We were approached by a volunteer in Romania – a fox terrier had been wandering the streets of a town for a month. He had burns all across his body from a weed that irritates the skin – but this is where he had to live – in the field – as every person he turned to for help sent him away – sometimes through violence. He was lost and hurt and we ere asked to help. During his time on the street he found a little dog and the two became friends and inseparable. So when we were asked if we could help him – we had to take her as well. No one gets left behind.
We decided to call them Harry and Sally. We will start with Harry’s story. Harry is a young dog 2/3 years old – a fox terrier abandoned and fighting to stay alive in a rural town in Romania. He was collected by a volunteer, Brought to the Vet – his skin was the immediate concern and treatment began that day. In time he was vaccinated, neutered, groomed, and then brought to a kennel. He stayed there until he could travel to the UK. We were told he is shy (understandable) , fine with other dogs and desperate for human contact.
He was brought to the UK, and we slowly worked on getting to know him. He is shy but sweet. Very gentle in many ways – we aren’t sure if he ever lived in doors – he watches the TV, seems not bothered by general noises (washing machine/dryer, kettle and so on).
What he does have is ‘sleep startle’ -this isn’t uncommon for dogs that have been abused. When they are asleep – they have been threatened by people and this trauma means they can show teeth/growl when they are going into a deep sleep and get disturbed. This can be managed – and we work with any adoptive family to learns ways to help him. In our experience, when trust builds – this behaviour lessens. But we must respect the trauma they have suffered and give them the time to process.
He is looking for a home that will give him that gentle introduction to life.