Letters

Hello to all at CAESSR

Here are some photo's of Jamie taken after getting a rosette at a local fete/fun dog show back in July. Joseph says he was lucky to win this 3rd prize in the "pretty face" category as there were only 3 entries. THAT IS SO NOT TRUE. When the judge approached me, arm outstretched in congratulations, I shrieked "What me" to which she replied "No, your dog". That put me firmly in my place!.

I have managed to do some flyball training with him and HE enjoys it. For me, it was a bit of a shock realising I had to go over the jumps first to encourage him to follow. Not the prettiest of sights. I said to him, copy Mum but not quite like that!! Little did I know until later that he'd taken the easy option; only jumping the first 2 and running around the outside of the remaining ones, grabbing the tennis ball and playing with the dogs who were trying to concentrate on their tasks and his grin getting wider and wider. Who said animals are dumb??

Thanks to Teresa and Des for their comments on Jamie's previous sleeping arrangements. It makes sense as he only wants company having been with 3 others, and not toileting needs as he's not interested in the door being opened to go outside, and after cuddles and fuss then (when he's ready) just goes back to bed. Maybe Joseph or myself should be disguised as an elderly setter and sleep in a dog basket.

I think he must have some feline genes in his ancestors as he chases and catches mice which he will eat (I KNOW - SORRY) if I'm not quick enough to rescue the poor little things. I hope this is not a danger to his health. I know it is for the mice! Also he often jumps up in the air and then pounces on a toy or food to play with for ages which I haven't seen in our previous cockers. All of them have had different personalities but still showing the typical traits of the breed. We wouldn't change our Jamie for the world, love him to bits in spite of his peculiarities! Thank you for your good work and good futures for others.

Congratulations on your choice of calendar dogs. They all look lovely.

Regards

Jennifer Joseph & Jamie (28-102014)

Dear Ian & Di,

Just a couple of pics showing Marley (was Charlie) happily settled in his new home. Everybody loves him (except perhaps the cat, but we are working on that) and he even charms strangers in the street.

He has had lots of adventures - going to the pub, shopping in Pets at Home, the groomers, as well as meeting loads of new dog friends at the local park. Having instantly chewed a couple of soft toys, we are now tuned into his need for chewing and tug of war games! He also is currently going to day care one day a week and he has made loads of friends there to! We will all be starting obedience classes next week!

Thanks for all your help,

Caroline & Steve. (26-10-2014)

​Hi Ian

We had difficulty putting info about Doby on to the website so I thought I'd give you an update now.

We collected Doby Easter Saturday from the Stoke on Trent kennels before he went on to the website. He was a 7mth old cocker spaniel, chocolate brown with lovely markings in ginger. He settled in very well with us here in North Wales and has the nicest temperament, but very lively and bouncy! Seems like he might have a bit of springer in him.

We re-named him Muddi because of his colouring and he adapted to his new name with no problems at all.

Lorna (23-10-2015)

Hi Ian,

We collected Harvey, a Brittany spaniel, from Stoke on Trent on 12th October. He travelled well with a short stop at a motorway services where he made friends with an Alsation on the picnic site. We knew nothing of his old routine so he has had to adapt to ours. He was a bit anxious and clingy at first but is gaining confidence every day. We have not yet had to leave him alone in the house for more then a few minutes but he seems quite happy to be left in the car. He has a blanket in the back of our estate.

He gets two meals a day and two walks as well as freedom in our garden and our field. He loves racing round the field chasing smells and is quite good at coming to a call or whistle. He gets a treat when he comes quickly so is getting better at it.

He is a very good natured dog and is happy to be groomed or showered. He found something horrid to roll in out in the field so needed a wash. He gets very excited at the sight of a lead and pulls like a train so we are working hard on getting him to walk quietly on the lead. If I walk very fast I can get him to heal for seconds at a time so hope springs eternal.

He also doesn't have any traffic sense and this is vital on our narrow country lanes so that is another lesson he has to learn. It took our last dog six months so it is very early days yet. He settles well at night but has been trying to make us get up at 6 in the morning instead of 7. This we have resisted, head under the duvet until the alarm goes off. I think we have won as the last two mornings we have been woken by the alarm instead of plaintive scratching on the kitchen door. There may be a set-back at the weekend when the clocks go back.

All in all we think we have been very lucky to have him, he has been very friendly to every person and dog he has met and has not disgraced himself in any way. He hasn't met any cats yet though but then again we don't expect perfection.

I have tried to take photos but it is difficult to get him to stay still long enough.

Regards,

Claire and Andrew (23-10-2014)

Hello

I've had a busy couple of days exploring my new home. I've enjoying meeting just a few new people, Tim (vet), Ann (neighbour) and Louise (mums friend). There are some feathery animals here who live in a little shed and fenced run. They are pretty boring as they were all asleep on perches.

I've played in the fields here. I like hide and seek, and love running straight back to Mum when she calls me (she gives me cuddles, treats and toys). Mum also wants me to sit (that's ok) but I'm not so keen on that collar and lead idea, except when she holds treats by my nose.

It's nice to go out for wees and poos; there's a chance to sniff about a bit too. Sometimes when I've been playing I forget about wees. I was practicing what mum calls 'settle down' but just drifted off to sleep. It's nice and warm here; its much nicer when Mum is nearby. I like being brushed, I get treats, but Mum does something funny with my teeth. It's tastes a bit funny with her finger rubbing my teeth. I'd rather bite her, but she doesn't like that- she stops playing if I nibble.

I like it in my crate (I climb in any time I'm tired) and have been clean and dry at night because Mum takes me out when I wake up. Mum says I'm going to meet new friends at classes in a couple of weeks. It'll be good to play with the others

Love from Dudley & Liz

Lick lick (22-10-2014)

Hi Ian,

I have had Arrow since mid July and he is an absolute joy to own and be with. He has changed my life for the better as he is a wonderful companion and ensures that I take exercise every day! He gets on exceptionally well with my family all of whom own dogs, and in particular my grandchildren. He does seek attention but on the other hands will settle on his bed and quietly sleep. We enjoy a walk each day around where I live and that usually involves walks along the canal and the disused rail line known as the Middlewood Way. He has spent some days with both my children's families and behaved impeccably with them and their dogs. In fact my younger son took him to work with him where he again behaved well.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to adopt Arrow. He has brought much into my life.

Regards,

Paul (21-10-2014)

Hi Ian,

Di asked me to send you a photo of our newly homed dog. This is Rosie aged 8 weeks old, one of Millie's litter of eight. She is on the September page of the recently homed dogs as one of the eight in the litter.

She's full of life, good at shredding paper, loves playing with her toys, very affectionate, settled really well into her new home and loves jumping on the sofas even though she knows it's not allowed. Now 3.8kg and growing fast.

Regards,

Norman and Susan (19-10-2014)

Dear Leanne and family

In the short space of time that Lindy has been with us she has managed to learn our routine which, as we are retired, is very different from that of a young working family. She was quite vocal when she first arrived but with lots of fuss to give her confidence in her new surroundings she is much calmer and quieter. She certainly enjoys her cuddles.

Thank you for your letter which helped a great deal together with her toys, socks and food.

Our vet has given her a check up and we are to continue both ear and eye drops for the time being. He was delighted to meet her as he owns a Cocker Spaniel himself.

It must have been a very sad time for you but we promise to love and care for this very pretty lady and hope that you like the pictures.

Alan and Maureen (18-10-2014)

Dear Ian,

Thank you for your email, the girls are doing great, they have settled in amazingly, They are so well behaved and a pleasure to have in our family. Tally especially loves it when our youngest daughter comes home from school because they love to run and play hide and seek in the park, Gilly is great she just lets them get on with it and stays close to us enjoying the smells at a slower pace, they are very good around our horses and love being up the farm. Unfortunately I am unable to upload a photo to send to you today but I should be able to send one to you in the next couple of days, I just wanted to reply back to you as soon as I could.

Please reassure the previous owners that the girls are loved very much and have bought a lot of happiness to us and we will take very good care of them.

Kindest regards

Selina (16-10-2014)

Hello Di, Ian, John, Pat and Ann

Molly is now 13yrs old and has been with us several months. She joined 6yr old Dylan, also a Springer, and they got on really well from the start. (We had already taken Dylan to CAESSR for an initial visit to see how they took to each other). Before she came to us, Molly underwent surgery for lumps and bumps. Thankfully, she has fully recovered and our vet thinks she is a very plucky girl. Molly is a treasure and a much-loved addition to the family. Clearly she came from a loving home where she was well brought up and had a very good life.

She has her individual characteristics, like all Springers! For instance, if she thinks she has been too long in the garden last thing in the evening before bed (and biscuits!) in the kitchen, she gives one short bark. She is quite curious and will often quietly slip through if she sees an open door! She is full of love, liberally giving kisses if anybody is in reach and down at her level. Molly does not hear so well, and keeps a close eye on where we are and also on her new friend, Dylan. She travels well in the car and has enjoyed holidays in the country and at the seaside. Food, walks and affection are her major interests in life!

We look forward to many more happy times with beautiful Molly.

Richard and Nikki (16-10-2014)

Dear Ian & Di ,

Thought I would drop you a line to update you. Sophie and Dyson are both doing well, keeping us busy with lots of country walks ! They are well settled now and enjoying life in Gloucestershire.

We couldn't imagine our lives without them now. It has been interesting as we have seen their individual personalities come out!!!

So glad we came across your site!

Best wishes

Jon & Pete (11-10-2014)

Dear John

Charles and George went to the groomers today so we thought it was the right moment to take photos, but it’s very difficult to photograph spaniels without them looking doleful, or happily running off separately into the distance! We put them on a lead to get them together, so here are a couple of attempts. Also, as George is quite deaf it’s hard to get his attention.

They are lovely dogs, much admired, and seem very happy so that is the main thing. They run around the house with our shoes and are very interested in what’s going on around them.

Best regards

Sue & Mike

Dear John

Please could you let Leeanne know that we are delighted with Linda and, although it is early days, she seems to be settling in well with us. While on some short walks around our village she met several people who were very fond of our previous dog. Without exception they think Linda is lovely. She walks beautifully on the lead and she has been happy when approached by other dogs. Against all our expectations we had a very good night and she didn't stir from going to bed at 11.00 until nearly 7.00 this morning. She sleeps on her bed in our bedroom and to be nearby may have helped.

As I have a close relative and a friend called Linda we are changing her name to Lindy. This small change shouldn't be noticed by the dog and will avoid more confusion within the family.

Lindy has already started to fill a huge hole in our lives left by Gyp and you can be sure that she will be loved and cared for.

Maureen (07-10-2014)

Dear Di and John

I thought you might like to know how Saddle is getting on. After the first few initial problems when I think his brain was completely scrambled from being moved twice in a short space of time he has become THE most wonderful dog. Obedient, naughty in a nice way, digging holes in my garden, stealing things off the side, hiding things in his bed or the kennel and would love to come upstairs to bed but we do not allow that! He still has a problem with men, my husband cannot get him to do anything, he just looks at him as if to say, ok you live here too but I don't need to talk to you or do anything you say! It is a problem but hopefully he will gain trust eventually. He is a one man dog and as far as he is concerned I am that man! He won't go for a walk with anybody else if I am around, my neighbour is wonderful and takes them out when we are out for longer than a few hours and that has taken time too, she couldn't let him off the lead or he would just run back to the fence and wait to be let through. As I write he has just taken some socks out of the laundry basket which had been washed and were waiting to go upstairs, he brought them to me but declined to give them up!

He runs like the wind and has a fantastic nose which will be good when we go shooting in a few weeks time. We went out with another neighbour who runs a small shoot here in the village to see if he was obedient once on the scent of a pheasant and he was brilliant, came back at once when called and I could see he just loved the whole thing.

He gets on so well with our Labrador, sleeping in the same bed with her and and learns new things from her, you only have to tell him once about anything and he gets it straight away, even eating broccoli stalks and carrots which she loves, he was a bit diffident at first but soon realised he had to eat them too or he would go without! He was excellent at the vets when I took him for his 2nd jab a few weeks ago, he was still very afraid of me at that stage but Mark is so good with dogs he seemed to relax straight away.

I see that his friends have all found homes and hope they are all happy too. Everyone round here say that they can see how he has progressed from being such a nervous dog into what he is today. Do hope that you may be able to tell his owner or family that he is doing well and is much loved.

Kind regards

Carol (06-10-2014)

Hello Diane & John

It's Red here, it's been a month since my new family adopted me and I've settled in really well. My new Mum and Dad adore me and give me loads of cuddles and love and tell me what a cute boy I am, so I give them double the love back. To my embarrassment, they call me 'Mr Wigglebottom' at times because of my virtually nonstop tail wagging.

I have two new friends, Dylan the horse who liked me from day one and Ziggy the cat who I've learnt to be a bit calmer around or he scarpers. But he's spending lots more time in the lounge with us all at night now too and Mum said it won't be long before he'll be playing with me.

As well as nice walks, spending time gardening and lots of play with my ball launcher we spend time with the horse every morning and evening and I get to run around and play.

I had a nice bath last week after getting a bit too dirty and my Mum used the hair drying brush my old family sent with me... it's nice having my own things with me and they said I was an angel to bathe. My new Mum and Dad say they can tell just how much my old family cared for and loved me.

I've sent some pictures, One after my bath with ball in mouth, one looking for Ziggy in the hydrangea, one just wait for someone to kick the ball and the last one sporting my new dog moustache toy.

Thanks for your help finding me my new home, whilst I miss my old family I've got a lovely new one that I love and who wouldn't be without me.

Lots of Love

Red X (01-10-2014)

Hi John

This is Harley with my nephew's 3 year old Springer Cooper they got on very well. We took them down to the river they love to swim. At one time my nephew had to send Cooper off to round Harley up. He is a real Springer goes mad in the woods , nose down. Now he has taken to pinching things from the washing line. I think we have a busy few months ahead Ha Ha.

Harley is 19 KG's now which is probably just about right, I think he has grown a little in height and is quite muscular. He was over his operation that first evening and I was pleased at the end of the 10 days to be able to let him off lead. He loves to put pigeons up over the fields and gets on really well with other dogs.

We are off to the Isle of Wight in October so he will be able to go in the sea. Thank you again for putting us in touch with him. Harley is the one on the left he is slightly taller.

Best regards

Diane

Hi Ian,

Sorry to 'bombard' you with photographs……but I thought you may like the attached of Alfie.

He has just turned one year old and is one of the most intelligent dogs we have been lucky enough to have.

Not an aggressive bone in his body !!

No more pictures, I promise……..unless requested !

Best wishes

Glen (01-10-2014)