progress update: Mar 09

Hello Helen

Hope things are going well for you. I often have a look at the website
to keep in touch with your good work. Aren’t those puppies gorgeous!

I feel guilty not getting in touch with you to tell you how beautiful
and how brilliant Rosa is.

She is a great family favourite. She is a real character and loves her
walks in the New Forest. She particularly enjoys water and mud! Her
cut legs (now just nasty scars) do not handicap her at all. In a funny
way, they add to her appeal and are noticed by others who meet us or
visit us. Her story is quite amazing. She is very gentle and is good
with new people. She likes children and will let them play with her.
Even a nervous child who visited us was soon playing with her and
learning about nice a dog is.

She gets on well with Henry, our old corgi and has been joined by
Chloe, my parents’ corgi as they have had to go into a home and were
not able to look after her. The three certainly keep us busy but are
great companions.

Rosa has been excellent in the car from our first trip with her from
you. She sits quietly and is no trouble at all. She does not even mind
the long journey to my parents in North Shropshire.

The snow was an interesting time for Rosa. She still loves running
around the garden and to start with found the snow interesting. When
she realised she could scrape it and use her nose to make patterns,
she had a great time. She also liked to chase snowballs and showed off
her jumping skills when trying to retrieve snowballs thrown up into
the air. She couldn’t quite understand where the ball went.

So, thank you Helen and your team for rescuing Rosa from Ireland and
bringing her over here. She is a real joy and has given us many happy
memories already.

I have attached 2 photos of Rosa for you to see how well she looks and
to show you, she is still as beautiful as ever.

Cat Stone and family

Fizzy, Chloe, Murphy and Tilly have now all been rehomed !!

progress update on Chloe: 2nd Sep 09

Hi Helen .
Chloe is the sweetest pup going she is EVERYTHING you
would want in a pup .
She is crate trained at night and if I go out in the day
she will complain for about 5mins then just settle down and go for her
sleep ,Chloe will cry to get let out in the night if she needs the
toilet.
She is 75/80 percent clean in the day , she will sit
when asked before she has her food, she couldn’t care less if any of
my other dogs eat from her bowl with her and
she takes her treats so gently from you.

Chloe LOVES her cuddles whether it be with one of our
other dogs or one of us humans. Chloe plays plays plays then goes for
her sleep she is the easiest pup I’ve ever had in all the years I’ve
been fostering .

Chloe is now 11 weeks old and her forever home is
missing out on so much of this fun time when pups are finding out who
they are and all the mischief they get up to until they know what is
right and wrong.

AND believe me she makes us laugh every day with her antics!

Colin & Angela Mannings

progress update on Buster ( now known as Murphy ) 22nd Mar 09

Hi Helen

Just thought I would drop a quick note to let you know that we have
named our puppy Murphy after the Irish in him not the drink !!

He seems to have settled in just fine, his real character is starting
to shine through and he now knows his name probably cause we are
always calling him away from the plants / blinds / shoes etc sometimes
he listens sometimes he doesnt, we have managed to train him to sit
for toys/ treats/ meals which he is really good at 95% of the time, it
is only two weeks today so we are most impressed.

We cant wait to be able to take him out 2nd injection booked for
tomorrow and allowed out Thursday 26th March, he has been very spoilt
with gifts from family & friends and very much looking forward to long
walks with them and their dogs.

Not having too much success with toilet training but crate training go
well he seems fine to be left for short periods and feel so much more
relaxed that we wont come home to find he has hurt himself whilst
getting into mischief.

Heres a couple of pictures from last weekend whilst in the garden
enjoying the sunshine and getting into mischief which seems to be his
passion.

Thanks so much

Jamie, Sue & Murphy Chevers

progress update: 19th Mar 09

All the pups have now been rehomed !!

progress update:  1st Mar 09

The pups are now here !

FIZZY

CHLOE

BUSTER

TILLY

–

There are four pups arriving which have just been rescued from Ireland, where they were living on a farm and getting run over on the road

( Two more were killed today which is why these four have now been rescued)

More details and photos of them all soon !

progress update: 16th Mar 09

MY NEW HOME by Jack

Continuation :

I have spent lots more time chasing the squirrels and pigeons, but they all get away.

Daddy took me to a big field today. It was muddy grass, cold and wet but it didn’t worry me. When we got home, Daddy rubbed me down as I was a bit grubby. Wasn’t too pleased with that but it was for my good, so I let him do it. My usual routine now is to play with my rope until I get tired and then a rest on Mum’s lap. Here I get a better view of the garden and the squirrels.

Today was something special. Daddy took me to someone called the “Vet”. She was very kind and gave me some treats. I snapped a bit when she was examining me so I had to have a muzzle put on. Not for long though and she said I was fine. I have to take a tablet when I get home. It’s a worming tablet. Huh ! What are they thinking. I don’t have things like that, but I suppose they have to be sure. It was nice. I didn’t let on that I knew the tablet was inside the piece of cheese.

The next thing I had to experience was being left alone in the house. I stayed in my basket by the front door. The postman came but I left the papers alone, which he put through the door. Daddy was very pleased about that and praised me and gave me a treat.

These pigeons I see off, I wonder how they get up in the air. I always fall back down again when I jump up. Maybe it’s some things they flap up and down. I think they call them wings.

Life is tiring. Must have a snooze

Mum’s Son and his lady friend Clare came today. I barked a bit. Funny, they just ignored me. And then Laurence produced a “little liver treat” so that told me he was OK. Clare just sat so I cautiously went to her. She had some treats too. Wow! What nice people so I know they are alright next time.

Daddy took me to the big field today and when we got near the centre he let me off the lead for the first time since I have been with him. I had a great run around and when Daddy called or whistled , I came back to him. He was very pleased and I knew that the treats were in his pocket. It was cold today and there was this white stuff everywhere on the ground which they call frost. When we got home I was so tired after all my running about that I just lay down for a rest and snooze.

And so time went by. Then I had to see a Vet again to have a rabies vaccination. Dad

and Mum want to take me on holiday to another country. And then came the day to have this vaccination tested. I didn’t quite know what the Vet did. It didn’t hurt. Dad said she needed some blood so I was very good and Dad praised me and gave me a treat.

Sometimes now we go to the woods nearby. We have to get thereby car and I like that. The woods are full of different scents, some of which are strange to me. It’s lovely to rummage in the bushes but I don’t let Dad out of my sight and race after him. I also meet lots of new dog friends.

Now I feel much better and know that this is my home for good. I still bark at people but I’m still just a bit nervous of these strange people. Dad tells me they are good people and he always greets them. When he does this I feel better.

My rabies test is OK and soon I will have my Passport. Wow wow ! I feel quite important.

More in the future.

progress update: 13th Dec

progress update: 29th Nov

MY NEW HOME by Jack

My name is Jack.

I’ve been with several humans since I was born but each time something wasn’t quite right. The Animal Rescue took care of me and my last home was with Debbie. Bob lived there and we played every day. He was bigger than me but we romped together and had fun.

Then after only a week, David and Cathy came to see me. I wagged my tail to show I was pleased to see them and as well I could smell some treats in David’s pocket. He said “sit” so I did, knowing a reward was on the way. They really liked me and I liked them, but then they got up and left and I thought, oh dear, left again.

However, not many days later, they appeared again and David brought me a new harness. I’m sorry that I snapped at David’s hand, but I was a bit nervous and worked up. But David forgave me.

They took me to their car and I jumped in straight away. We had a nice drive to the place where I was officially adopted.

Then we went home and I was allowed to look around the room, and then the garden. I then played with some toys which were generously left to me by the previous doggie who, sadly died after being here for fifteen years.

Then I went for my first walk with David and I tried my best not to pull on the lead and always came back when David stopped and called me. I new there was a treat anyway if I obeyed and I showed him that I knew “sit” and “wait” before crossing a road.

In the evening I played ball and let David or Cathy, who are now called “Daddy and Mum” throw it time and time again. When Daddy said “leave” I let him take it.

I had my food and drink and some biscuits were also put there for me. My new Mum had placed a lovely soft cushion with paws on it, so I curled up for a rest.

I forgot to say, they have a flap in the door to the garden. I haven’t quite got the idea of opening it yet. My Daddy, helps me and I am sure when daylight comes, I will get the hang of it.

When I am good, I get praised and get a treat so I try to be very obedient. And now it was time for my first night here. Mum had made another soft bed for me in the bedroom at the foot of their bed. It was so comfortable so I snuggled down and went to sleep soundly as the light went out.

Tomorrow??? I’ll relate when it comes.

progress update: 7th July

Jack has found a new home, he will be moving in at the weekend!

progress update: 6th July

Jack is staying with Claire this weekend who kindly sent in this update:

Takoda thinks he wore Jack out on friday?
I think Helen must have put new batteries in before I came to pick him up then!
He amused himself for two hours solid with a collection of tennis and squeaky balls.
Thankfully one lost it’s squeak before we lost our minds!

This boy loves toys! As I type he is trying to put a ball on the keyboard.
He doesn’t keep a diary like Dooley, he’s more sporty than academic and is more focused on his ball collection than pondering life.

We walked to Hengistbury Head this morning and took the Wick Ferry across the river and back.
He’s had a little adventure on a boat that he can tell Dooley about when he sees him.

He likes to be in front and pulls a bit if Mark gets ahead of us.
He’s been in a smart new harness to keep him in check!

Here is Jack playing with Takoda,

as you can see he gets on well with other dogs!

progress update : 12th Mar 09

Hi Helen,

Just thought I would let you know as to Blaze’s progress.
He has been absolutely wonderful! He never leaves my side.
On bringing him home he was sick in the car but quickly recovered once home and indoors.
I gave him a good brush and his coat is now lovely and soft.
He has been off the lead with no problems at all.
His recall is excellent.
A very obedient, loyal and excellent dog.

He gets on well with the whole family.
But I am lucky enough to get ‘special’ treatment from him!.
An absolute joy to be around and the
look of trust in his eyes is most rewarding.

I have attached a photo of him and will email some more on Saturday.

Many thanks to Yourself and Ann.

Best wishes David.

progress update : 10th Mar 09

Blaze has now been rehomed !!

progress update: 3rd Dec

Unfortunately Blaze’s potential home has fallen through and so he is still looking for a home

progress update: 1st Dec

Blaze may have found a new home !!

Blaze is a great dog with a very affectionate nature.

An ideal situation for Blaze would be with a person with another dog and
lots of time for him!

He is very well behaved when he has to be left alone and is friendly towards people and other dogs.

progress update: 9th May 09
Today Flossie has gone to live in her new home in the New Forest !!

Flossie was living rough in the hills in Ireland.

She is only 7 months old but had already given birth to a litter of pups,

on being caught it was found that all of the pups were dead apart from one.

She is a really nice dog, a bit nervous but will soon get over this.

She is fostering with Jane and family who adopted Ozzie from us a year ago and  kindly offered to help.

progress update: 9th May 09

Max will be going to his new home on Thursday !!

Max is a two year old Collie who lived on a farm.

The farmer was going to throw him over the cliff as he had no use for him.

He was asked to wait as a home could be found for Max and agreed to wait a couple of days.

Eileen in Ireland collected him and fostered him until he could come to England.

He is skin and bone and his coat is in a poor condition but this will improve with a good diet.

We think he has been hit as he ducks his head when about to be stroked.

He is fostering with Della, Tony and their dogs.

progress update : 8th Mar 09

Hello Helen,

Thought I would drop you an email to let you know how Ella is getting on.
Her passport is now underway and we have had her checked by the vets and she has a clean bill of health.
She still has her nervous moments, but we are hoping with time she will grow out of this with lots of reassurance.
She loves the new forest, we went up there last weekend for the day and spent five hours walking around and playing with her.
I have attached some photos of her antics maybe for your website so other fosterers can see.
Somebody enjoys puddles very much, she likes to pounce on them and scoop them in her mouth and then proceed to make us all wet.
We have grown very attached to Ella and can’t see life without her now.
She is such a fantastic dog and if it had not been for you and others like you, we may never have found this out.

Keep up the good work.

Tina Lacey

progress update: 5th Feb 09

Ella has now found a home !!

progress update: 27th Jan 09

I stayed at Claire’s this weekend.
She came to collect me. She has a crate in the back of the car. I knew what to do, I’ve seen these before. I jumped in and settled down for the ride.
Claire said I was well behaved in the car.
It took me a little while to settle in when we got to the house. Claire took me into the garden on the lead and let me have a look around the house until I decided I would sit in the kitchen and watch her every move from the comfort of the door mat.

I was allowed in the lounge after dinner. A fleecy blanket had been put out for me to lie on so I lay on it. I think I’m too big for the settee. Shame!
Claire said I was good. (See there is a theme starting here?)
I like lots of affection, so every now and again I got up to ask Claire or Mark if they would mind giving my ears a tickle or give my back a scratch. They happily obliged. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.
We went for a walk. I like to be in front. I think I lost points here, even though I did sit patiently when they stopped for a coffee.

I noticed later that Claire likes to stay up late watching movies. I thought I should set an example. When she went to make a drink I took myself off to bed without being told. The crate was open and the blankets looked cosy so I was pretty sure that was my bed.
Claire was surprised. I am the first dog she hasn’t had to encourage or bribe into the crate. She didn’t even have to say ‘bedtime’.
I didn’t squeak or cry during the night. I heard Helen tell Claire she thought I might but I didn’t.
Claire said I was as good as gold!

We got on very well for the rest of the weekend. I had to wear a gentle leader on walks which I wasn’t very keen on but I didn’t make a fuss. I got extra treats and praise for wearing it.
I liked it when we went to play in the garden with the ball. Sometimes I brought it back, sometimes I didn’t. I had fun just bouncing around.

I was given some toys to play with indoors. I know not to bounce around the house so I played a bit just to humour Claire. Indoors is for tummy tickles and cuddles and snoozing on the blanket.
Apparently I have very good dog manners (apart from pulling on the lead), I am clean in the house and I am a welcome guest anytime!

Ella is a year old german shepherd cross.

She is very gentle and gets on well with other dogs.

progress update: 7th Mar 09

Paddy has gone to his new home today, he bounced around with glee as his family came to pick him up !!

Paddy is a year old, very sociable and playful.

He is good with dogs and children.

He was a stray and is very thin and is now being fattened up whilst staying with Tony and Jenny.