Letter from Tara Valentine & family

We adopted Tara about 18 months ago now, aged about 4 or 5 years.

Tara was rescued from a farm on Ireland where she had been chained up for chasing the chickens. We will never know what actually happened to her.

She did not know much of anything really. To me she seemed quite nervous, cowering at some things. At first she would not play with any ball or toys! She now plays with a tennis ball in the garden and I still encourage a ball when out on walks, but to no avail. I think there are too many interesting smells which she would rather investigate. However, she is still nervous of squeaky toys, so we don’t bother any more as they seem to stress her out too much. She picked up basic commands like sit, wait, leave, stay within a few months. Although, if there was another dog around she would not listen to commands at all!

I introduced a whistle not long ago to help with her recall – she grasped this very quickly – who said you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.

At first she was extremely feisty with other dogs, to say the least. She would not let them get anywhere near her. She would go down on all fours and started shaking or lunge and nip. The first few months were difficult. Dog walkers used to see us coming and walk the other side of the road. I felt a bit alienated, some comments were uncalled for. I should have got a T-Shirt that read “I didn’t do this to this dog”. To me, if any think, it was fear. My husband did wonder if we should throw in the towel, I suggested we tried a local trainer. Their only answer was to muzzle her. I did not want to do this as I believed she was not a nasty dog, she needed a chance in life and I was not going to give up on her.

I took a few steps back and thought about what Paul had said at the Wiccaweys “Understand your Collie Talks” and that was to find out what was right for Tara. This was invaluable advice.  "What works for one dog may not work for another."

We got a long lead which we christened “Purple Ronnie” so we could give her a good run around on walks.

As time went on she would let dogs get closer and was happy to let them sniff her. She is fine with the majority of dogs that she meets now, but is still not keen on dogs bounding up to her, its as if to say “I’m a lady mind your manners”.

Yes she is a border collie. Yes she is a rescue dog, but first and foremost she is Tara. I would not be without her for the world.

She is a sweet girl, calm, patient and gentle. She makes me laugh with her little noises as she tries to talk to us. Her snuffles and sneezes after her rolls on the lawn. She adores sunshine – she will always find the sunniest spot even if it’s the size of an orange and plonk herself down.

When we are out walking, if there is a puddle on the pavement, then she will always walk around it, not through it; “I’m a lady! I don’t like to get my feet wet”. Hee, hee LOL!!

She follows me wherever I go and gets a bit worried if I’ve gone into another room and she has not realised – she comes looking for me.

Tara has made tremendous progress and it has been hard work with a dog that has had a difficult past, but gaining her trust and love has been brilliant and continues to be.

Thank goodness there are super people like Sarah & Paul and all who help at Wiccaweys, so that rescued dogs can be given another chance at life and find the LOVE that they deserve.

Love Sarah, Tom & Tara xxx

Letter from Gillian (now Maisie) - pic

Letter from Campbell (now Sprocket) & family

Dear Auntie Sarah and Uncle Paul
 
I have nearly been in my home a week and am really part of the family.  My mum has put in some pictures.  I have really found my feet and am really very energetic and full of mischief.  I like to borrow things, pens, shoes, Rosie's spoons and by mistake tried to eat Joey's homework when I was helping him. 

I have decided that cars are very interesting and shocked my mum when I tried to bite one so we are working on that, i found that carrying a tuggie toy helps me to focus less on the cars.  I have also found a lot of fun in digging all the water out of the bowls outside and running off with the water buckets.  We enjoy our nightly walks and have to get up early before mum goes to work and I walk with 3 to 4 other dogs at a time. 

During the day I go for a walk along side the pram and feel the need to kiss Rosie at every opportunity when my mum stops.  I have helped maintain the rug in the lounge by pulling out some unwanted threads and love clothes, in fact I love them so much I  enjoy trying to pull them off my family, again we are working on this.
 
My mum is so in love with me that we all snuggle on the sofa and have loadsa kisses despite all the fun and mischief I am a really loving boy and enjoy nothing more than kissing all my family.  I lay on the floor with two year old Rosie and give her gentle kisses, Joey get jumped on as hes older and more exciting, mum is training us both to be calmer.
 
Will keep you posted on my progress. 
 
Mum says thank you so much for giving her an amazing collie boy that has made the family more complete.
 
Sprocket, Michelle, Nick, Joey and Rosie and dogz xxxxxxx

Letter from Sally (now Molly) & family

Hi its been about 2 years since we collected Molly aka Sally from you and we thought it was about time we let you know how she is getting on. The attached picture says it all. Best wishes Peter, Lynn and of course Molly.

Letter from Goldie & Millie

A Healthy Happy & Prosperous New Year

From Goldie & Millie

Have a great 2012

Thank you

Stan & Jean Delbridge

Letter from Campbell (now Sprocket) & family

Paul and Sarah
 
We would all like to say a huge thank you, all the dogs had a great time playing with yours.  All are fast asleep at the moment.  Campbell now known as Sproket has fitted in so well you would think he has been here all his life not just a few hours.  So far Zero has been really chilled with him and they have been playing really nicely.  Sid still doesnt like him but we are going to be working on that so its not an issue, we have been there before with Shadow and Sid.  Sprocket is such a snuggle bear and has taken a liking to stealing Christmas decorations.  He is a really amazing dog, thank you thank you.
 
Love all of us in the Seaton household xx

Letter from Robin & family

Dear Sarah and Paul,
David and I adopted Robin from Wiccaweys about a year ago. He's settled here very well (i.e., is now running the household while seeming to be terribly obedient). He's still after 'my' sheepskin rug, even though he's been given one of his own...Also he's much admired as he loves people, so I tell everyone he's from Wiccs and encourage them to get in touch with you if they are hoping to adopt a collie (hope they make the
grade). Sarah noted Robin had two white mischief spots on his back end and he's lived up to them-best achievement so far eating the top off a rhubarb crumble without touching the rhubarb (luckily with no ill effects-we lock everything up now ...). We hardly need to use the hoover as he's very thorough ...

He's got his Gold Good Citizens award, and is doing heelwork to music (came top of the class in his progress test), obedience Gold Plus and agility at UpnOver Club at Upper Heyford, and had a flyball taster that he loved. We're so grateful to have had the opportunity to adopt him!  Thank you so much.

It's been great following the progress of all the dogs (especially those with you at the same time as Robin) and seeing them get good homes-especially little Chip, as he was. One day I hope to get up and help with the walking and bring Robin back to see everyone, but it may have to wait till spring ...!
I promise  a fuller letter and pics very soon- but this is just to say, if you need a home-checker in the Oxford area, I'd love to help.
Happy New Year and good luck with your work!

Kathleen Daly