Letter from Barney & family

Hello Sarah & Paul
Well it's almost three weeks since we had the privilege of bringing Barney home to Peterborough.  He has settled in so well, all the ladies here have adopted him!!! and are always asking how he is.  Barney loves his walks around our lakes nearby, ignores the ducks and other wildlife! and he is gaining in confidence around people and other dogs,especially an older collie and a springer spaniel!   He loves playing with his toys and we have great "tug o wars" with a rubber ring!!   Barney is very loving and loyal, he likes to sleep by our bed....... or on it if he can creep on!!!
We love him and can't imagine our days without him in them... We will bring him back to see you all one of these days if thats ok with you?   Oh yes he went to the groomers... and is even more handsome now!!   Hopefully we have attached a photo or two!! Take care and thank you again for all your hard work ...
Jan & Dave Coulbeck... & Barney...xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Letter from Millie and family

Dear Paul and Sarah,

Now it has been a year since we came to Wiccaweys, met Millie and took her home with us.  We just wanted to let you know that she is doing really well.  She is such a lovely, happy, loving, playful dog.  She had a difficult start in Sheffield and was for the first few months terrified of anyone we met on our walks.  We limited our routes to two, we walk her at least busy times and now she has got to know most of the people and dogs we meet on there. Her group of friends is ever growing and she is starting to trust people, so when someone comes for a visit she will come down and say hello and ask for a stroke.  She has started enjoying her walks and stops to sniff and look around.  She has a basket full of balls and toys that she loves to play with in the house.  She is a funny little stealer of socks and sometimes we find a few of them in her bed.  She is always so happy to see us that it is a joy to wake up in the morning and to come home after work.  We continue to stretch her paw and it seems to be slowly loosening up so now she stands on it a little better.  All in all, we love her to bits!

All the best

Thordis, Joseph and Asa.

Letter from Tara Valentine xxx

Just thought you would like to see the latest picture of me on holiday
in Guernsey earlier this month -
Luvved the beaches - not sure about the 3 hours in the car each way on
the ferry

Lots of wags

Madam Tara - I still expect to be treated like a Lady

Letter from Meggie-Moo & family

Just a email to let you know how Meg's getting on,  she sat all the way between the children in the car all the way to the vets and home, with tickles on the head from both children.  The vet was very surprised at the stitch material she had from her spaying, but she was excellent sitting on my lap while they were removed - 2 of them were a little close to the skin and the vet was so gentle she hardly noticed.  I paid £10 towards your vets bill and will pay extra every time we take her to the vets towards your bill too as we've registered her at Vets 4 Pets too.  Unfortunately while Gary was registering her she managed to chew almost through the lead we got from you (little tinker) she knew she'd done wrong as when Gary looked down and noticed it she was very apologetic, Gary just reassured her that she's fine but obviously it can't be tolerated. So a trip to Pets at Home is needed today to get another lead and some more food - we'll stick to what you gave us as she seems very keen on it.  The vet scanned her and she's Lini which was the only vaccination card without a chip sticker on it so the vet wrote the number on her card and the other 2 cards were left there for you to pick up.  She's eating well but a little hesitant with drinking water but as I said to Gary the food she on is quite wet so she may not be thirsty with it. 

The first meeting with our cat was a noisy affair (our cat not Meg) - Timmy (our cat) is definately the boss but they're better this morning with a mutual respect going on. 

Meg slept all night on her quilt (I treated her to a double quilt to sleep on so she was very cosy - I know, pampered dog or what but heyho she's worth it) 

Gary been getting her to sit before crossing any roads whilst having a walk and she's been excellent at picking up what needs to happen before they can continue their stroll.  He's just taken her to a local park with the children and the children wanted to take a ball to throw for her but that'll come with time at being able to let her off the lead for figure of 8's as my parents dogs do when they're let off their leads.

Thanks again for everything and we'll keep you informed every so often with updates and photos

Regards

Denise

Letter from Casper (now Cap) & family

Sarah and Paul

I hope you don't mind that I email you, I would just like to update you on the 
progress we have made with Casper (Cap)

As you may remember, we have had a few problems with Casper certainly in the 
first couple of months, with his aggression towards other dogs, at least dogs 
which are bigger than him.

We took your advice and started walking him away from our local fields so he 
didn't feel so territorial and the change in him within the last month has been 
amazing.   To see him off the lead and having a good run around is something we 
only dreamt of a couple of months back. He thoroughly enjoys himself, he mixes 
well now with other dogs and if he sees a puppy then it brings the youngster out 
in him and he can't wait to play chase.  He has been with us now about 4 and a 
half months.  It's been a tough slog but there was no way we would give up on 
him and now we are reaping the rewards of having the most beautiful, loving and 
loyal boy.

He has totally settled in with us, he is relaxed and loves nothing more than to 
lie upside down on the sofa which considering we couldn't get him in the house 
initially is wonderful.  He has learnt how to play, both with our two girls Kira 
and Jessie, and on his own with his toys.  It's hilarious to see him sneaking 
round stealing the toys off the other two and putting them in a little pile all 
of his own.  The other two wait until he isn't looking to steal them back and 
this continues for most of the day.

The moral of this mail I guess, is just that perseverance really does pay off.    
Casper has definitely had issues as some of the dogs probably have, but with 
time and patience, these dogs really do learn to love and trust you and are so 
willing to please you.

We think of you often and thank you for saving his life.  We promised you that 
we would take good care of him and we are doing just that.  We wouldn't be 
without him.

I hope you like the couple of pictures attached of Casper doing what he likes 
doing best.

Best Wishes
Paula & Ronnie Hunt

Letter from Zippy & family

Hi Sarah, Paul & four legged friends!

Trust you are well?  Its been a while so i thought i ought to let you know how our gorgeous little Zippy is getting along.   Well....what can i say...hes fantastic in every way. If we had had a dog 'made' to suit our lifestyle it couldn't have been better! He is such a lovely boy, sweet, polite & funny. He stared his competitive agility career this year and after just five shows (one a month, which incidentally he got a placing at every one!) we went to the British Agility Finals and won the Introductory Qualifier...this automatically got us a place in the finals (scary!!)...and guess what, he won!!!!  What an absolute star, we are soooooooooo proud of him!  He then went on his holidays to the Scottish highlands for a week to bring his little paws back down to earth!   We love him to bits!  Photos of him with his Finals rosettes, medals & trophies, more in a weekend than id expect in a year....go Zippy go! 

With love from Sharon, Craig & superstar Zippy  xxx

Letter from Beanie (Romania) & family

Good Morning Sarah & Paul

Thank you for your time on Saturday & thank you for letting us adopt Beanie

He is lovely, he seems pretty settled so far, enjoys his walks, treats & laying in front of the fire.  From the first night he has been sleeping in our bedroom (didn't want to be in his crate), and the only thing that kept us awake was his snoring :)

I will join the Forum later today & update everyone.

Attached are a few pics

Best Wishes

Heidi, James & Beanie

Letter from Jess & family

Dear Sarah & Paul,

I just wanted to get in touch with you to give you an update on a collie we re-homed from you in April 2010.  

Jessy the collie was approx 9 months old when she came to us, she has bright blue eyes and is tri-colored. Since joining the family 2 years ago she has competed in flyball and achieved her 'flyball dog' award, traveling to Anglesey and all around the north.  She now has a brother - Charlie a Cocker-Spaniel and an older sister - Becky who is a collie x corgi! Jess also has her best friend who is called Millie and is a 6 month old kitten whom she loves and adores!

Since we adopted Jess we have moved home from Nottingham and now live in Cornwall by the sea, Jess loves running on the beach every day with her brother and sister but is disappointed we leave the kitten at home!

Living in Cornwall is wonderful for the dogs and they truly love it, however there is no flyball, which upset Jess a lot. However not wanting a bored Collie we looked into other avenues and for just over a year now Jess has been training as a working dog.

Each week we visit a trainer and Jess has truly excelled at her work, she was recently featured in the International Sheep Dog Society magazine because she is such a talented working dog with no known breeding. Her trainer has fallen in love with her and often has her for residential training which she adores! Jess lives to work and and after an hour or so of working she still has as much drive at the end of her session as she did at the beginning, we hope in time to start trialing with her, but in the mean time she is just loving it as a hobby!

I have attached 2 photo's for you to see, one of her working and another of her posing!

Jess is a very much loved member of our family and brings us so much love and good times, we can't imagine life without her and wanted you to know how she is getting on.

With best wishes

Dom & Hannah, and a big woof from Jess!

 
Revd Dom Jones

Letter from Minnie Kelpie & family

Hi Sarah and Paul,

Just a quick note to let you know that Minnie is getting along well.

She has well and truly settled in now and her true minx like behaviour is showing- we are all smitten with her.

She has many new fans at the training school and is doing well meeting new people following Storm’s lead.

Her training is coming on well and her recall is fantastic- now when I call one dog I get two sitting at my feet waiting for treats!

I have attached a couple of photos for you to put up for all the people who are following the Kelpies and who helped to rescue her.

We’ll keep in touch,

Sara and family.

Letter from Louis and family

Hi Sarah/Paul, we have missed each other on the phone.....
To give you an update Louis is just delightful, very loving and we are so lucky to have him as part of our family, we are working with him to reduce his stress/instinct/desire to chase cars inside the car and on the road which will be challenging, any tips or advice you could give us would be appreciated (specifically roads). Of the many different walks we have done this week, there is one nearby that requires us to cross a road, Louis can hear a car 500+ meters away, i.e. not in sight and you can physically see him change... Again any tips would really help...
Warm regards Andrea

Letter from Jack, Merlin and family

Hi guys

Had a really good weekend.

He and Merlin seem to be hitting it off see photo of them lying together.

We really enjoyed seeing you all again so soon.

Thanks for jack we love him to bits

Andy

Letter from Darcy & family

Dear Paul and Sarah

We can't believe we've had Darcy for a year today - she is so much part of the family now we can't remember a time without her.  The grandchildren have been round today spoiling her with new toys for her year birthday with us and we all had cake including Darcy who just loved all the extra attention. Her tail is so much better now - we have been policing her to make sure that her very waggy tail is not hitting against anything. She can't understand why we are obsessed with her tail and keep holding it still when she is excited and now tends to roll on the floor instead for a tummy rub! We took her to the beach for the first time last week and her face was a picture. She loved the freedom of the sand, which she kept burying her face in, but wasn't sure about the sea even though it was like a millpond. We are sending a few pictures of her so you can see how she looks now. She has a beautiful glossy black shiny coat which you can't see from the pictures.

Best wishes

Phil and Jackie Mellish and Darcy

Letter from Wilfie and family

Hi Auntie Sarah & Uncle Paul,

                                                   I nose u fink Im a speshel chap but I bet you didnt nose that I is Magic !Yep I 'ave Magic Ears the foto I 'ave put wiv this letter shows u both my Magic Ears - he he .  My ears gets all Magic wen I is getting excited + 'speshelee wen I is waiting for Mummy to get me breakfast ready .I also do "The Wilfie Bum Shuffle"  which is me getting all excited and wiggly me back + botty along Mummy + Daddys wooden bed .The other day I spotted the end of a loaf of bread in a bag in the bin ,it looked sooooo scrummy I decided to help meself   them Mummy caught me 'running' off into the garden with it .She wasnt cross or anything she just didnt want me to eat the bag so she was trying to catch me    I was holding that bag real tight and then mum told me she would give me a nice treat if I dropped the bag so I did .

 

 

                    Sending you both lots of Wilfie Love  
                      xxxxx

 

 

Letter from Fred Pup and family

Dear Wiccaweys,

Just wanted to give you an update on how puppy Fred is doing since he moved in with us in Bristol 2 weeks ago - where does time go?

The journey home was fine - after about 5 minutes of whining, Fred settled down quite happily. We stopped to check on him several times, and despite one bout of car sickness, the journey went well.

Once we got him home he settled in really quickly. His first night was eventful and he kept us awake most of the night,  but since then he's slept through brilliantly (with the requisite 2 nightly 'go pee' stops being accepted with grace and dignity, and pretty much being carried out in the manner of sleep walking!). He's recognised his crate is his little haven and he retires in there most days for a short 'chill-out'. The garden has also proved popular - I think we have a digger on our hands with this one!

He's met a number of people these last 2 weeks - the postman, gas man, neighbours and friends. He's been brilliant with all of them and everyone is met with a big smile and a very waggy tail! We've taken him to the local Pets at Home store a couple of times now to get him used to different places, short car journeys and lots of people. He's proved a real hit and the number of small girls who come and ask if they can pet him is ridiculous - he's a real ladies man already!!

He's booked in for his next injection this weekend, so we're starting to get him used to the idea of having a lead attached to his collar in preparation for his first big outing! We're very excited about showing him the local neighbourhood in a week or so.

So all in all everything is going great guns. Sadly he he can't join the local puppy training group until mid November so we're really working at teaching him the basics at home - he's got 'sit' and 'wait' totally nailed - especially when there's a food bribe at the end of it! He;s also a very clever pup and has set up a twitter account - @plfbristol if you wanted to keep an update on his daily antics!

Hope all is well with the other pups and that they are all finding their forever homes too.

Sian, Ben and Fred

Letter from Minnie Kelpie and new family

Hi Sarah and Paul,

Just thought I would let you know that Minnie has had a fabulous first 24 hours with us. She travelled home in the crate like a dream, looking out at everything going on around her. She has settled into her new home well, likes her new bed which she goes to if she needs to feel safe. She and Storm have become firm friends and she looks to him for reassurance, if Storm thinks it’s ok to come to greet you then she will too. They relax together in the evenings which means I now have 2 dogs in the kitchen helping me with tea.

She has been on a couple of local walks now and rushes around on her long lead ,tail up and nose down taking in everything around her. She has been busy meeting new dogs and owners at the training school and will start there next week. Everyone there thinks she is fabulous and they are right of course.

Thank you taking the time and trouble to find the right dog for us, I’ll keep you posted on her progress.

 

Sara Holmes

Letter from Alfie (nee Glen) and family

Dear Paul & Sarah,

Alfie (previously Glen) has been with us for a year now & we thought that you might like to see how he has changed from skin & bones at 14.5kg on his first visit to the vet to our ‘Fat Boy’ at 24kg!  When he first came to live with us he had 5 or 6 small meals a day & went each week to the vet for a weigh in.  Now he just has breakfast & supper with step brother Max & only gets to visit (what he thinks of as the biscuit dispenser) every couple of months, just to check that all remains well.  When he first was able to be let off the lead we had to put a muzzle on him as he was a terrible scavenger and had frequent upset stomach issues as a result. Once he took on some weight he no longer needed the muzzle. He has stopped eating most of the disgusting items and will usually ‘Leave’ most things when asked to (Although only in exchange for a nicer treat!)

Alfie didn’t really want to go on walks for the first couple of weeks and walked behind us with his tail down. Now we have no chance of keeping up with him!  Fortunately, he always comes back when called… with only occasional brake failure which can result in a crash into either us or a tree!   All of his little cuts & scabs healed very quickly, he is now a confident chap who is absolutely sure that every dog he meets wants to play with him & he has a special squirrel bark, reserved for those pesky little things that run up trees instead of joining in a proper game of chase.

Everyone in the local woods knows Alfie and we are always being told how good he is looking now. We hope you agree.

Best wishes

Penny, Ian, Alfie & Max

Letter from Pip (nee Poppet) and family

Hi Sarah & Paul

 

I thought it was about time I gave you an update on Pip's (Poppet at Wiccaweys) progress.

 

It is now just over 3 years since we adopted her, and we can't imagine being without her now. She really enjoys agility, and has come 2nd in the Large Grade 2 category in the Agility Club, winning a lovely trophy which will be presented at the end of November! She has also qualified for the Pro-Plan final at the end of October. She won out of Grade 2 into Grade 3 earlier in the year. She is also the top rescue dog and top Wiccaweys dog in Grade 2 at the moment and we are 2nd in my age group in the Senior Agility League (these leagues finish at the end of the year)! I have really had fun doing agility with her.

 

Pip has given us a couple of frights when she has been spooked in the park (twice by the attention of a friendly but young and very boisterous Great Dane!) and has bolted. She heads for home, but this involves crossing quite a busy road! We now put her back on the lead at the slightest suggestion that she might run off!

 

Pip still has a thing about cars, although she no longer lunges at them, but tries to get into any car with the boot or a door open. She is always desperate to get back to the car after a walk, or even at a show after her run! As she was found as a stray, we wonder if she was 'dumped' from a car.

 

I wasn't too sure about taking her on originally - I wouldn't have chosen her from her picture - but I am so glad Paul suggested I consider her. When she jumped all over Peter, my husband, when we first met her, there was no longer any doubt in either of our minds! I am so grateful to you both for letting me give her a home.

 

Shirley Carton (and Pip)

 

 

Letter from Corrie & family

Hi Sarah and Paul

Thought you would like an update on Corrie.  Well, where do I start what a gorgeous dog he is. The journey home went well he settled in the back okay and slept.  We stopped at the services for the boys to get something to eat.  The entrance to the shop was down some steps which he didn't want to go down at first but interestingly there was an army soldier coming towards us so Neil thinks it may have been the uniform that spooked him.  Anyway he was fine. 

Sunday night he slept in a crate in the dining room and we didn't hear a peep out of him.  Five am in the morning Toby had sneaked downstairs with his duvet, let Corrie out of the crate and they were both curled up together on the duvet.

He has met lots of new doggy friends in the Avenue and has been really good with them.  He is walking well on the lead.  We have managed to borrow a longer length lead.  Corrie has loved the extra freedom in the fields.  He has played hide and seek with Toby in the long grass : - )

The older cats are watching him very closely and doing a lot of hissing at him.  Corrie wants to go and investigate them but kind of knows to keep his distance.  The two kittens are a bit quick, scurrying around and tempting him to play chase but we call him back and he generally stops  in his tracks and looks at us.

Monday, Corrie's first day with us, was my nana's funeral.  Corrie came with us and was brilliant.  Neil was going to wait with him outside the church but the vicar invited him in so he sat in the row of pews as if he's been there loads of times before. He just loves everyone and everyone thought he was very well behaved considering we only got him the day before.

We still have a lot to learn as new dog owners but so far so good.  We will send photos soon.

Love Chris, Neil, Toby & Alfie.

Letter from Tedi & Jasper (nee Chip-Chipolata Trouble Starter)

Hi Sarah, Paul and Julia

I hope you are both well, and enjoying the wet weather!!!!!

Just a quick update on the boys, they are enjoying life to the full, and Jasper is flourishing.  He is now officially a juvenile delinquent, but it is brilliant because he is acting as he should be, having the time of his life.  We are going on holiday, camping to Wales next month, so that will be a new experience for him.  Tedi loves it so hopefully Jasper will.

We went to a dog day the other week and if you go on www.jasonhornby.co.uk/alzheimers-fair and look at the pictures you will find, I think on pages 2 and 3, lots of pictures of me with Tedi and Jasper.  The photographer loved Jasper’s ears, and Tedi loved posing – just look at his face!!!!

I don’t know if you are having a fun day this year, I hope so, and if you are we will definitely be there!!!

Take care and love to all the puppies.

Marg, Chris, Tedi & Jasper

Letter from Louis & family

Hi Sarah,

Louis is continuing to settle brilliantly.  He is now completely free in the garden/paddock, which he loves.  Still lead walked but we tie the three leads together when the other two go off-lead and he can run around quite freely.  We are beginning to cope with the car issue - if you are in contact with his Irish background can you ask if they know any reason for the complete hate of most cars?! Has he had no experience of them or been frightened by them?  If they know it might help us with our training. 

The three dogs are all getting on well - he and Beamish have the odd spat which is to sort out pecking order - give him a few more weeks and I think he will be in charge!!!!!! 

We've only got a couple photos yet - the one in the kitchen is about 1/2 hour after he arrived home.  The one in the car boot was at the end of a big walk on the Downs - hence all the tongues out!!!!!

Best wishes

Sue

x

Letter from Cap (now Casper) and family

Sarah and Paul

Just wanted you to know that Casper has really found his feet and is very happy. 

He has learnt how to play.  He comes back to us now when off the lead and we have been walking for miles and he loves it.

We still have a few issues with other dogs but we understand him now and can manage him.   Everything is great.

He sends some licks to you both

Best wishes
Paula Hunt

Letter from Mitzi & Mum

Hi, Paul and Sarah,

It is exactly 5 years since I adopted Mitzi from you and she has become the light of my life.  Being a typical 'full on' collie girl she was hard work at first,  getting her to focus on me rather than wanting to chase everything that moved took a little time.  Everything I trained her for alone then had to be repeated from square one when in the company of other dogs.   However, after 6 weeks in class she won the level 2 obedience progress test at our club.  Since then she has been in the top 3 of every one she has taken.  She also gained the Kennel Cub Gold Standard Good Citizens Award a while ago.

She has at last begun to get me properly trained for her agility runs!!  It has taken me time to adjust to doing it her way!  Mitzi is a dog who just wants to go and do it.  She works fantastically at a long distance, something which others now love to watch.  Last year she had two wins and lots of 'If only we hadn't had that pole down runs.  She has added to things this year with a win last Saturday putting her into the next grade and then she won again on Sunday.

These performances are not the main thing though.  She has become my loving, constant companion and takes it on herself to back up my instructions to my male dog ( something worth seeing).  She is the sixth dog I have owned, all have been rescues, but she really is super special.  Words cannot express how much I love her.

I consider finding her to be the best thing that has ever happened to me.  I was so lucky to find her.

Wishing you continued success with re-homing your special dogs,

Regards

Pat Kidd

Letter from Leo & family

Hello Paul and Sarah,
 
I hope you are well,
 
Well its been our first week with our boy Leo and we are so pleased. He has settled in really well, and is loved by all the family. He enjoys his 1 hour walks with me (Sasha) in the mornings along with 20 mins playing fetch and football in the garden every morning. He has sooooo many cuddles with Andrews Dad, every lunch time and a good walk that he has taken to helping dad with the garden. He really is a much loved family member . We recently bought a harness as Andrew is finding it is easily to run with him on the Harness then it is on the normal collar and lead (Safe to say with all this rain they both come back soaked and muddy with matching smiles) We recently found his love of squeaky toys, baths and ducks. We have lots of walks down the Canals and across the fields in which he has taken to finding the biggest puddles of mud to make us walk though which only ends up with either me or andrew worse off than Leo.
 
We are also working on the training front so far we have sit, down (not jumping up so much now with new people - just sitting on there toes) paw, shake, stay and we are still working on fetch. Although fetch has to be done with two toys but he is bringing them back.
 
On friday he had a groom, and the Ladies said he loved the bath but was not to sure on brushing so we are slowly working on that, daily in small doses. We have soo many photos that i will send over to you in a separate email as it may take a while to get over to you.
 
Ill send this pictures over in a second email and hope you both are well,
 
Thank you for everything and I will update you again very soon,
 
From
Sasha, Andrew and Leo

Letter from Goldie & Millie

Hi Paul and Sarah

 

We have moved after 3 years on the market and have finally sold our house and are now resident in the Highlands of Scotland, me going back to my roots, we had a very traumatic time with a quick sale on then maybe etc., and after 3 weeks in the caravan whilst we secured our new home.  We have settled now since 20th April, that is just a month and goodness how time flies.

 

Goldie and Millie had a few issues which is completely understandable, but now they are really settled our home is in a small fishing village called Balintore and the rear of our house is 40 paces from an award winning beach, as you could say doggy heaven, plenty of room for them to run around about a mile away is a walk along the coast on narrow fields to the next village some 5 miles away.

 

What prompted me to make contact today was that both Goldie and Millie decided it was time for a swim in the sea and they jumped off the rocks into the sea and swam all the way back to the beach and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

kind regards

Stan and Jean Delbridge