HAPPY ENDINGS
This section features stories about animals that have been successfully rehomed.
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Tia
(Oct 2011)
"We adopted Tia 3 years ago. We had decided we were ready for another
dog and so began looking on the Internet. We came across the picture of
Tia; she looked very happy and cute. My dad fell for her instantly as she
reminded him of his dog when he was growing up.
We arranged to meet Tia to see how we got on, with my dad saying let's just see how it goes. As soon as we got out the car, Tia saw us and was so excited - before we had even stroked her my dad had gone back on what he said, instantly saying ' ah yes I don't see a problem we'll take her!!'. We walked her round; she was very excited and strong but totally adorable!
It was an agonising wait to get her as she had to be neutered then stay with the RSPCA for her check up but 2 weeks later we picked her up and she literally jumped into my dad's arms when she saw him. I was so pleased she remembered us! We haven't looked back since.
We've had our problems, as she was clearly mistreated so is extremely nervous. She isn't one for going for walks but will chase a ball for hours. She loves a cuddle and has learnt some tricks; giving us her paw and showing us her belly!
I won't lie, we weren't sure what to expect with Tia as she is a staffie cross and we all know the terrible public opinion of this breed but I will say it is a huge misconception. These dogs are so loyal, so soft they just want cuddles and food and with the correct training they don't have to take you for a walk; they are strong but eager to learn. They are not aggressive - they are more likely to lick you to death then nip you. They are such people dogs, I strongly urge anyone looking for a dog not to overlook this breed. Many times I have had Tia off her lead on a field with other staffies and never had a problem; they either play or ignore each other! Don't miss out on a fabulous family pet because someone else has not looked after or correctly trained their dog and ended up in the papers!"
Basil
(Sept 2011)
"Just had to let you know that Basil has settled in really well.
Meowed most of the first night, now just meows when we first leave him for
the night. Using litter tray and eating well!
First meal he kept looking round and pinching a bit a running off with it, I think he was expecting his brothers or mum to chase him off.
Likes his comfort all ready, as you can see.. He is already jumping onto the sofa to get by Mike and me to cuddle up for a cat nap.
He is really great! Thank you so much! Karen".
Codey (was Oz)
(Sept 2011)
In his previous life, Oz was kept in a kennel as his owners didn't have
time for him once their busy lives changed due to work commitments. They
knew this wasn't ideal and asked for our help and eventually Oz was brought
into our care.
He was a little over enthusiastic with everything when we first met him but eventually got into the rhythm of kennel life and looked forward to his daily outings in our play pen.
A young family had been looking for a Vizsla for some time so came from the South of England to meet our lovely boy.
To say 'the rest is history' sounds trite but it is so true in this case. Speaking to Oz's - now Codey - new family they can't imagine life without him. He is just the perfect dog for them and everything they have been looking for. Well done, Codey for bringing such happiness to your new family and thank you to his new family for giving Codey the life he deserves.
Bailey
(August 2011)
Bailey came into our care in November 2010. He was in a very sorry state,
hugely underweight, badly infected ears, mange, several bald patches, callouses
and a tumour the size of a golf ball - you name it, Bailey had it. But he
also had spirit and the most amazing personality.
We kept him warm with the constant wearing of coats and masses of bedding (see picture on the right).
One day a gentleman rang and all he wanted was a dog to love. He didn't care what type, so long as it needed love because he had masses to give. We took Bailey to meet his new prospective owner but he was very unwell and we went back and forth for days with chicken to tempt Bailey to eat.
Eventually he turned the corner and he has never looked back. His weight is perfect; we had his tumour removed, which thankfully was benign and his fur is growing back and whilst he will always have bald patches where his callouses were they are soft where he has a comfy bed to sleep in very night.
I went to see him today and the picture on the left shows how well he is today - Bailey finally has the owner he deserves and who loves him for the big hairy creature that he is - a very happy ending.
Trevor
(August 2011)
Trevor's young owner was no longer able to look after him so he came into
our care.
Charlotte and her family, with the lovely Bobby, had been looking for a second dog for a long while but Trevor wasn't quite ready to be part of a young family as he had learned to play rough with his young master.
But, after two weeks living in with our wonderful dog trainer, Gemma of Animalgems, he was a perfect match with Bobby. Charlotte fell in love, as did the five young children, and Trevor is in his element.
It just goes to show that, no matter how bad the behaviour, an old dog can learn new tricks and go on to have a fantastic home.
Barkley
(August 2011)
"Just thought we would send you some up to date photos of our lovely boy.
These were taken recently, whilst out on one of our daily walks - Barkley and Graeme are playing hide and seek!! There is a lovely fenced copse that we can let him off in, he enjoys it so much. As he is still not brilliant with other dogs, very, very boisterous and very, very loud we have invested in an 8m lead, which means he can have some freedom, but we are also in control, which is great.
He is just so wonderful, we love him to bits. He now has a number of people who make a fuss of him, which is great.
He is still not good at travelling, very happy to get into the car, but just barks continuously, so although we are sad that we cannot take him any great distance, he is such a joy in many other respects.
Love and best wishes, Graeme, Jayne, Laura and Barkley xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
Bobby and Scout
(August 2011)
Bobby & Scout came into our care together but had a tiff and had to be parted,
so we took the decision to rehome them separately.
However, we hadn't reckoned on Lorna who took Scout into her life as a pal for Tag in February. She always kept in touch and asked about Bobby until, one day, she convinced me to take Bobby to her house where he met Scout again, with Tag, and just fitted in as he had lived there all his life.
Bobby is at the back of the picture, and the lazybones in the front is Scout. They have been renamed: Scout is now Bob and Bobby is Skipper.
I think its safe to say they are very lucky lads and are now enjoying retirement.
Bruce
(August 2011)
Bruce was a stray; a full tom cat looking for love, unfortunately he found us and his first trip was to the vet! But we found him love in the guise of his new owner who thinks he is quite wonderful. This is what he has to say about him:
"Hi Rita, Here is the picture as promised. He is rubbing frantically around my legs as I type (probably celebrating his big mouse kill overnight that I have just had to clear up). His name is still Bruce as it suits him (although it could easily be Bruiser as he has seen off four dogs from the property). Cheers Steve"
Sadie
(March 2011)
"I have been meaning to write since Christmas to let you know how Sadie is... She is just brilliant! I can't believe we have had her nearly a year! The boys love her and she is really good. All her skin problems are completely resolved and you would never have known that she once had no fur on the rear end!
Her
favourite occupation is sleeping and she has her own chair in every room!
However, she still likes to sleep on the boys beds if given the chance!
Even though she's getting on, she remains playful and likes chasing her
rags toys, but still does not like bringing them back. She is very vocal
and has a reputation at our vets for setting all the other dogs off! She
has never quite enjoyed a car ride (I think she'd actually prefer to drive!)
and did eat our seatbelts last summer! So for hols she went to a smashing
kennels who love staffys... she was absolutely great!
She is such a loveable lady, follows me everywhere, and will even sit on the bath mat while I'm in the shower! She is very popular locally and everyone stops to say hello and say how beautiful she is! In fact one day I was asked if she was having pups and could they have one!... Since then we've been watching our weight a little! I have attached a photo of her... it was taken a little while ago, as she doesn't like having her picture taken and most I have are of her rear end!
Love to all of you there and thanks for keeping up your great work, and mostly thank you for introducing us to our gorgeous Sadie!
Helen Howard and boys xxx"
Blade
(February 2011)
"As we have had "Blade" a few months now, We thought it only right and fitting that we let you know how things are going with the big brown thing.
The first few weeks were a little bit a battle of wills, mostly we feel because Blade wasn't sure what was going on, and who to trust etc. Over time however he has become extremely loving, playful and loyal, and wait for it... obedient, Yes obedient. He knows that both myself and Alison are the boss and almost always does as he is told.
He has learned to accept new people coming into the home and is protective of his environment without being aggressive, so is alert to noises outside the house etc, but will not be aggressive to people entering the house if we are there.
He loves to play, but will happily lie at our feet and just chill until we say its ok. Once playtime begins it can go on for hours, 2 mile walks with 30-40 mins of play fetch etc. are a breeze to him, but he is equally happy just having 5 minutes tug of war.
Interaction with other dogs is a strange one; when he is on the lead, he is a little aggressive towards other dogs and does need reprimanding and pulling up. Yet if he is off the lead and other dogs arrive, he will happily play with them without issue. Still need to figure that one out.
He has very much made himself at home here, and we have become totally and utterly attached to him, he gets excited when he hears either myself or Alison arrive on the driveway and will always make a fuss of us as we do to him if we have been out at work etc.
Have only had one bad experience where he stole some food from a plate when we weren't watching, which was curry and this made him violently ill, and my wallet substantially lighter following an after-hours vet visit.
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing us to adopt such a beautiful animal, (everyone comments on how stunning he is) and hope we have many happy years with him. "
Charlie
(January 2011)
Charlie, once an unwanted outdoor dog chained to a wall. He came in filthy.
And just look at him now! A handsome boy who is living in luxury, is well loved and spoilt rotten by his extended family.
Ozzie
(Sept 2010)
"Hello to you all. We wanted you to see how much Ozzie has settled in with us. From his first day with us on the 9th May 2009 to a year on, he has truly settled in. We all love each other very much and we feel privileged that he came to us. I remember being told that he was a big lad and you feared he was going to be 'sticker'. He has since become very well known in our town as 'the big Doberman'; everyone loves him.
Many thanks to you all for all that you do and thanks for Ozzie.
Sharon and Darren"
Ivan
(May 2010)
Ivan is settling into his new home after a dodgy start because he hadn't seen a cow before and thought it was a big playmate - the cow protecting her calf was not so amused. His new owners have stepped up the training and he is back in line with four adoring grown ups to love him, and he them.
He is in his element and the skinny creature that came into our care is blossoming into a handsome lad as this picture shows.
Lucy
(May 2010)
"As you can see from the photo, Lucy has settled into family life
very easily! I can't tell you how happy we both are to have found each other
and it feels as though I've known Lucy from puppyhood.
It isn't easy for a dog to get used to a new life, especially on a farm,
and I expected it to take a few months to be able to trust Lucy around all
the animals. But, in fact, it has only taken about three days. She did have
a taste for duck and chicken, but she is cured of that now. She was a little
nervous about the horses at first but now is friendly with them while maintaining
a healthy respect. She follows me EVERYWHERE and waits for me outside each
stable. She comes when I call her and walks well on the lead. She is friendly
to the kids, the cats, to Truffle, to everyone! She eats well and sleeps
well and is SO HAPPY. I'm so glad I could give her this life. I really love
her with all my heart. It only took a few days for us both to be settled
with each other and we are truly bonded - I feel privileged. Thank you for
everything and always feel free to ring or write or visit. Erin and Lucy"
Rascal
(April 2010)
After several false starts, Rascal has finally secured himself a loving home.
He has issues based in fear which meant he wasn’t above having a little nip when he felt threatened, but with the security of a doggie pal alongside him he is thriving in his new home with Smudge & Dave – there is always a happy ending out there, just sometimes it takes a little longer.
Abi
(April 2010)
This happy ending took a year to write and sometimes I wondered if it ever would be written. Abi was brought in by the Dog Warden, a skinny, half starved puppy, balding, with a massive worm burden. She was far too frail to be put into kennels so she came to me and here she remains.
It has been the toughest challenge with a dog that I have ever undertaken but I can finally see light at the end of the training tunnel - the difference in her physically is obvious but her mental state is vastly improved too and she is learning to trust that I will look after her.
She is everything people say a rescue dog will be and to see the transformation in her is worth all the hard work.
Sasha
(April 2010)
Sasha came into us as a skinny waif. We were told she was a German Shepherd cross but it was difficult to see. Now with 6 months of love and attention she has grown into all the promise of her cross-breed.
She is spoilt to bits - note the regal pose on the family sofa - and has a doggy pal Daxter to share her new life. A wonderful success story for Sasha.
Jake
(April 2010)
"Just thought we would let you know that Jake its doing really well. He got settled in very easily and has become part of the family instantly and we all couldn't imagine life without him! He is a big bundle of fun and loves long walks and playing and fetching his ball in the field or back garden. We have introduced him to other dogs and children in are family and he has been brilliant, no trouble at all. Just wanted to say thanks for everything you did for him as you have given us a huge source of happiness in our lives. Many thanks again. Carol, Daniel, Holly and June"
Buster
(April 2010)
Buster was in a dire situation due to his previous owner's changed circumstances. He was still much loved but had nowhere to live - he came into our care a bewildered little dog but now......... as you can see from this run along the beach, he fell firmly on his feet and is treasured by his new people who can't imagine how they lived without him - Buster is certainly a very happy ending.
Chloe
(April 2010)
Chloe was passed from pillar to post until she found her forever home. She now resides more than happily with Lola who is her best buddy – she’s not being spoilt at all as you can see from her snuggly picture on her owners' bed! Michelle and her husband are absolutely delighted with her.
Ty
(November 2009)
Ty came in with his partner Izzy early this year. We wanted to rehome them as a pair because they had been through so much together. We thought our prayers had been answered when they did go out together. Unfortunately, our hopes were dashed when Ty was returned - alone. He was a very confused dog but a loving couple had always expressed an interest in him, so we made contact and - as the photograph shows - the rest is history. Ty settled in very quickly with the resident dogs and has taken the sofa as his own. I love a happy ending.
Tom finds a new home
(26 August 2009)
At long last after 9 months Tom has found a wonderful new home, as you can see from the picture he is not being spoilt at all....
This is all we ever wanted for Tom a warm bed with a loving family and we think he has found much more - Well done Tom.
Sootica and her kittens
(10 August 2009)
Thank you everybody who contacted us about Sootica and her lovely kittens.
They have all now gone to loving homes.
With the additional interest we were also able to find a home for another little lad who had been brought into our care during Sootica's stay with us.
Tucker
This has to be the first "Happy Ending" we have because it was such a wonderful day for us all when Tucker finally went to his new home. Tucker had been with us over a year - everyone that came to the kennels overlooked this lovely little dog who sat patiently at the door to his kennel instead being interested in the bouncy noisy ones that made their presence known. As he was with us for so long we often took him out to meet other people and give him a change of scenery.
One day I went to visit a lovely lady recently bereaved and very sad. I thought they could cheer each other up. Tucker played in her beautiful big garden and Alex and I had a chat about how life can throw you a curved ball when you least expect it. Then she did the same to me by telling me to bring him back on Monday and she would give him a home - there were tears aplenty from both of us and Tucker must have known his fortunes were about to change because he sat on Alex's knee rather than by my side, which was his usual position.
I still see Tucker regularly and through him now have a lovely new friend - so you will see why he is so important to us all and why he had to be our first, but thankfully not our last, Happy Ending.