A new addition to the family (maybe)

[Cassandra]

I support a local Dog Trust who help homeless 'critters'. I was there this morning and was shocked at the amount of young dogs under a year or less who are turning up every day as the 'depression' bites here, with real inflation running near 20%. As a consequence some families are having to give up their dogs - terribly sad.

The young ones usually re-home quite quickly but for those who like us are 'getting on' a bit it's really tough going and the personal trauma they suffer is heartbreaking to witness. This little soul is five and she ran up to the rails of her pen as I passed by, pleading to be picked up, whereas ever since arrival 12 days ago, she'd been sad and listless hardly moving. Quite tiny, as soon as she was on my arm, perched looking over my shoulder she stopped crying. Immediately highly distressed when I put her down and the girls placed her back in a pen, nose up against the wire looking at me so deeply the sight left me haunted. Her owner has had to go in a rest-home following a serious stroke and where pets are not allowed and the parting is causing this little dog terrible stress. The home I support had delayed putting her online as they felt her demeanour wasn't helping and she took no interest when prospective owners were introduced. One of the girls felt so sorry she had her home with her for a few days and said 'She's a beautiful little girl and was wonderful with my kids'. She handed me a pic she'd taken as I left, clearly sensing I too was moved.

So after an afternoon of agonising I've offered to 'foster', and she was dropped off an hour or so ago. Just her a lead, a name tag and an old ball, not much at all. I think she's a Heinz 57/Jack Russell, but I've felt a real affinity, ever since setting eyes upon her and Albert & Holly approve too. They're all playing football just now with a giant tennis ball. Every few minutes though she seeks me out as if to check I'm still here? I have a strong feeling my little colony of creatures has just expanded by one!

[automatically pruned due to age]

[zoony]

Well done you Sir! So pleased for you both..

[Michael Rolls]

Oh, bless her! What a lovely little girl - well done you!
Mike

[klondike]

Lovely story Cass. We need some these days.

[1955vintage]

Smart move, you will not regret it.

[hugh]

Five not that old for a small dog Cassandra. Plenty of exercise and she will live till she is 15 years or more. I got my little Roxy at the age of 4 or 5 and had her 10 years and still full of bounce. Great company.

[Scrumpy]

  'A lead, name tag and an old ball' !!
What else does a gal need when moving in.. !!

[Raven]

Well Done you big softie you.  That's the kind of thing I do as well. 

[Dayjo]

That's made me smile, and sniff...

Blummin, well done! 

[-Oy-]

Very well done to you! A fine looking likkle pooch

[GrannyMac]

Well done Cassandra.

My daughter in law and son adopted a pooch recently.  She was used for breeding, but had some complications so was probably costing money hence being in a rescue centre.  She's about four, slowly adapting to being with them, their slightly younger dog is getting used to her, and the cats just ignore both of them!

Lots of toilet training has been needed, she's getting there.  She's become very attached to my daughter in law in a short space of time.

[1955vintage]

Our two year old spoilt brat is a very friendly, sociable dog who greets everyone , dog or human, as her new best friend. We have been told she is ideal as a role model for a dog coming out of breeding farms . She will show them how good life is and how to behave. The idea of a playmate is a good one, but I am worried she will end up with a partner in crime....


There is a basset hound rescue charity which I am watching. Read this but have a tissue ready.


Her name was Sophie - Basset Rescue Network of Great Britain (brngb.org)

[Sheila]

A lady who lives near us adopted a dog that had been used in a puppy farm.  The poor, sad little thing was skin and bone.  Fast forward a few months and she is a different dog, maybe a little overweight but who cares.

[Alex]

She's a real cutie Cass, she's found her paws with you ! Lovely story, I hope you'll all be very happy together 👍
p.s what's her name ?

[GrannyMac]

A lady who lives near us adopted a dog that had been used in a puppy farm.  The poor, sad little thing was skin and bone.  Fast forward a few months and she is a different dog, maybe a little overweight but who cares.

They got this one from somewhere near Liverpool, not sure exactly where.  She loves her food, perhaps as a result of her earlier experiences.