Monday 18 August 2014

Update from Daisy

Thought you might like to see some pics of Daisy at a year old. She is a happy little soul, loves her obedience training (and is coming along beautifully), passed her puppy foundation Good Citizen test and is working on her Bronze and we have recently tried out puppy agility which she is terrible at but loves so we shall continue to play at. She is still little and petite, and we think probably crossed with a spaniel somewhere along the line - she is an enthusiastic "scent" dog and loves to find things hidden for her in the house or fields. We might try working trials at some point and see how she gets on, given how much she seems to enjoy thinking and using her nose.

Hope all is well!
Sarah and Daisy
 



 

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Update from Rosie

Dear Paul and Sarah,

It's been a long time but I thought you would like to hear about Rosie's progress since my desperate phone call for help at the beginning of the year.  We added another couple of things to the very long list of ways to help Rosie feel less anxious in the evenings and then very suddenly she did. I strongly suspect that in the end it was just a case of time. 

A dog trainer friend of ours always said that it takes 3 months for the dog to realise that it is in safe and friendly hands and realise that the new home is actually home and not just another stopping off point. Then it takes another 3 months for some of the less sociable behaviours to go and yet another three months to begin to develop the dog you want to be with for the rest of it's life.   In Rosie's case it looks as though she wasn't far off the mark as far as the first period was concerned (we are still working on the last two).

Not only does she settle in the evening (between bouts of activity) but we are now able to leave her on her own at home for short periods of time, which is essential now that the weather is hot and we can't leave her in the car at all. She looks at us reproachfully as we drive off, greets us deliriously when we return and curls up quietly on the sofa in the interim. The house shows no signs that her solitude has been at all stressful for her.  I think we learned a lot about her previous life through her behaviour particularly in those first 3 months.

By April we felt confident enough to take her on holiday with us and our confidence was rewarded.  OK she wasn't an Angel all the time but she's young. She did however sit through several choir practices and three long services in Tewkesbury Abbey, she ate out with us several times and became a great favourite in some places, there was even a biscuit waiting for her every time we went into one cafĂ©. What's more she left the self catering cottage that we had hired in as good a state when we left as when we arrived.

We are off again this month and the new experience this time will be a B&B on a farm (fingers crossed).  She is still an exuberant collie and does get a bit over excited at times but then she's young and still having new experiences. 

We hear a little about Wiccaweys through Douglas and gather that life could be smoother for you and the dogs.
We wish you well.  :-)
Yours
Elaine Healey

Update from Rookie (nee Rocky)

Hello everyone, hope you are all well. How time flies, I cannot believe it's eight weeks today since Mary & John came to collect me.
I've settled in really well & get taken for lots of walks. On some Sundays we walk up to the dog food shop at Stokenchurch to get my raw food , it's a five hour round trip, mostly along the Ridgeway. I'm fine when I get back, maybe a light snooze, but John is absolutely knackered!
The first time we went to the river Thames at Wallingford was amazing. We sat on the bank watching the swans, boats etc. Discovered that I like digging in the water, I think John is going to attach a photo of me doing just that.
Just finished a six week basic training course, it was good to meet the other dogs but was a little bit easy for me so M&J and Julie Meads, the lovely trainer (always has treats on her) decided that I would love agility, (I agree), so first class on Friday, can't wait.
Overhear M&J saying they should change my name to Beautiful because everyone who see's me says "isn't he beautiful". Modesty prevents me from commenting further!
Hope you like the pics, say woof woof to all my four legged friends up there, and thanks again for the chance of this fab new life in England.
Bye for now.
Love Rookie x





Saturday 2 August 2014

Update from Musto

Dear Sarah & Paul,

Firstly thank you again for allowing us to make the decision to bring Musto home with us.  I think I will always have a regret that I left Poppy behind but the last couple of days with Musto have been a joy and he has settled so well it is clear the decision was right.

One lead returned and I enclose a couple of photos of Musto on our patio.  He just loves the space in the garden and is very relaxed out there.  He's eating well and is happy to be left at night when we go to bed.  I have left him on his own for about 20mins a couple of times and he seemed to cope with that well.  Tomorrow I have a meeting in the village so may be away for about an hour so we'll see how he goes.  The signs are fine as he hasn't show any separation anxiety so far.   The only concerns are his hatred of the car and he is not keen when Robert comes home in his overalls, but as soon as he speaks he's ok - a throwback to his early farming life perhaps?   He sits as soon as we hear a car on the lane,  but does have a tendency to try and chase once it's passed.   I am now aware and make sure this can not happen.  Bouncy when you have the inclination to play but happy to lie and watch things when there's no play.  Very affectionate.  The vet I usually see is on holiday so have an appointment in 10 days when she is back but he is now registered with our vets.  Paw still a bit sore but clean and healthy.  

Once again thank you for the time you gave to us.  Keep up the good work.

Best wishes to you and all your canine friends.

Lesley & Robert Warburton






Friday 1 August 2014

Update from Milo

Dear Auntie Sarah and Uncle Paul,
Thought I'd better let you know how I'm doing. 
It's been such a long time since I came up North but I 
haven't forgotten my stay with you.  As you can see I 
make myself at home wherever I am - not supposed to 
be on the furniture but what's a dog got to do to be comfortable? 
My mum and dad said they'll bring me down to one of your 
open days so you can see what a good boy I am (???!!!).


Just so you can see me awake ;-).
Lots of love, Milo x



Update from Stitches


Hi Sarah and Paul.  Stitch is doing really well. It feels like he 
has been here for ever.  We have got him a pool is play in. 
Here is a pic of him in it.  Hope you like it.  Also tomorrow 
afternoon he is having his first trip to the beach. I will send pic.  
Hope you are all well. 
Lucy, Nath and Stitch. Xx 
 

 

Upate from Lassie

Hi guys some pics of Lassie going great been out long 
walk this morning and this afternoon can't thank u enough 
going to write a great thread on u guys!!! 
Kind regards
Karen and Lee
 








 

Update from Abby (nee Gabby)

Hi Paul and Sarah
I just thought of you this morning and thought you might like an update on Gabby (now Abby). You kindly matched us up in Feb last year. Abby is an awesome dog, fellow dog walkers often comment on how well behaved and loving she is, she is now happy to say hello to other dogs and strange people. She loves yomping about with us and has been camping and travelling about all over.
She is super with our rabbits and also likes chickens and cats too - some good wiccs socialising there! She has had a few health problems, a fatty lump removed and now some stiffness in her back but it's under control and she loves life, her big red ball and any food that might happen to come her way.

She is deeply loved and we can't thank you enough for pairing us up.

 


 
 
 

Update from Einstein

Hi Sarah and Paul 
Hope everything good with you -Einny is very well and enjoying 
life -  his squeaky toy collection continues to get bigger- can't 
believe he has been with us 5 years now - everyone adores him 
and most people think he's a puppy! 
Anyway I have two big black eyes staring at me so think it's 
time for a walk. 
Take care 
Jo Julian and Einny xx