Page 19 - Summer23 Newsletter

MY LIFE AND OTHER DOGS - PART 2

I was then let off my lead and I headed Due to Berts' delicate spinal condition,
straight over to him, I licked him all over things like jumping in and out of the car

his face and did both ears as well. Now, or going over stiles on his walks were an
the old boy may have been deaf, but he absolute no. This did limit us as to what
knew exactly what I was saying. He let we could do and where we could go.

out a large sigh and slowly dragged BTRF managed to source a special
himself up onto his feet, he took 5 or 6 harness for him, the type used by the
steps towards the door and then sat back military and search and rescue dogs in

down, this was the break we had been the aftermath of an earthquake, to lift
looking for. dogs into difficult areas. That was a game

The medics took the immediate decision changer he could go anywhere that I

that I could do something for him that could now.

science could not. An hour later and We would visit a special secure field
with a huge quantity of medication we where Bert could have a wander off lead

were heading for home. safely. Sometimes he would get his head

The next two weeks were very hard, down and following a scent, would start
Mum had to temporarily close her to wander a little, and because he was

business as he needed 24 hour care, she deaf he couldn't be recalled. I was taught
could only have something to eat or get a a new cue which was ‘FIND HIM’, a small
shower when he was asleep, and I never treat was attached to Bert’s harness and

left his side. Gradually over the next off he would go.

month he improved, and under careful I knew where it was and was given the
supervision he went from a few steps to cue and released. I would go after him

longer walks. Here is a photo of Bert and and get the treat. When I turned up it
I, and a couple of my favourites of him. would cause him to stop what he was
doing and look around, when he made
eye contact with Mum and Dad he was

given a hand signal, and at the same time
I was given my recall whistle. We both of

us received a treat when we came back.

Now Bert loved his food and over time
he started checking in with Mum and

Dad visually every 10 to 15 seconds, ever
watchful for the recall signal which
meant treat time, I also learnt the hand
signal and would recall for a treat

without my verbal command.

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