progress update: 12/8/25

“I’ve been walking Sam usually once a week for about the last 5 months. When you first meet Sam, he can be quite a barky boy but getting to know him and having him start to trust you is such a rewarding process and he is such a gentle, loyal soul.

A couple of weeks into walking Sam, he started to recognise me and stopped barking when I arrived at the door, instead greeting me by quietly wagging his tail (or now sometimes enthusiastically trying to give me and my partner face kisses!)
He’s always excited to go on walks, and one of his favourite things is splashing around in water. We used to think he had boundless energy but he’s started to slow down and mellow out the more we’ve got to know him. When he gets tired, he’ll start trying to stop at every bench on the way to ask me to pick him up so he can sit with me to have a cuddle. The transformation from when I first met him is so vast, I never imagined that he would be a cuddly dog but he just needs the time and space to get to know someone who will be patient with him and understand that his behaviours come from a place of fear and uncertainty rather than aggression.

He’s a really communicative fellow who I hope will find someone who listens to him and values his personality – he’s a quirky, funny little guy with so many little preferences and expressions to learn about. It’s so clear when he’s wanting to cuddle with us (even outside, where he’s always on edge about strangers) that he would be a really loyal, affectionate companion to someone if he had the chance to be in a loving home environment where he felt safe. If I was in a position to be able to bring Sam into my own family, I absolutely would, but even though that unfortunately isn’t a possibility I’m glad that I get to be a friend to him in this chapter of his life and see him become more happy, relaxed and confident, and I hope others will take the time to get to know him because he’s very special.”

progress update: 25/6/25

Ash or Sam as we call him has been with us for a while now.
He is a great character who gets on with all dogs.
He has a lot to say for himself at times but is learning that barking doesn’t get the attention he wants.
I think in his previous life he was hit with a stick or somethimg similiar. The first time I moved the mop he backed off and was clearly frightened of it. Now he isn’t bothered in the least by the mop.
He gets overexcited when on the lead and will bark .
Sam is about a year old and intelligent.
Learns very quickly.

The first time I let Sam off the lead my heart was in my mouth somewhat not being a 100% sure of whether he would come back. I had a strong feeling he would as he always did in enclosed areas but you can never be sure. He was brilliant off the lead. I never immediately start calling a dog but give them time to sniff and explore then call them .
Here is a video of the first off lead walk:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064402165059

Sam arrived from the pound today.
He immediately settled in with the others here.
He is young, – a year old at most and an absolutely lovely boy.
More to follow as we get to know him more

If you may be able to offer a home please call Helen on 01202 380467

Phone calls & messages are usually only taken during office hours Mon – Sat. Emails and Facebook messages can usually only be responded to within 3 days, so please be patient if you don’t get an answer straight away:  Helen is often too busy to explain how busy she is!

We usually only rehome within approx. 50 miles of the Bournemouth / Poole area so that we can ensure the continued well-being of the dogs in our care.
We will only rehome further afield if the homes are exceptional.
We are NOT looking for just ANY home that is offered.
All potential homes will be assessed to try and ensure the best possible home to cater for the differing needs of each individual dog that we rescue