Dog attack - part 2

I had to get New Years Eve tickets today from out local ‘dog friendly’ pub. Tommy doesn’t go there very much because we only normally go there at the weekends when they have bands on. It gets very noisy. Anyway, off we went today and I stopped for a half with someone I know. We got chatting about Tommy and I mentioned that he was very good with other dogs, but now after the ‘grab the head’ incident is a bit more wary of dominant ones. I explained the incident and a lady said ‘oh really. Was he being walked by a man with dreadlocks?’ ‘Yes’ I said. ‘I saw him a few weeks ago with him walking past the café on the corner. The dog picked up a small white dog then and shock it violently. The poor mite was bleeding by the time the dog dropped it. I ran to the hairdressers and got a towel for it’. ‘Jes! What did the guy walking the dog do’. ‘Oh nothing. Just disappeared into the flats’. ‘What about the owner of the dog’. ‘She took him to the vets as far as I know. I gave her my number in case she reported it to the police but I haven’t heard anything.’ I haven’t reported it either. Maybe I should.

Food choices

Since getting Tommy, I have been trying on a few different foods before I settle on one that ‘might’ be suitable. I have researched foods, and have been feeding him Wainwrights or James Wellbeloved. Both the sensitive ones due to Tommy’s skin. He has now stopped eating these, and I feel I could get a better quality food. I got a sample of the Arden Grange sensitive range. I heard of Arden Grange from the Terrier site, it’s a very good quality food that helps keep the weight on whilst the nervous dogs are in kennels. I’ve found a supplier, and have ordered a very large bag which should be here in a couple of weeks. Lets hope it helps Tommy’s skin too.

Dog attack

Another day off work saw me over Priory Park. This used to be my favourite park when I had Khan, but I’ve only been over there a couple of times with Tommy. We were walking round (as you do) stopped to talk to a couple of people and the ducks. Tommy was very interested, but unlike last time, didn’t jump in to say hello.

Tommy can be a tease. When he see’s another dog on lead he’ll go and sniff just like he would any other dog, and then he’ll play bow and want to play. He’ll dart away from the dog and then run back. It’s almost like he’s saying ‘I’m off lead and can run around ha ha’. As we walked round the corner by the Priory we saw another dog, being walked by a man (carry a can of lager), his wife/girlfriend and their little girl. Tommy done his normal say hello and then play bowed. The other dog picked Tommy up by the head! Tommy yelped in a way that I’ve never heard before. I was so scared. The dog dropped Tommy who came towards me, ears back, tails wagging lowly and belly almost on the floor as it to say, ‘what did I do wrong?’. The man that was walking the other dog didn’t seem to be distressed at all. No apology, no nothing.

There was a cut above his eye on his brown patch and a puncture under his chin. I am so lucky there is not more damage.

I am gutted that I have let this happen. From now on (for what its worth) I’ll put Tommy back on his lead if I see another dog approaching on lead rather than run the risk. I know it’s a bit late for that, but another harsh lesson has been learnt by me.

I don’t want to mention what breed of dog this was, as I feel the breed has enough bad press. I will say it wasn’t a staffies though…

More relatives

A real test for Tommy today. We went round Aunt Mary’s. There were about 20 assorted relatives there of all ages, but mainly drunk! He played with the children quite happily till someone showed him his lead. He then got a bit too excited so I had to calm him down. He let everyone stroke him; the children were loving the way he rolls on his back for fuss! Again, the dog is almost bomb proof. But I suppose when you take your eye off the bomb it goes off…

Staffies

Met the man with the Arsenal staffies this morning. Tommy did have fun! I can remember when I first got Tommy and his bitey face play used to really worry me – it doesn’t anymore, I know it’s all in play, but sometimes I worry about the other dog owners. Most are ok and can see Tommy has no malice, and that their dogs do the same. Some people though you can see that they want me to put him back on lead. It’s a shame more people don’t understand dog language, and when it’s ok to step back and let them be dogs and when you should interfere because it is getting aggressive. I suppose, like everyone else, I am more worried about staffies, (I could watch two jacks all day with no problems), but I am more comfortable than what I was before I started to read the staffies website. Now, although I am wary, I will always look to the staffies owner for guidance on how their dog behaves around other dogs, rather than immediately assume that the staffies will attack. I feel better for it, and just hope that the owner is in control!

Coat condition

When we first got Tommy, his coat felt harsh and wasn’t nice to stroke (although I did, often). The fur on his neck, head and ears was silky smooth though, and I can remember thinking that I hoped the rest of his coat would feel the same. I realised today it does. I’m so happy

Keep on running

Took Tommy for his run tonight. As the nights are darker now, I don’t like running through the alleys’ to get to the bridge to double back along the seafront, so I go along some wide pavements round the office blocks and back along London Road. He’s great to run with past the offices but the London Road? Just too many take aways and chicken bones. It drives me nuts!

Training and Hockley Woods

Training at Rochford. He seems to be coming along well. I got a well done for my choice of grooming product and Tommy got a well done for rolling on his back for ages! Hockley woods after where we saw Masie (after we got lost of course!). A great run round with teeth and growling! They had fun and he slept for most of the evening with us, in his bed, in the front room.

West Wood

It was stormy weather today so not a great dog walking day. We went to West Wood so Tommy could have a run and a sniff. No other dogs were over there and no excitement really. Pet City afterwards for food and treats. He wee’d up the rabbit cages – that’s my boy!

Waggy Walking

‘He really doesn’t like the rain does he?’ says Emma, Tommy’s day care lady. ‘He only had two walks today, and he walked around like he’s shit himself’. So nicely put.

Southend Training

Southend dog training tonight. Completely different from the Rochford training. We done some lead work, off lead (!) work, sits, down-stays and weave work. Tommy is excellent at these exercises if there is some garlic sausage a few mm from his nose! The teacher is obsessed with dogs weaving between legs.

Poor Tommy

Oh my poor boy! Left Tommy for far too long today with only short walk lunchtime. Didn’t get in from work until 6:45 – FAR too long. I hope dad can take him out tomorrow; otherwise he will be impossible tomorrow night. Bless him.

Rochford Training

I made the commitment today and paid for 20 weeks training at Rochford. I do enjoy the training there and he is picking up on the exercises. He sat so well today for so long! I was bored, who only knows how Tommy felt!


We go over the woods after so Tommy can let off steam. A nice walk with friendly dog owners. Not too many fireworks tonight so Tommy almost relaxed. He managed to eat all his dinner for the first time in four nights.

Play time

Had a lovely walk today. Caught the train to Leigh and walked back along the cinder path and beach. Tommy was off lead when we got to Chalkwell and had a much needed ‘dash’ around the beach. He said hello to a Setter that couldn’t keep up, and a JRTx. His owner did not appreciate the mouthy / growly thing Tommy does (although the JRTx didn’t seem to mind!). Back on lead for another 50mtrs till Tommy has forgotten about that dog. We then saw a Newfoundland puppy. Big as a house and ready to play! Oh it’s so nice when owners let their dogs just have fun.

Fireworks...

I love rain! Especially on fireworks weekend. Not so bad tonight as the weather was so bad and after day care Tommy is pretty tired and ready to flop anyway. Tommy spent most the night under the table, but was happy to walk round the block at about 11:00. Luckily no fireworks went off on our way round.

Fireworks still

Bad night bless him! Tommy was fine when I first got in, excited to see me so I thought last night was all forgotten. We walked to the post box and he was fine. On the way back a few very feint fireworks went off and that was it. He was pulling so hard he made himself choke! When we got in he wanted to go in the garden so I went with him. After my cigarette he wouldn’t come back in. Under the fern behind the wormery is obviously the safest place to hide. I got him back in after about 15 minutes of coercion and blackmail. Then back to pacing. Up and down the flat with a slight pant. I decided to do my ironing (just act as if everything is normal) and opened the door to the bedroom to get the clothes. Whoosh! He was under that bed like a… well… scared JRT! Nothing was going to move him until b/f came in ½ hour later. ‘Hello Tommy, where did you appear from?’ ‘Shut the door’ I called out. ‘Why?’ ‘Just shut the bedroom door will you?’ Too late. Tommy had retreated back to the safe under the bed place. We made tea and made our way outside for a cigarette. Tommy came too and was happy enough in position 1 under the fern. We got him back in eventually, and managed to keep him out of the bedroom. He spent the rest of the night under the table in the front room. I took him for a quick walk at about 10:15 when it had all calmed down considerably. He wasn’t happy about it, but at least with his halter on he didn’t choke. Quick wee and in. Boyfriend and I decided to let him sleep under the table, as it was his safe place. Looks like I’ll be in over the weekend. Not that I’m that bothered to be honest. I’m not keen on fireworks either.

Fireworks

I hate this time of year! I hate kids, I hate fireworks and I hate the irresponsible shopkeepers that sell fireworks to kids! Thought I would take Tommy for a run tonight, as I didn’t want a repeat of last night’s restlessness. We got to the small park by the bridge and a few fireworks had gone off. Tommy seemed fine and was settling into a good run. Then from the park a firework went off. Angled over the road and hit the wall of the school! How dangerous and stupid kids are. It missed me by about 3 foot, but over the road there was a mom, child of about 5, one in a pram and grandma and it was only about 2 foot from them! The child started to scream and I could see the firework doing its stuff on the floor. Tommy decided flight would be the best option and my! Did he speed up. I managed to calm him down just the other side of the railway tracks and asked the first person I saw if they had a phone on them. They didn’t but I told them my tale and they assured me they would call the police when they got in. We carried on with our run and Tommy settled into a good pace. Another firework went off close by (who knows how – we were down the seafront by then!) so more flight. I wasn’t impressed. A very quick run and back home. He was so scared he didn’t eat his dinner until after his late night walk. Now we will have the joys of having a firework scared dog. And I thought it was all going so well.

Meeting the relatives

Big day for Tommy and I today. We went to visit b/f brother. Shouldn’t be a big deal, but I wanted Tommy to make a good impression. He had the runs in the morning so that obviously put me on edge, but it did seem to all clear up by lunchtime so after training we went round. As normal, he was good as gold and my fears were completely unfounded. When we walked in he headed straight for the stairs ‘no’ and he stopped. He sniffed around a bit but didn’t even attempt to get on the furniture. We let him in the garden and he started to run. I shouted ‘steady’ and he slowed immediately. Sniffed the chickens and then the rest of the garden. He’s such a good boy.

More training

First time training at Princes Street. Seriously, it’s a very chilled out training session, where no one apart from the instructor and I are really enthusiastic. But! We do different things there. Not all sit / stay, down / stay. We first done some heel work. The instructor laid out a course of 8 chairs. At each chair we had to get our dog to sit and then walk onto the next chair. With 5 of us going round it was fun! Then we done some heel work round hoops. ‘Back to back’ recall. Getting the dogs to walk backwards and then ‘through’ the chair legs! And weaving between our legs. Its good fun and makes a change from all the ‘sit stay’ stuff I normally encounter at training classes.

Play date!

Went up to Maggie’s (my sister) after training for a play date with Duke. Now that was fun. Poor Duke is my sisters’ old boxer dog and Tommy was very excited! Unfortunately the bitey face was all over poor Dukes jowls. He is such a polite dog and didn’t tell Tommy off once.

Downes pt 2

It was really nice at the vets tonight – well, I thought so. The vet came out to me first and asked how I was, and then asked about Tommy – where I got him from, any issues I’ve come across, what history I was given. We then went through to the consultation room. The door was shut and Tommy had a good sniff round. He was weighed (7.85kg) and after he settled he went on the table. Ears, eyes, nose and teeth checked. Couple of treats and then the Kennel Cough vaccination. It’s sprayed up the nose so it was my job to hold his head in the pit of my arm. All ok. We chatted about his allergy, and his coat not growing back under his chin. He said I could up the flea treatment to every three weeks. He also said that I’ve only had him 7 weeks; he has had to adjust to his new home, new rules, diet, exercise programme, routine and new people. Even though he has now got a better life, he didn’t know that to start with. I suppose I forget that bit.

Hard day in the office...

Downes and Partners

I’ve called my old vets to see if my old vet (!) is still there. He is. I asked how much the Kennel Cough vaccination is - £6.00 more expensive than the RSPCA vets. Do I pay the extra and have a vet I trust and explains things? Too right I do. We go tomorrow. The receptionist asked if it’s a new addition to the family ‘because I’m sure Rocky the Chicken doesn’t need it’

Waggy walking still

I mentioned the horse episode to Emma Waggy Walker. She has said that she has never left him around horses. Hummm, I thought she took him over the stables with her. She mentioned his collar is rough on his throat. I will remedy that tonight using scissors. He was tired again and had a happy look on his face. It’s a right pain to get over to Waggy Walkers, but I think Emma is excellent with him.

Rochford training

First time training at Rochford. They showed me how to get Tommy to sit, and how to get him in the down. It was all good and quite easy really. You could see Tommy was enjoying it and watching the other dogs to see what he was meant to be doing. Must practice during the week though, you cant expect them to remember one week to the next can you?

Horses..

B/f and I took Tommy over Belfairs Woods again so we could let him off lead. It was great fun, for a while. He played bitey face with other dogs, ran around with other dogs, sometimes chasing but more often that not being chased! We then went past the private paddock and Tommy thought it would be nice to say hello to the horses. Would he come back? Oh no! He was enjoying barking at them way too much. The horses were getting agitated and started to stamp. We carried on calling but to no avail. B/f jumped in the paddock with the agitated horses and the excited (and still barking!) dog. He couldn’t get anywhere near Tommy, so I jumped in as well. It was probably the most scariest 15 minutes of my life trying to catch a JRT whilst dodging three agitated horses. We put him straight back on his lead and walked him to the exit. A disappointing end to a really lovely walk. We now believe he is ‘responsive to horses’.

Rotties x 2

Had a day off today, so I didn’t get up until 7:20. I went over the graves where we normally go, and was quite happy with our ‘on the lead, run around a bit and sniff’ thing we normally do. As we got towards the entrance / exit a man walked in with two rotties, trying to light a cigarette whilst holding the two rotties. Obviously they wanted to say hello to Tommy and I could see the man wasn’t in control of them. They pulled him over! Right over! He started shouting at them and they ran off a short pace. He chased them and got them back. ‘Sorry love’, he said ‘he’s aright but she has had puppies and it has turned her funny’ hummmm. Nothing to do with the fact that they are not trained very well and strong then? Nothing to do with the fact that they wanted to say hello and you was more interested in your cigarette then? People are strange.


Later on we went to Belfairs woods and I let him off lead. And he came back, although sometimes it was more ‘eventually’ rather than ‘must get back to mom’. And I managed to ‘disinterest’ him in another dog so he followed me. And we played hide and seek. And I really enjoyed it.

Waggy walking off lead

Waggy Walkers Emma let Tommy off lead today. She said his recall was excellent. I’m not convinced. I believe it’s more to do with chasing the other dogs and eventually making his way back to her.

Waggy Walking

Tommy’s first day at Waggy Walkers. This is a new thing for me, but I thought it would be good for Tommy. Basically, I get up at the normal time (too early!) and take him for a short walk. Then I get ready for work, drive the 5 miles to Stambridge against rush hour traffic and drop him off at Emma’s, before driving the 4 miles back to work in rush hour traffic to get to work. I told her his recall is non-existent still. She takes Tommy and the various other dogs she looks after over Hockley Woods, Shoebury Park and other places. He also gets to go over the stables and has a day with other dogs and people. I think it’s good socialization for him. I collect him at about 6:00. Emma said he was very well behaved and that she loves his markings. She asked about his skin condition and mentioned that he hadn’t been neutered long. When it was time to go Tommy wanted to jump back in her van – bless him! Well worth the £15 it costs, and he must get bored being either at home or in the office with me all day. And he was so tired tonight I got to go out! Hurrah!

Vacs done!

At last! Tommy had his second vaccination today! I feel that we are getting somewhere and I can start to enjoy him more, because there is now no, or little, threat of catching the diseases that he needed to be vaccinated against! Hurrah!

Oh Amba!

She is back in kennels...  Am so sad.  Especially as the guilt I feel over not being able to adopt her had started to ebb away and I was beginning to enjoy Tommy more.  I'm so sad and f**ked off!!

Training and oops...

I went over to watch some training in Rochford today. Because Tommy hasn’t had his second vaccination, we weren’t allowed to take part. It looked like the normal walk round to heelwork. Lots of sit stays, down stays etc etc. I left Tommy in the car and after about 10 minutes he started to bark. And didn’t stop. So unusual for Tommy who is normally quite happy in the car and never barks! The instructor came out and had a go at me. I then went round moms – Tommy ran straight to the garden and done a big poo. No wonder he was barking! I then had to run some errands with Tommy in the car – sometimes being left in the car. I think the age of ‘Tommy being quiet in the car’ is well and truly over. It’s a shame but it is all my own fault. At least I have one training class sorted out. Start in two weeks.

Running still

Excellent update from Amba today! The ‘sit complex’ line really made me laugh!


B/f took Tommy for his run. 5km and b/f runs fast! B/f came back covered in sweat and red faced. Tommy just strolled in looking for his dinner. Looks like he’s a good match.

Running fools

Went for a run with Tommy tonight! Hurrah! Not that far because I was unsure how fast/far he could run. We only went a mile or so but he ran fast – faster than I normally do. He seemed to enjoy it and wasn’t even panting when we got back! B/f is taking him tomorrow.

Vets again

Another update from Amba. She was off lead in the woods…wish I could let Tommy off.


Tommy went to have his stitches out today. The nurse put a muzzle on him whilst she done it. I felt sorry for him but he did behave – honest! They also gave him his worming tablet and I picked up some more flea treatment. Another £40.00 that I wont see again. I wish I was enjoying him more.

Amba update

An update from Amba. She seems to be settling in well, albeit with a few issues on excitability. Lucky girl!

Irritation

One of the things I really wanted to do with a dog this time round is run with them. Not a big deal, but something that was on my ‘wish list’. Tommy isn’t allowed strenuous exercise for another few days… another irritation I thought I’d mention

Thats my boy

Tommy settling in really well. He barked at the sandwich lady and the postman today at work.

Amba news and first day nerves

Oh today made me so happy! I went onto the terrier rescue website and Amba wasn’t where she normally is (dogs needing homes – in kennels). I was shocked, where was she?? And yes! She has been moved to reserved! I so excited for her! Please be good Amba x.


Tommy’s first day at work. He slept for most of it and didn’t bark at anyone. Tail wagging when people came in. Boss feels extremely sorry for him. He is a sensitive soul anyway but his eyes fill with tears on a regular basis over him.

Off lead and away!

Disaster day! We took Tommy to the little park with boy so they could get to know each other. We let him off in the tennis courts again and guess what? Little git found the hole in the fence and was off up the road before you could say Jack Russell! B/f chased him and eventually caught up with him by Cliffs Pavilion. Not surprised really.


Am fed up with the sound of the plastic cone scraping walls.

Off lead

Another slightly bigger cone. I hope this one is big enough…


We took Tommy up the park and let him off in the tennis courts – you know – the bit that says no dogs allowed. We practiced recall for a bit, and he was good, for a bit. Then he got bored and started sniffing. We put him back on lead and continued the walk before he found the hole in the fence.

Perfect day

Today was the kind of day I’d been hoping to have all week with Amba. Firstly, I took Tommy into work to clear that I could bring him in next week (cant leave him at home with that cone on.) And then we went to see Sarah and her two girls. He was so good. Laid in the garden, let the girls fuss him without getting grouchy, he was just a joy to have around. We went out for a walk and it depressed me a bit that I couldn’t let him off lead, but I know one day I will, I’m sure.


We went up a ‘dog friendly’ pub tonight because I didn’t fancy leaving cone head by himself. He was completely unfazed by it all. The train was exciting, pub was excellent and he eventually fell asleep on boyfriends friend lap. Ah bless.

There haven’t been many updates on Amba recently. I hope she’s doing ok

Vet trip

Took Tommy to have his balls off, first vaccinations and claw clipping. They seemed very ‘offish’ at the vets. Not like my old ones. I picked him up at about 4:30 and couldn’t help but feel sorry for him with his huge cone! He must wear it to stop him ripping his stitches off. Back at the house he crawled into his bed and looked very sorry for himself. I immediately took pictures and texted them to everyone I know ;-). Half an hour later I realised he could reach his stitches so back to the vets for a bigger cone. He has taken to wearing it quite well. Not.

Settling down

Tommy barked for the first time this morning! Took me by surprise really. It was at some leaflets coming through the door, but he soon decided it wasn’t worth worrying about. Then I took Tommy to meet mom and dad. Oh he had fun! He was charging around the garden and playing with his toys. He kept a very close eye on what I was up to but still had a good run. It was lovely to see. Bonnie actually turned up to get the paperwork sorted. Tommy barked at her a lot and humped her leg! He goes in for neutering, vacs, worming, and nails tomorrow. It will still be another 14 days after before he can have any real ‘dog’ action. It’s just not how I planned.


I need to get my life organised though. Showering and eating are so low on my priorities at the moment.

No fun

My first full day alone with Tommy. We walked round to the little park first thing so he could do his wee’s and poo’s. Then back home. Still not much interaction with dogs because of his non-inoculation status, I’m trying to keep him away anyway. It’s very frustrating. I called Bonnie about the paperwork. She said she would come over at about 4. Bonnie called at 3:50 – cant come today, how about tomorrow. She hadn’t called the vets either about the neutering. Not that I can do much with Tommy at the moment, waiting around for Bonnie wasn’t fun either. To be honest, I’m not enjoying this at all and keep thinking about Amba.

Who are ya???

This one was taken over the park this morning - you can

clearly see how thin the poor mite is...

Tommy the JRT!!

Boyfriend took the day off work so we could purchase ‘dog stuff’. We went to Pet City and bought bowls, food, toys, bed, collar, halter, two leads, brush, shampoo, ID tags and treats. It was fun! We have also changed his name. Being completely non-responsive to Jerry we thought it would be ok. He’s now called Tommy. We took him for a long walk up London Road so we could get a tub for him to have a bath in. He eventually calmed down on the lead but was so interested in everything and everyone! It’s a bit embarrassing as his skin allergy is horrid. I can feel people’s eyes on him the whole time. If they bother to ask we explain that he is a rescue that we’ve only just adopted him. The flea treatment is working though – he’s not scratching so much. Because of his vaccination status we still haven’t had any trips to the park – not that I think his recall would be any good! Its not quite so much fun as if I’d got Amba and a off lead romp in Hockley Woods or down the seafront. Bonnie called and said could we do the paperwork tomorrow, she’s snowed under at the moment. We went to the pictures. He was left for 3 hours. No mass disruption when we got back.

Tommys back where you can clearly see his bloodied fur - bless him...

Jerry the JRT

Called Bonnie about having the Cocker on trial. She said that he has already been adopted (I have my suspicions), but if I don’t want Jerry then I could always bring him back. Hmmm. If he is mine, and we start to bond surely I will forget all about Amba and love Jerry? At the moment, that doesn’t seem like much of a possibility. I wanted to spend this week off work going places and seeing how Amba would react to the park, beach, pub, woods, and the fete that is on on Wednesday. I feel like I’ve been cheated and I almost called the rescue centre again and plead with them if I could take Amba on trial. I chickened out and call Bonnie back. ‘Is it ok to keep him? And can I flea treat him’. ‘Yes, please do. I have tried calling his previous owners but they aren’t calling back. I will have to come round and do the paperwork, and book him into the vets to be neutered. I’ll try and book him in for Wednesday for the neutering and shall we do the paperwork about 5?’ ‘Yes, that’s fine. I’m off all week to settle him in so will be about’. ‘Excellent. I will also book in for his vaccinations and get his nails cut. Will call you later’. So that’s it. I have Jerry the JRT.

To be or not to be...

Took Jerry (ugh!) to the little park first thing. I really haven’t taken to him much. Is this because I know he might be going back? I have had a word with boyfriend and the general consensus is that we should try the Cocker as well. I think he’s right. Although Jerry is ‘such a cutie’. Albeit quiet…

Later

B/f and I took him for a walk along the Cliffs. It was good to be out, to be walking. I don’t think Jerry was walked very much where he was before. Everything is just so exciting! He doesn’t seem to pay any attention to his name. He also only ate half his dinner and seems content enough just to lie on his blanket, keeping a very watchful eye. He hasn’t messed in the house yet though. Surely that’s a bonus. I’m not as excited as what I thought I was going to be.

JRT arrives!

I am with dog! Albeit a flea bitten generally neglected dog. He’s a JRT called Jerry. Seems to be very scared (not that I’m surprised). His claws are too long. He seems a bit underweight. He’s not neutered. He is covered in fleas and has the most terrible flea allergy I’ve ever seen! His pads are also very soft. When I got to the centre Bonnie, the RSPCA lady recognised me straight away. She had 3 dogs in. The JRT, a staffie (obviously) and a working Cocker Spaniel. After a quick discussion about the JRT and the Cocker, she said that the JRT might be more suitable ‘as he is the one that would sit under the desk, he seems such a cutie’ (hummm that word again.) The Cocker is a bit nutty’. I was delaying. I know boyfriend would much prefer the Cocker, but it does have to sit under my desk! Bonnie then said ‘well, take him home on 24hour trial and see how you get on’. ‘If it doesn’t work out, could I try the Cocker as well’. ‘Yes, of course. Now you have food, bowls etc don’t you?’ ‘Yes’ I lied. ‘Just don’t leave him by himself’. ‘Oh ok’. That was 4 hours ago. I stopped off at Pet City on the way home and got the food and a blanket for him to sleep on. And a toy. He seems very timid. I hate the name Jerry. And not being able to walk him (Bonnie wasn’t sure if he was vaccinated either…) makes it all a bit confined. I wish he would show some more animation. He had just started to play when boyfriend came in with boy. He went back into his ‘quiet’ mode. I’m not sure if this is going to work out. I wish I could walk him over the park.

Where am i??

Small Hopes

I have called a few dog walkers to see if they have vacancies. Two of the three don’t (not that I would have trusted a dog in their hands anyway). The third still hasn’t responded. I am going to phone up the RSPCA lady I spoke to in August. Back then, she done a home check for a dog that I was hoping to adopt in Nottingham, which fell through (surprise surprise). She may have a suitable dog for me.

Battersea - Brands Hatch

What a day! Boyfriend drove me to insanity this morning with his ‘oh there’s loads of time’ attitude when I really needed to get going. We ended up getting caught in really bad traffic on the M25, without having lunch before we left. So by the time (which was about 2:45) we finally got to Brands Hatch it was a case of find a dog quick! There was a collie cross for adoption that boyfriend fell in love with, but so had another family. Big waggy tail and long tongues are always going to be adopted first. If only we hadn’t have spent so long in bed ;-). I filled out the form and went with boyfriend to look at the dogs. There was about 10/12 all waiting for homes. A couple of rotties (too big), a couple of too large cross breeds, the collie and the rest were staffies. It was so sad. We were drawn to a small staffie bitch called Titch, but in reality, none of the dogs were what we both wanted. We had the interview which was going very well I thought. Then the part about leaving the dog. ‘’So the dog will be left two days a week’. ‘Yes, but I will be going home both lunchtimes to walk and fuss him’. ‘That will not be long enough break for him’. ‘But I only work 10 minutes from home’. ‘So when will you eat then?’ ‘I eat at my desk’ (which is true, why waste valuable lunch times eating???). ‘I’m sorry, but that is not feasible. If you wish to adopt a dog you need to make better facilities. How about employing a dog walker, or do you have any relatives that could look in on the dog’. ‘My mom is going to anyway’ ‘well, she should come down and meet the dog as well. It’s best if the dog meets as many people as possible that it will come into contact with.’ Again, I was gutted. We had left it too late to shoot up to Battersea and at least look for another dog while I sorted out a dog sitter. It seems like it’s all stacked against me.

Now for the bad news...

I have called and they called me back. I now feel really bad as the lady that deals with adoptions has had a sick hospital bound husband! We went through a few bits and the kennel hand will give me a call back later. On the website they have put ‘strong lead – Amba’ ;-)

Emma, the kennel hand has called and has wrecked my visions. We were talking through Amba’s personality, and she was going through my questionnaire, she asked about my mom. ‘Oh, your mom will be looking after the dog sometimes and is scared of staffies’ ‘yes, but she is fine with other dogs, it’s not so much that she’s scared of them but has never been around them’ ‘I really don’t think I can let you adopt Amba. Do you think your mom will be able to hold a dog down by the throat’ ‘ah no’. ‘sigh. I’m not sure if it would ever come to that, but the possibility is there. I’m sorry, when I let Amba go it would have to be on a permanent basis. She has had too much upset in her life so far’. ‘oh, oh ok. Is there any other dogs that you may think are suitable?’ ‘Oh lets see, there are two dogs…’ but I wasn’t really listening. I was listening to the sound of my heart breaking. I had waited over six weeks for this day & it wasn’t going to happen. I am surely gutted. Boyfriend is being supportive and has tried to geer me along. But I am gutted and he knows it. Another trip to Battersea to the centre at Brands Hatch as well as London is planned for tomorrow

Call pt 3

I know there are busy but still no one has called back. Maybe I should call again?

Call, pt 2

No one has called back

Call, pt 1

I called the rescue centre today and left a message. Hopefully someone will call me back soon. I'm hoping to collect Amba on Saturday.

Battersea Day

Oh that place is so sad! I did cry a couple of times whilst walking around. What I have really noticed is how many staffies end up in rescue. I know there is a lot of bad publicity surrounding the breed, but I was completely blind to how many end up in rescue. It’s upsetting that I wont be able to rescue a staffie. My mom (who will be looking after the dog two afternoons a week) is scared stiff of them. This is more to do with the bad publicity of them rather than any incidents to do with them. I didn’t really see any dogs that came up to Amba’s standard until right at the end when I saw a cross breed (collie sized, long hair, waggy tail) that I thought boyfriend would like. I ran down to reception, but they had stopped doing interviews. I like to call that fate. Amba needs a home more.

Too focused!!!!

Boyfriend has said I should really go to Battersea. I have been so focused on Amba, reading her thread every day for any updates, that there could be a more suitable (!) dog out there. I’m going to go on Sunday, when boyfriend has boy. I have called them and they require a letter from the vets (have called, will be ready to collect tonight) and photos of the garden as I’m too far away to have a home check.

Updates???

There haven’t been many updates on the website about Amba recently. I hope she is doing ok

Nearly time....

I have booked a week off work to settle in my new dog. I have decided to go for a rescue dog. There are so many needing homes, and I’ve set my heart on a cross breed down in Kent. (www.rescueremedies.co.uk) Her name is Amba and is ‘such a cutie’. She does have a few issues (it says on the website) but nothing that can’t be corrected with training and love. I put the adoption form into the rescue centre ages ago. At the time, they said wait until a week or so before you wish to adopt a dog and give us a call back. We’ll then go through your application and see which dogs are suitable. Amba is suitable, I know it. Sometimes the posts on her link just scream out to me and say ‘take me home now!’. I am very excited