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
No comments:
Post a Comment