with a lot of interest shown already, not everyone will be able to have her. We haven't even added a profile for Bunny yet, people are basing her on the little bit on facebook but it does not describe who she is. Bunny will need a very special home, with quiet owners who will give her time to gain her trust in them, she is just about getting used to me now. She needs someone who already has a young, active dog because Bunny needs a dog friend to play with! So even Bunny has her specific home wanted, just like Doris and Dixie but the poor couple keep getting pushed aside, as the adorable, younger dogs come in but whats wrong with an older couple of dogs? A pair that have their very own unique, funny personalities. Please think of them when the  new dogs come in and please share them all over facebook! 

Anyway heres to end on a more positive note! 

One year on...

... I forgot to mention in my last post that a year ago yesterday I rehomed my first ever foster dog. Bella the jack russel... I wander if any of you remember her? Anyway what a year it has been! And I have learned so much, not only about dogs but about rescue life and the reality of how many dogs are abandoned by their owners each year. I never realised how bad it was until I became involved in rescue and I'm so glad I became part of WYDR.... I really don't know how I would have coped without them. In a way they've saved me from insanity, and without them I wouldn't have my darling Tinks who has made my life complete! 

Now we have Bunny, our 19th foster dog. Unfortunately I didn't make 20 foster dogs in a year but I wander if I can make it to 40 next year? It makes me feel so proud knowing that without me 19 dogs would be.. well what would they be... I don't even want to think about it. I'm not selfish, I'm not all about me, me, me but every once in a while its nice to sit down and appreciate your own actions.

Just think if we got another 10 fosters.... just 10, over 200 dogs could be rehomed next year just from these fosterers, if they foster one dog at a time. Now come on, please consider fostering? Even if your a student like me... why not dedicate your Summer to fostering?? There are no real excuses so get hands on with dogs and learn alot along the way :)

Lucy xx

Bobby Rehomed!

Well the viewing yesterday went great! Really, really great. The lady loved him and his big slobbery kisses and wanted to take him straight home! But instead she came again today and took him to his forever home. I have no doubts that he will be spoilt and will definitely get all the excercise and love he needs! It's fair to say I was very happy with the lady and the type of home she will be giving to Bobby. 

So with the rehoming of Bobby, it only meant we had room in the house for another dog! So straight after Bobby went I went on my way to meet Yvonne to go on a pound trip. Now before I talk about the dog we have now got I would like to mention how awful it was. I have been to dog pounds a couple of times in my life, 10 years ago when we got Sally but at that time I didn't see what I saw now and didn't feel so heart broken. Normally when I do pound trips I pick up the dog I am meaning to be getting and leave but today Yvonne asked if we should walk around, so we did... 

The cages lined up in the outdoor cold,
Each dog we walked past was ever so bold,
Barking so loud, a sad look in their eyes, 
I can only look on and question why. 

Mainly staffies I see in these cold cells,
I can only describe it as a doggy hell, 
Howling please, please take me home,
Then one shaking in a corner, looking so alone.

Down another corridor, a row of more dogs,
A chocolate lab? A chihuahua cross?
Really how can people be so cruel,
How can they abandon their pets... the fools.

Now I must say if you get a chance,
Go to a pound and take a glance,
Open your eyes to the reality of life,
You could be the one to save that dogs life!

I think a poem was the only way to describe it... I know its no good but ah well. Now the dog shaking in the corner? That was Bunny, our current foster dog. She is so so nervous. Poor girl will not approach humans and we are still waiting for her to come near us. However, she does love dogs! She has come near me once when I was playing with Tinks and she has had a good run around outside with her! Bunny is a young possibly Bedlington terrier x Bearded collie. She is in such a state and all her fur is in lugs! She has amazing teeth though so she must be very young. I am looking forward to working with Bunny, I'm hoping Tinks will bring out some confidence in her and I'm sure in time she will make a brilliant pet. We are going to the groomers to get Bunny fully shaved tonight, it may not seem ideal in this weather but it can not be comfortable for her at the moment! Anyway I'll leave you with some photos for now and update you tomorrow.

Lucy, Bunny, Tinks and Sally

Snowy times

Wow, I genuinely don't think I've seen so much snow in my life, and watching the dogs in it is just hilarious! Tinks runs around in it like a little lamb, she is unbelievably cute! 

Now I'm really sorry for the lack of updates, I have been very busy with college work and this weather is just making me so tired, weirdly enough. So Bobby is doing really well and we do have a viewing arranged for him, which I keep meaning to update you on! Originally the viewing was arranged for yesterday, however obviously due to weather we have had to change this. Now if all goes to plan he will have a viewing tomorrow, obviously weather depending. The lady seems absolutely lovely and is a part-time nurse so will be fine with Bobbys medical side and will make sure he gets his necessary daily tablets. Hopefully if the viewing goes well, Bobby will be rehomed at some point in the near future, following a homecheck. But we don't tempt fate like that because who knows what the future will bring. 

Bobby has today been for a check up at the vets and all was well there and some blood tests, which were a mission to get since hes such a squirmy little boy. He's been vaccinated so is pretty much up to date with everything. Bobby was so well behaved other than been squirmy and trying to slobber all over me, and was even trying to make friends with the vets dog. He just loves meeting new dogs and people, he's great!... or should I say Brilliant! Now I'll leave you with some pictures and a video and will hopefully update tomorrow should I get chance. 

Crazy Bobby!

So we've had Bobby a couple of days now and wow! He's so crazy and so full of life you wouldn't believe he had epilepsy. He is constantly playing with teddies, ragging them about, going totally crazy playing! When he's not playing, he is a scavenger and will look everywhere he can for some food, including ripping open plastic bags. So he does need an owner who will keep a look out with what he's eating and who will be very responsible. He is currently on a diet as he is very chubby and large for a yorkshire terrier, he's tall anyway but he's also very round. Bobby is currently fed twice a day, at 8am and 8pm with wet and dry food, along with his 2 tablets. If Bobby misses one tablet he will have a fit, however if they are kept up with he is fine. His last episode was at the end of February, after he had been neutered due to having to be starved prior to the op, therefore missing 2 tablets.

I have learnt he is not a fragile boy who needs to be treat differently because of his illness. In fact he should be treat as a puppy would, with a lot of attention and a lot of play time and walks for this energetic boy! 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Bobby x

Brilliant Bobby

So the new foster dog will be Brilliant Bobby, the 6 year old yorkshire terrier. He's been in rescue a couple of weeks now, and is been moved to give the foster room to have a larger dog. Poor Bobby is getting overlooked due to his epilepsy. I'm absolutely shattered at the moment after lack of sleep last night and a full day at college so I will just paste his profile from the website and update you fully tomorrow. 

Brilliant Bobby is a 6 years old Yorkshire Terrier who is the sweetest, most affectionate, amusing little companion dog you could ever wish for.  Brilliant Bobby lives life to the full and loves every minute which is just as well because there is a sad side to the story of Brilliant Bobby.

Dear little man has mild epilepsy and this results in him having infrequent fits.  These are controlled under vet treatment of one tablet per day.  However over time the fits may get worse and his life may be shortened as a result.

This is a compassionate rehome, he needs a special owner who will take him on despite his medical problems and love him anyway.  He absolutely must have his daily tablet, if he misses even one tablet he will have a fit.   The monthly cost of the medication is about £20. Therefore he needs really responsible sensible owners who will never forget.  The tablets are not expensive but he will need to visit the vet every three months to check the dosage and ensure all OK.  We looking for owners that are financially secure and can afford his treatment because insurance companies won't insure existing conditions.

Brilliant Bobby lives up to his name, he is so intelligent and comical, he just makes you laugh with his fun personality and loving attitude.  You will never find a better friend than this.

Good with everyone, loves other dogs, well behaved in the house and likes his walks.

Lucy, Tinks and Sally

Pansy New Home!

Hurray! I've just realised I didn't update to say that the homecheck did get done for the family on Saturday and a viewing was arranged for yesterday morning. All went as planned, and the whole family loved her! Pansy was a little snappy towards the 2 lurchers at first, which I was surprised about but she was on her own territory. As soon as we all went for a walk all was well. After the walk it didn't take long for the family to decide they wanted to add her too it and the little girl was well and truly smitten with her new companion. 

So that is Pansy rehomed and she is very loved in her new home. In fact I've already received a message from her new owner, saying her daughter was very proud walking Pansy to school this morning. Mind you I shouldn't really say her owner, as the daughter will be the owner of Pansy and Pansy will be her responsibility, but I don't think she could be any happier with that. 

So that is Pansy. We are currently trying to work out who I will have next as a foster but we are going to leave it a week. The rescue is currently chocablok at the moment with dogs due to come in, its just figuring out where to put them, as I only have a small house, larger dogs can't really be placed with me and due to college they must be able to be left a short period of time once or twice a week. So we will see how it goes and I will keep you updated as I get updated. 

Oh as for Mabel? She's doing great in her new home! After the operation to remove her teeth she is now eating much better and just look at this video to see how happy she is! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-q3fJZkkQ0&feature=share

 

We also recieved a letter from Mabel to let us know she was good and a thank you card... it really does make fostering worth while! 

Lucy, Tinks and Sally...for now

Recovering Pansy

Poor Pansy is still feeling very sorry for herself after her operation but she is slowly getting there. She has started giving her big slobbery kisses again and the tail is in non-stop wag mode again. So she is doing better and in a few days I'm sure she'll be back to her normal self. Pansy is getting so much better with the housetraining now! We've had no accidents over night and now she'll run downstairs when she needs the toilet and to the door so that is becoming a sucess. I must admit I'm very proud of her because shes not a puppy so it has been harder for her to relearn housetraining.

Now on to the potential owners I was talking about yesterday. A family in Mansfield would love her as a companion for their 7 year old daughter, who at the moment, is feeling a little left out with the family having 2 lurchers, which are a bit strong for her to take on walks. Pansy would be perfect for her and would definitely bond straight up with the little girl. As long as she is loved, that's all that matters to not only Pansy, but me! At the moment we're trying to get a Homecheck sorted for them which seems to be taking its time but when that is done they will be coming over for a viewing and hopefully going away with Pansy with them :) 

So it's most likely a pound dog next when Pansy goes but i'll update you on that front later.

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Pansy x

Quick Post!

Right I feel like I should do a quick post since I haven't posted in a few days and a Pansy update is needed. I will try and properly post tomorrow if not tonight but I have college soon. 

Pansy had her neutering operation yesterday and also had a small mammary tumor removed. She is absolutely fine, other than feeling very sorry for herself. Pansy has still not eaten since before the op since shes just been sleepy and just wants to sleep. Poor Pansy is just so fed up and hasn't even slobbered all over me since having it. However she is still happy to cuddle up with me in bed, in fact she's still in bed now! Her tail still goes to full wag whenever you say her name! I must admit one thing I was happy for was not having to get up this morning to let her out.

As Pansy is not yet fully housetrained, she has got into the routine of getting up at around 3am to do her business on my bedroom floor. So I need to get up as soon as she does and now she is going to the door. She runs downstairs and straight to the back door! So we do seem to be getting somewhere with her. We still do have the occasional accident but I haven't had one overnight for a few days now, which seems like a success. It would just be nice if she lost the 3 o'clock habit and held it till morning, but we will get there with her! It is all about patience. 

Now we do have some interest in Pansy but like I said I don't have long to stay so I will update you on that in my next post and also how Mabel is doing in her new home! 

Lucy, Pansy, Tinks and Sally x

New Life

No Pansy has not got a home, but she is already living a new life now. Compared to living in a shed, Pansy is now living in a home, where she is loved dearly. Pansy absolultely loves people. If you leave her for 5 minutes, she'll smother you with kisses after, as if she was happy you'd returned. She's happy she hasn't been abandoned. She really is such a loving dog and has so many kisses and cuddles to give to make up for lost time. She is constantly cuddled up to me or Tinks and just loves the feel of someone next to her. It's amazing how much this little girl loves people after been constantly left in a shed by them in the past. Maybe its because now she knows she's free of that. One thing I do know is dogs are good at forgiveness, and will easily forgive the hand that has previously let them down. Really if we observed a dogs behaviour, and imitated it, we would learn alot from them but unfortunately I feel that day will never come. For now there can be the select few that treat dogs like they treat humans, with love and respect.

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Pansy x

New girl Pansy.

Meet Pansy, an 8 year old patterdale cross, who does not act her age one bit! Pansy is such a loving little girl. She constantly wants humans fussing her, so much so in fact that she loved the vets today because the vet was examining her and giving her attention! Poor Pansy has just been locked in a shed and so obviously misses human companionship. She wants to be near you all the time and will sit with you on the sofa and cuddle up with you in bed at night. She really is a sweet girl. Pansy is good with other dogs and does keep trying to play with Tinks.

As shes been kept in a shed Pansy is not fully housetrained, we have had a few accidents with her but she will go outside when the door is open and do her business out there, which we praise her greatly for. Pansy has good recall and walks nicely on her lead. She's an overall great dog who would suit any family perfectly. The only thing I must mention is she has been used as a working dogs and so will not be good with cats and other small furries.

Pansy has been vaccinated today, and will be due her second in a couple of weeks. We need to wait to neuter her as she may be due into season soon according to the vet so we need to wait to see if thats the case before we neuter her.

 I will most likely update in the next few days with how shes settling in but thats all for now. 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Pansy x

Crazy Crazy Times!

Right major update... because who want's just a little one. Haha. Just to warn you I am absolutely shattered after staying up till 3 doing college work so my typing may gradually get worse. 

Thanks to facebook Mabel has received loads of interest, and lots of people genuinely interested in adopting her. However one couple have stuck out to us that will provide Mabel with all her needs and much more. They live in Scotland, and although its quite a way as long as Mabel is in her forever home at the end of it thats all that matters. They have an acre of enclosed garden for Mabel to trot about in and 4 other older friends (lurchers/greyhounds) to keep her company. It really looks like a stunning place for her to spend her retirement years. Now normally we would wait until Mabel is all sorted before going to her new home, however as her new owners are so experienced, she will be going tomorrow! Yes tomorrow. They are coming down at the crack of dawn to collect Mabel and to start her forever life. At the vets today it was confirmed that Mabels teeth are rotting and she will need dental treatment however her new family are happy to go about this. Mabel weighed in at only 11.4kg. so obviously needs to be kept up with on the weight gain to get her to a healthy weight. Currently shes on 3 meals a day of NatureDiet but won't eat biscuits because her teeth are so rotten and must be causing her pain. 

In the short time Mabel has been here I have definitely learnt she is one loving dog who deserves a perfect, quiet home. Last night when I went upstairs to bed I presumed my dad had shut her in his room with him and Sally but going into my room she was quite happily snuggled up on my bed, making it her own. She is so cheeky and gave me the cute eyes that said 'Why did you wake me up?'. She is not afraid to jump on the sofa or the bed. She just wants the comfiest spot in the house as her own. As I watch her fast asleep on the sofa now, my heart is warmed knowing because of the rescue and myself Mabel is safe and will soon be in her forever home. 

So Mabel going can only mean one thing, NEXT! Yes we do have another dog lined up, who needs to come in ASAP as is currently living in a shed. So thats another reason we are trying to rehome Mabel quickly. The new dog is a small female terrier crossbreed who is about 10 year old. As I said she is currently living in a shed and is very nervous and scared where she is. Apparently shes a very sweet dog with a very waggy tail. Who seems to get along with dogs and gets along with children. So I will obviously update tomorrow as per usual, thats all for now.

Lucy,Tinks, Sally and Mabel x

Sweet Old Mabel

So Peggy went to her new home yesterday!! The lady came and loved her and Peggy was fine with her new doggy friend, Iska, a large greyhound x. She jumped straight onto the ladies knee and then we all went on a nice walk together in the sunshine. In fact she wanted to go so much, she jumped straight into the back of the van with her new friend and settled straight down. So I think that was definitely meant to be. She'll be given many walks a day and will make many new friends in her new home :) 

Now on to our new foster. The very heartbreaking Mabel...
Now imagine your 80 years old and living with your family. They decide your too old and too hard to look after and don't want to have to deal with an older person in their house, so they throw you out on the streets. No money, no voice, no clothes... nothing. Just you, alone, to fend for yourself. No food, only scraps found on the street. Eventually the police find you, they take you away in a van and won't tell you why your been taken or where you are going. At this point you are all skin and bones, having not eaten for a while and your legs are trembling with weakness. The police take you to a prison cell. You are locked up, surrounded by bars. But at least theres a small bed here, some food to eat, even if it isn't much. You only leave for the occasional walk but gosh does it feel good to have people again. Your 7 days runs out and your  family haven't come to get you,  your told another family may come but if the cells get full now, your the first one they'll pick to end your life. Your alone again, crying at the back of your cell, waiting for someone to come. Someone does come though, takes you in, removes all pain. Keeps you in a nursing home where you are treated like a person again. Where you have a nice bed, warm food...

You wouldn't do that to your grandparents... to any old person. So why does a dog deserve such treatment just because she is old. Mabel has clearly lived in a home before and must have been loved. She loves dogs, she loves people, she is just a loving dog. She will jump up and lick you when you leave her for a while or first thing in the morning. And shes not afraid to jump up on the sofa, or your bed, with you for a snuggle. Poor Mabel is very thin at the moment and needs to wear 2 jumpers just to keep her body heat in to stop her losing any more weight. She is now going to be fed 3 times a day, just to get her weight up and back to a normal weight. Mabel is housetrained and will jump up at the door when she wants to go out. She loves being outside and just toddles along in the garden with Tinks and Sally. Mabel is not a hard dog to live with, she just wants a couple of small walks a day and a fire to lay by while shes in the house. After a facebook plea and some heartbreaking messages about Mabel she does seem to be getting a lot of interest, so lets hope she won't be with us long so she can go live in her forever home and be happy there. Mabel is going to the vets at some point this week for a check up and vaccinations. She does have muscle tremors at the moment, which is most likely because she is old but also because she is very underweight and weak. So we will get all that checked up and her weight will be taken so we can keep track of it as time goes on.

Thats all for now... I have too much work to do,
Lucy, Mabel, Tinks and Sally 

 

Quick Update

Right I have loads of work to do... literally loads but I need to give you all a quick update.

The shih tzus owner is now keeping them so I am no longer getting them, instead we are getting a pound dog. Poor Mabel is a 10 year old whippet x staffie, who just wants somebody to love. She has such a sad face and it really does break my heart seeing her. I can't wait just to have her in the care of the rescue and a proper home for her to stay in until shes in her forever home. I just want to hold her close and give her all the love she needs. So to view this poor girl here she is. Gosh doesn't she just break your heart? 
http://www.ineedahome.co.uk/index.php/adopt-a-dog/2215-mable-gorgeous-golden-oldie-needs-a-home#.UTCMK_xRKTg.facebook

Anyway this is all hoping Peggy gets a home, I'm pretty sure she will as the lady is really looking forward to viewing her and who wouldn't want Peggy. She's so crazy. Recently she has warmed to me more and refuses to go to sleep in my dads room now and barks to come sleep with me. This morning I woke up to cuddle up to Tinks only to find she was cuddled up to Peggy. Peggy loves the company of another dog and just loves plonking herself next to them for a cuddle, whether they like it or not. Haha. So thats all for now, enjoy a video of Peggy enjoying herself with her new toy! 

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Peggy x