Page 15 - Winter 2023 Newsletter

MY STORY

We arrived at a nice house with a garden No cage here, as instructed my basket
opposite a big park. On getting in the was placed in a quite area which was all
house, I shot under the table and refused mine, no one was allowed to touch it or

to leave, snarling if they came near me; me when I went in there, my safe space
I was terrified and had a poorly tummy with my teddies (well rabbits).
and kept losing control of my bladder. So, I had to learn to walk on a lead. The BTRF

they left me alone to allow me to get behaviourist said the big leather collar I
over the initial trauma of my life change. had needed to go and I was fitted with a

As is the way with BTRF, a behaviourist, lovely comfy harness and a long lead with
paid for by the charity, arrived and began various adjustments which meant I was
working with my new mum and me. I able to feel comfortable outside again.

would not eat from a bowl, I whale eyed This took a long time as even the sight of
and charged, snarling if anyone came another dog made me very scared and

near my food, I was still quick back then. some stupid humans had a habit of
So, it was agreed that my new mum shouting to my mum and dad “its ok our
would cook food and feed me by hand, I Fred (or whoever) only wants to play” to
know she was worried but so was I, but it which my mum, (never backwards at

calmed me down and as there was no coming forwards), would shout back “our
food to guard I simply ate it and then did dog is nervous and doesn’t play so get
something else; we did this for a while your dog under control and have some

until I started to feel relaxed. We then consideration”. Good for you Mum!!!
introduced a bowl placing it down and Next treat when I was ready, was the
walking away until I had finished groomers. I like to be smart, we all do;

completely; always doing what the I love my groomer - had the same lady for
behaviourist told us to do as anxious dogs years now and she loves me and even
were his speciality. though she has a group of groomers she

Our other way to help me decompress always does me because when I was
after my life change involved enrichment afraid, she was kind, patient, and calm.

games, real dried tiny bits of sausage and I enjoy my visits and look forward to
chicken. seeing my friends, last month there was a

My BTRF behaviourist showed mum how little puppy spaniel called Nellie who was
to scatter the tiny morsels around on the in for a gentle bath, my groomer had

drive and say calmly ‘find it find it’, I loved been fostering her from rescue kennels as
this, and we still play it now. Hunt the she waited for her forever family which
treat was and is another favourite, hiding had happened, I immediately fell for her

treats under tennis balls in a muffin tin. and we snuggled together after our
groom waiting for my mum.

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