Page 16 - SPRING 2023

ADOPTING ‘FREDDIE’

A while back we decided to adopt another dog as a friend for our Beddy cross. I'm

allergic to dogs so sticking with the Bedlington theme was the best thing for me and,
after failing to find anything in shelters (they get snapped up so quickly!), I came
across BTRF online and put my name on the waiting list.

A few months ago, we had a message to say that a male Beddy was available in our

area and after looking at our initial application BTRF thought we might be a good
match.

We received information as to Freddie's background and personality so we could
decide whether he was the right fit for our family. We decided we'd like to meet him

to find out more. Having rehomed two rescue dogs in the past (including our current
Cross) we thought we knew the process: fill in a form, get a quick home check, go
collect dog, try and deal the best we can on our own with all the issues and stresses

associated with getting a rescue dog.

With BTRF we couldn't have been more wrong. We were put in contact with the
behaviourist, Clare Grierson from Muddy Mutleys (appointed by BTRF) working with

the gifting family. She discussed his personality traits, training needs, our family
dynamic and answered our enquiries, keeping Kaye at BTRF in the loop at all times of
the process. We proceeded to the next step: the home visit.

Now, in the past, home visits have consisted of someone turning up, usually a local

volunteer, spending five minutes (at most) in your house, quick peep at the garden,
rattling through a few questions on a clipboard, a "yep" and off they go.

Again, I was wrong. BTRF enlisted the help of local
behaviourists, Yvonne and Mary from Progressing

Partnerships who visited us to check our home, meet
the family, ask us a very thorough set of questions,
and have a good chat about our dog experience and

lifestyle. They gave us incredibly useful advice and
aspects to consider with the adoption of a second

dog that we perhaps hadn't considered until that
point. Not just a quick home check, nor a grilling, but

a very engaging and thorough process to ensure a good
fit for all parties.

info@bedlingtonrescue.co.uk www.bedlingtonrescue.co.uk