His fur was extremely matted, he hid his tail and he was so, so sad. We searched rescue places all over and eventually found a beautiful black and tan boy – who was saved from a puppy farm in Ireland and brought over to the UK, the rescue aged him at about 5, as he had to have all his teeth taken out due to them being rotten, the vets could not tell his age. We had always loved the look of Cavaliers, and decided the breed was for us. Two years ago, My mum and I decided it was the time to adopt a dog. (Murphys Story Read Murphys Story 930 600) Dotty’s Diaries can be seen on Tania Ledger Having two cavaliers at home already has been vital to Dotty’s progress and without Molly and Dougall it would have been slower and more difficult, she has copied a lot from them. It takes patience, perseverance, dedication, training, a gentle hand and voice, and time. The expression on her face when she looks into his eyes is more heart warming than you can ever imagine.Īdopting a puppy farmed dog has been a huge commitment, and not one that everyone can, or should, undertake. She is totally besotted with my husband Graham and follows him everywhere. It has taken two years to get to this point. She has developed into a loving, playful, sweet little dog and a gorgeous pet. Now we have loads of cuddles and tummy tickles she dances with excitement and expectation at meal times, bouncing like a puppy. She has made so much progress since that first night in our, her, home.
The first moment she made eye contact, the first time she sought affection, the first time she learned that the car took her to fun places, it’s hard to believe that Dotty was once a petrified little soul. Often one step forward and two steps back, the small victories made it all worthwhile. Sudden movements and sounds frightening to her often leading to a flight for cover shaking with fear.ĭoorways was a big problem, taking almost a year to overcome even now she has moments where she pulls back and we have to back away from the doorway for her to feel safe entering. All these normal, day to day experiences meant she was more terrified than you could ever imagine.Įvery day brought its own new challenge. She had never lived in a home, walked on a lead, been in a car, met people, seen a vacuum cleaner or TV, heard a door bell, seen a plane, heard fireworks. Mercifully she was saved by a rescue organisation. She lived in harsh and squalid conditions and was due to be destroyed. (Dottys Story Read Dottys Story 930 600)ĭotty is an ex “puppy farmed” Cavalier.