Letters

Hi Ian

Please find attached Betty at nearly 16 weeks, she is a joy and a pest in equal measures, spraining her ankle by leaping from a chair, but she is a real cracker and we love her and she loves us all too.

She is fast growing and has a lovely shiny coat and happy and healthy. She knows how to sit and wait and waits and sits at the curbside when out walking. She has gone through the night right from the start 10-30 to 6ish. She is toilet trained although the occasional accident when gets excited or forgets. She loves meeting new people and does well with our little grandson and neighbours youngsters.

We have sacrificed a couple of socks and magazines but is generally happy chewing on her array of toys which I am sure will be supplemented by ‘santa’. She has brought so much pleasure and will continue to grow to be a lovely affectionate and intelligence dog, already enjoying walks and trips to the allotment and loves our big garden although I am sure there will be a few chewed plants until she settles down a bit more, although with a spaniel that wont be until she is old and grey.

Our older dog Lilli didn’t take too much to her at first but now is more accepting as Betty gets older I think will settle more and we have made sure Lilli does get plenty of attention too. We are so happy we took the decision to take Betty and I am just about to order our calendar.

With love

Kay and Nick in York, Betty and Lilli x

Hi Di,

Just a little note to say a MASSIVE thank you for recommending Charlie for us and organising his rehoming...to say he is wonderful would be an understatement!!!

We can’t actually believe how good he is, he is a gorgeous boy, has a lovely gentle temperament, whilst also being full of fun. He has settled in so well, we were worried about the 2 hour journey home but needn’t have, as he was so chilled! The kids absolutely love him as do we.

He loves his walks and is already better on his lead and doesn’t pull, he enjoyed a long walk on Sunday to support Ryan play football and brought them luck as they won 3-2 against a team who beat them 8-2 a fortnight ago lol. He fell asleep on Zoe’s bedroom floor last night when it was her bedtime (she was so chuffed).

He is great with my Mum and Dads dog Cassi who lives next door and has been super with any visitors.

We are going to see how he likes the beach this weekend! Should be fun.

We are all so happy!

Thank you so much once again.

David, Justine, Ryan & Zoe.

Dear Ian and Di ,

It is a year and a day since we collected Reuben. He is the most wonderful dog, amazingly sociable making friends wherever he goes including all over France, twice, in our camping van everything taken in his stride including the language [tail wagging is an international greeting], North Wales and up in the Cotswolds on 8 mile walking trips with Richard.

He runs with Richard most mornings, enjoying the best of the mud and water both for wallowing and drinking. Most of all he enjoys evenings on the sofa with us whilst we read or watch TV.

He is very gentle with our old Springer and protects her when out walking. His best friend is our daughter's Cocker, they spend hours playing together. The cat keeps a low profile but he doesn't go too near her, just talking distance.

Reuben is gentle and kind to our little grand children and alerts us if they wake up or cry. He still alerts us to the phone ringing and postman. He barked at every firework! They went on for two weeks here.

Thank you so much for introducing us we love him to bits.

Kind Regards

Gill and Richard

Hello everyone at CAESSR,

I have had Alfie the golden cocker for twelve months today and thought you might like to know how he is doing.

What a joy he is to own. Last week we spent a few days in Devon ( see photos ). The towel bag was to dry him off after a run on the beach with his little pal.

It took a while to find food to suit him and in May he had a colitis type condition that was sorted out by the vet. He has also had his teeth cleaned. Now he is a picture of health and loves his walks and occasional swim when the weather is OK and when it isn't.(ugh)

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and good New Year.

Very best wishes

Shirley

Hi John

Just a quick update on Twiggi ( Tango ). She is settling well chewed her way into the chickens more times than I can count !!!!! Doesn't touch the girls just wants to roll in the mud and poo oh and does she love mud !!!!!

Walked well on lead and heals sits and stays on command everyone loves her. She was let off the lead and decided that she was just going to run and run, so Andrew just waited and she came back. She is going on her first outing on Wednesday beating with Andrew, fingers crossed !!!!

Will send photo when she sits still long enough !

Michele

Hi Ian,

Fraser (was Oscar) is settling in nicely now, we are working on his recall and are able to let him run free in the local fields with very little problem. We visit a stable three times a day to tend Claire’s horse and while he doesn’t seem bothered by livestock he does tend to bark at the horses after a while. This is our next task to try and convince him that the horses are not a threat and that we can approach them in safety.

We haven’t seen the local fox yet but he does take note and become deaf when rabbits are about, luckily he hasn’t come across them off lead or we may have a long wait for him to return. If he does go a long way off we find the most effective way to get him back is simply to ignore him and walk in the opposite direction thus prompting him to return to his pack, us! This is ok in a field but not so good in the street with traffic around so we are extra careful there.

The cat is a challenge, he gets all excited and the cat chickens out and runs off. I think he would be OK if it would only stand its ground as one of the neighbours cats did and put Fraser properly in his place.

In all Fraser is a pleasure to have and a joy to be with, if he is lucky to have us then we are certainly lucky to have him and look forward to many goods times together.

Best wishes,

Lawrence and Claire.

Hi all,

Theo is well and happy. He provides wonderful company for his owner and they have formed a very strong bond. He also loves his dog walker and goes for a walk 5 days a week.

Shortly after arrival with us, theo was unhappy and had a painful tummy, and I found he had a ball in his stomach. It is not one we recognise and the dog walker is adamant he did not pick anything up on a walk, so we are none the wiser as to how he managed to find it and chew it. After surgery and a hospital stay he was back to his happy self.

He has also been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is on medicine long term for this now. His energy levels improved and he lost some weight (much needed as he was a little furry barrel!) since he has been on these meds so we are pleased!

I will forward a photo taken this evening. He's a lovely boy and is much adored!

Best wishes,

Helen

Hello there,

We thought you would like to know how Rea is getting on. We collected her almost 2 weeks ago from her lovely foster mum Jane, who had nursed her through surgery to remove mammary tumours.

Rea is a real treasure, she has settled in well and is very loving and well behaved, though quite timid. She is improving all the time with walking on the lead, which she found terrifying to start with, she follows our Cocker spaniel Bailey everywhere and they get on well. Bailey is a CAESSR dog, too, we've had him for 2 years next March, and he is wonderful, though quite noisy and bonkers at times!

Rea is really funny, she lifts up her little paw and taps him when he doesn't do as he's told straight away! They are both gorgeous and to have two spaniels in the house again is wonderful, thank you CAESSR for all the hard work, time and effort you devote to dogs in need, you are amazing people!

Love

from Mark, Pam, Bales & Ri xxxx

Hi,

Just a letter to tell you how I am doing in my new home with Nik and Jacquie. It has been a week now and I love it here. I have had 2 or 3 good walks a day, played ball and run around the local fields, get lots of cuddles and I am behaving most of the time unless I feel a little mischievous. There is a big garden for me and I am learning to not be manic around the chickens that are here.

Today I have been to Cannock Chase for 2 hrs and ran the whole time. I got very muddy and had to go for a swim in a pond there to clean some off, then my new mum and dad bathed me when we got home. I am very tired now and resting in the soft basket I chose at the pet shop.

Please let everyone know that I love it here and I am being treated well. I have also met lots of my new owners friends and the other family dog called Lilly that lives at a different house.

Buddy

Hello Diana,

We thought we would give you a little update on Luna who we collected on Wednesday this week.

She has fitted in seamlessly,like a missing piece of a jigsaw. A little bit of a poorly tummy the first night, possibly the two hour journey home, after that no problems at all.

She is a lovely dog, very gentle and intelligent, I call her my velcro shadow, except when my wife goes into the kitchen, she loves her grub! She loves a walk and has got a smart new coat ,with a warmer one on order for the winter, we've registered with Amazon so you get a donation.

It must have been heartbreaking for her Mummy to have given her up but she has come to a good home and is much loved and will never be left on her own, if anything it would be me who would get separation anxiety! She has met our family and they adore her too.

So all in all everything has gone perfectly, thanks to you and Team CAESSR, many thanks to all of you, not forgetting Ann at Beech Kennels.

Best regards,

David and Jane

Hi Ian

We said we would send news of Millie, who we adopted about 2 weeks ago.

I am attaching a photo in which she looks rather serious (probably my lack of photographic skills) but she settled in really well right from beginning and is very happy and loving.

She gets a good daily walk - not off the extending lead just yet as we are still busy building up the recall - but is also happy to curl up in her bed whilst we potter round here at home. She is very calm in the car and managed the four hour drive home from Stoke on Trent to Hampshire on her first day with us like a pro!

Our four year old grandson thinks she's wonderful and she's even managing to make friends with our daughter's beagle who visits us regularly too and isn't always keen on other dogs. She is eating well, and is happy to be left for a while during the day especially when kept company by a Kong with something tasty inside!

The stitches round her eye weren't dissolving so our vet has removed them and her eye is looking much better now.

All in all she is a joy to own. Your 2015 calendar which has a picture of Millie and her pups is already on our mantelpiece and a CAESSR sticker adorns our rear car window. It was a long trip for us to make to see her but we are so glad we did!

Best wishes

Jane and David

Hello

I'm having such fun!

I've seen so many new things this week - swans, ducks, buggies, mega buggies full of babies, hi-vis jackets, rubbish lorries - a bit scary at first, but Mum just ignored it so I guess it was OK, playgrounds full of children (very screechy and excitable). Wow, I could have had some fun in the playground if I'd been allowed! I loved the beach and meeting new dogs and people. I think I'm going to like the sea when I'm bigger; paddling and jumping in the puddles was fun.

I'm pretty tired today because I went to my first training class. Sooo exciting. I wanted to play with everyone, but we had to settle down. I did my sit, down etc as quickly as I could so I got those tasty treats. Not keen on all that feeling in my mouth and prodding at my feet. Mum's been doing that every day, but I'm not very happy. The shower is fun, especially the 'find the treat' part. That drier thing was pretty annoying too, but I found if I stayed still I got some treats. Tricky sometimes to stop wriggling...

Mum does this 'heel thing' - it's pretty cool, cos I get to nibble lots of treats and I like the 'watch' bit cos if I look long enough ...more treats! Sounds like I'm treat mad - well yes I am! I like the little walks, but cuddles, playing at home and sitting watching the hens are my best things. Mum's trying to get me to ignore hens - but hey, I'm a spaniel, pretty tricky for me.

Mum welcomes any tips re hens & examining puppies, especially teeth.

These pictures make me look lazy. I'm not really, but they can't catch me on the camera, I'm too quick for them! I have to admit, I do like my snoozes & have a regular routine of sleeps now. My crate is cosy & relaxing. I even like it in the car now cos I know there's some fun coming soon.

Licks from

Ted (previously known as Dudley) Xx (08-11-2014)

Hello Di,

Apologies for not replying sooner, things have been a little hectic here.

Louis has settled in very well and is most certainly loved by all. He’s a strong character and appears to be totally fearless.

Our 15 yr old Staffie, Phoebe has taken on the role of Mum with him and the two are inseparable, a strange mix put he’s certainly put a spring in her step again.

I’ve attached a few photos, hope they arrive safe and sound.

Kind regards,

Richard (06-11-2014)

Hi John,

Just a quick note to let you know Tina has settled right in here “up North”, see pic attached (Tina centre) with my other 2 rescued pals.

They all live out in an heated kennel, and work at least 2 days a week.

Since picking Tina up I have managed to get the training back on par with the other two and what a team.

Best Regards and keep up the good work.

Stuart. (05-11-2014)

Hi John

I have just had anew smart phone which is proving pretty challenging but I am experimenting.

Thought you might like to see Bertie Bassett (as we call him) sleeping contendly with Tess and Anna. I think we knew he was deaf (as well as blind in one eye) when we first saw him but we are coping really well with him. As you know our previous dog from you Lucy was also similarly handicapped.

He is such a lovely character and very easy to love. Thanks for letting us have him.

Regards

Janet (04-11-2014)

Hello Di and everybody.

Daisy is absolutely adorable, with her showing affection which we enjoyed right from the start of the journey home to Gloucester. She was extremely well behaved in the car, sitting on back seat with my wife Glynne​, taking notice of everything she could see. We stopped after an hour for a coffee, parked in a wooded area of car park and walked her around...no pulling or otherwise at all.

Arriving home we parked up in garage before letting her out the side door direct into the back garden, she explored everything in minute detail then did same in the house. I think she was quite pleased with her new surroundings as her tail has not stopped 'wagging' since!

We checked her weight ( Pet Store) at 18.1 Kgs, then 2 weeks later (last week) at the Vets which was 19.7 Kgs. Might be an anomaly between the weighing machines but we'll find out soon when we get a re-weigh at Vets.

The Vet found Daisy was suffering from Thyroid problems, which might explain the weight issue and also the hair loss, but was surprised that the previous owner did not make that known as the vet documents stated that she had the problem.

Her box of toys are largely untouched, so we have established her favourites, added Glynne's soft furry slippers (what's left of them) and put the others away. My first attempt at playing with her, when she had a toy, was a bit alarming. She growled fiercely and I was quick to back off thinking she was a bit aggressive but it wasn't long before we found the written message on the pink squeaky toy saying the growling etc. was normal. We now have some really close-up tugging games and I still have all my fingers!

We are both amazed at Daisy's obedience on and off the lead. The only single issue we have is that she will growl and lunge at other dogs when on or off the lead, if they come within 15 feet. I realise it could be a protective reaction but we will soon find out from the behaviour expert. The Vet expects this reaction to be cured within 2 sessions at the most, so here's to having the resultant 'perfect' pet.

Thanks again to you all, and a special thanks to Daisy's previous carers for their thoroughness in making Daisy into what she is today.

Best Wishes

Ian & Glynne

Hi Ian,

I have enclosed a few photos of the boys, some older some very recent. The highlights are Barney’s obsession with birds. There were birds nesting in my garden and Barney was on to them. What the photo does not show was his cat like leap to get them; wrong move for a dog as his unbalance made him fall through the trellis with disastrous results. Amusing but he was ok. The other one was him after he chased some birds into the estuary and was covered in clay. I had to wash him before taking him into my car.

Freddie’s highlight; I was asked by my friend’s grandson how such a small dog like Freddie can carry such a big ball. My diplomatic answer was that he was a clever dog. Under my breath I thought, well done Fred you just bust the ball and I will have to pay for a replacement.

Freddie is a loyal dog and pines if I leave him. Barney stays close and is very obedient but is swayed by temptation. He is still young and inquisitive and led by his stomach. Luckily his curiosity of eating anything has diminished.

The dogs and I are doing great.

Many Thanks,

Graham

Dear Ian

I am just writing to let you know how well Jake has settled in with us. He has bonded well with Bobby who is our 5 year old springer and he doesn't trouble our cat or chicken.

Like all springers he loves to run and run in the woods, loves a swim, loves to play ball and loves his grub! He gets very excited just before any of these events and tears around usually with a shoe or slipper in his mouth! The rest of the time he is really quiet in the house and no trouble at all.

We really love him to bits and he is a lovely addition to the family. Photography isn't my strong suit but I have attached a couple of pics. One in the garden and the others in Blackwood Forest this week.

Best regards

Gill (02-11-2014)

Hi John,

Just to let you know that Fraser (nee Oscar) is settling in nicely at his new home.

We had an uneventful journey with one stop where he attracted some admirers when in the services car park. We have introduced him to the stables and begun his recall training in the enclosed riding school there.

He is enjoying himself with great enthusiasm and we are looking forward to great times with him.

Best regards and thank you.

Lawrence and Claire. (01-11-2014)