Our Rescue Puppy

Earlier this year, in March, we brought our rescue puppy home from Dogs Trust. He is a Lurcher, and we named him Thumper after the rabbit in Disney's Bambi because of his long legs. He had been a stray at only four months, unloved and without a home or shelter in the freezing snows, the poor baby. We first saw him in his cage at the dog rescue centre, where they were looking after him very nicely. He had a little room mate 'Paul', another puppy who was also looking for a home. The cage was big with an inside room for them to sleep in and an outside play area with lots of toys and blankets to play with and chew. Even after having been thrown away and abandoned this little boy was still so happy and loving and playful. He won our hearts in an instant.

We brought him home and showed him as much love as we could, he was a little nervous and overwhelmed by all the new sights and sounds. He sat on his little bed and looked around him as if mystified by it all. He didn't now how to climb stairs or go down them and for the first day or two we had to carry him to the garden to allow him to pee. That's if we caught him in time, as he had no house training so there were lots of accidents!  The first night he slept with me on the sofa as he didn't want to be left alone and I swear that once the light was switched off and all was quiet that little puppy burst into tears, just like a child might. He sobbed in a way I have never heard a dog cry before. I think he was so overwhelmed and missing his little roommate Paul who he had bonded with after two weeks in the pound and then another two weeks in the rescue shelter. My heart broke for him. I cuddled him and made him feel as safe as I could but only time would allow for him to feel safe and at home.

But what a beautiful, sweet natured boy he was. We couldn't have asked for a more loving and gentle boy. He learned quickly that the best things in life are cuddles and getting as close as he can to whoever is sitting on the sofa and resting his head on their lap. He learned how to chew everything including shoes, books, wallets, credit cards and even an electric wire (close call!). He learned how to ride in the car with us, sitting nicely on his bed, although by the look on his face I don't think its his favourite thing!

  He learned very quickly how to make himself at home and get comfy

It wouldn't be too much to say he was spoiled rotten!

With all this snoozing, he kept growing

and growing

into the most beautiful boy!


And he's still growing!!

Have you ever given a rescue dog a home? I'd love to hear your stories.