Here are some case studies:

Seven

Seven suffered severe and intentional physical abuse over a prolonged period of time when he was a young dog. This past trauma has left him distrustful and defensive around humans. Seven is always on high alert when going for walks in public and will panic, bark and lunge when he sees people he doesn’t know, even if they are at a distance. In some situations (when people get too close or when someone speaks to his handler) he is unable to cope causing him to redirect onto anyone who is close, including his handler and other dogs that he is walking with. He also guards high value resources. Seven is muzzled and kept on a short lead when he’s in public for everyone’s safety, including his own. Seven is an extremely challenging dog for us to find a home for as he has so many issues but we won’t give up on him.

Wanda

Wanda arrived at Gables from a puppy farm, heavily pregnant, filthy and terrified. Every day for weeks we worked to build Wanda’s confidence, we taught her how to walk on a lead and how to play with toys. When her puppies had been weaned Wanda was ready to be assessed and subsequently adopted. She was still too nervous to cope with young children but she was suitable to live with other animals. She needed a quiet home with someone who was experienced with confidence building, as someone who did not have this experience could have struggled to help her. Wanda was adopted by the most amazing couple who have helped her turn into a very happy and confident Labrador. Not only that, but they went on to adopt another dog, Wolverine, a few months later who had come from the same place and had the same problems. Wolverine is now a much more confident chap thanks to their hard work and dedication.

Veggie

Veggie first came to Gables in 2013 when he was 3½ years old. He was nervous of new people but quickly rehomed. Sadly this did not work out and resulted in Veggie having a number of homes over the years. After returning into our care Veggie struggled in the kennels and became our reception dog which helped him settle. Veggie is very set in his ways and he likes a routine, which he was given. After a bout of pancreatitis he was taken home by Deputy Manager Ruth to keep a close eye on him. Ruth had to make some minor adaptations to her life to accommodate him as he had some behavioural quirks that needed ironing out including separation anxiety and dog reactivity. Veggie settled in so well that Ruth decided to adopt him. He is now able to be left for short periods of time, he is no longer reactive towards dogs (in fact he’s even now got quite a few friends) and he is living the life he deserves.

We work hard to look after the animals in our care. We love and cherish them as though they are our own and we want nothing more than for them to be happy in forever homes. Reading and hearing so many negative comments from unhappy people is really hard for our staff and it can take its toll. We only have yours and the animal’s best interests at heart when we tell people they aren’t a match. So please trust our judgement, listen to our expertise, be kind and be patient.