I think he looks a little overly nervous.... :-)
Seriously, best of luck with the fella' and good on you for adopting an full- grown, mixed breed dog Mike!
Brian
Cheers Brian,
he's not had a particularly good start in life (hes between 4 & 5).
Was first brought to Merseyside September last year from from Ireland where he was found as a stray. From what I've been told and the vets records at the time he was in a poor condition
Went out to family late Dec/early Jan however they brought him back in March last year for showing aggressive tendencies particularly towards males. Oh and he had killed a (wild) rabbit which upset the kids (jeeez he's a dog, it happens!!).
I first saw him online about 2 months ago and instantly fell for his scruffy dog looks). Popped down to see him and all the staff at the rescue centre were telling me he doesn't like men and will either go nuts or not come out from his 'safe' space would you prefer to see another dog
Me being bloody minded declined, found my way over to the kennel he was in , sat down on the floor outside with my back to him (resting against the bars) and just sat there vaping for about 10 minutes until I felt a cold wet nose in the back of my neck
Spent a bit of time through the bars with him before leaving and repeated this on 2 or 3 subsequent visits
On the next visit I asked if I could see him outside his kennel, again I was told he doesn't like men and would need to be muzzled etc. Fortunately for me his main carer Kelly had seen me with him on my previous visits (bit hard to miss wearing motorcycle gear, orange hi viz and carrying an orange helmet!!) and made a decision to "ignore" the rules and the three of us went for a walk together. Initially with Kelly taking him then she passed him over to me, he was good as gold. Also spent some time off lead with him (Kelly in attendance) in a secure compound.
The following day I went back again and this time Kelly felt she could let me take him on and off lead on my own having been pleased with our interactions the previous day.
Then the nail biting started. I wanted to adopt but as I had holidays booked they wouldn't let me start the adoption process although they did mark me as a "provisional".
Kept popping in every couple of days to see him until I went away then the whole 2 weeks I was in Cyprus it was a daily heck to see if he had been "reserved"
Arrived back in the UK thurs last week and pretty much went straight down to see him again. It was really nice that after a 2 week break he recognised me and gave me a big excited "welcome back wee"
Anyways went through the adoption paperwork that day then over the following week had a one to one with a behavioural specialist (going through his "issues" and advising use of muzzle for walks , new meets etc, not to be left with "small furries") and a home visit (Winston + Kelly) before picking him up this morning with my girlfriend along.
Good as gold in the van coming home, yes I've been out and bought (haven't owned a car for over 15 years) a Winston Wagon (or for those who know him, a Postman Pat van lol) and as he was so relaxed took him out for a little walk across the local fields earlier, again his behaviour was impeccable (no muzzle, my choice) .
And so his 3rd crack at life starts , 2 grumpy greying gits together lol
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The Winston Wagon