ABIGAIL (Abi) came from a Welsh farmer. She is 4yrs old and is an ex breeding bitch and, typically, is sweet and adorable but shellshocked by coming out into the big wide world. Belinda and Terry very kindly transported her from Wales into Somerset.

She has been neutered and microchipped. Tina (of Tina's Tails) gave her a professional grooming session. She also instructed Tina on how to properly look after a 14 week old puppy, bless her.

She spent a few days with Pauline in Somerset where she was given a friendly welcome by all the dogs and she learned about things like where to go to toilet from her little friend, Rhani.

The paw of friendship from the dogs and the Trust and Loss flower essences meant that she was able to move on to her ready and waiting, experienced forever home.

She is now settling in with her new labrador friends, Tess (16yrs) and George (10yrs) in Wiltshire.

UPDATE FROM ABI'S FOREVER HOME

We got home safe and sound! Abi went to sleep for some of the time, and was quite happy to get out of the car and come inside. She's obviously not used to steps, as she didn't seem too sure on how to tackle the one at the front door! but, when she found the back garden, she soon picked it up! She also met the cat, and after sniffing his bottom, and being rubbed up against, she realised that he wasn't another dog and is now a bit concerned, but he loves dogs, so they'll get used to each other.

We went for a little walk with Tess this morning, then I took Abi, and George for a hike around the fields - she loved it, and we met two (separate) men with their dogs who didn't cause major problems! We also came across a field full of swans, which she was quite interested in, but happy to carry on walking. We met about 25 swans and two ducks so she's certainly getting her share of safari walks!!

TWO WEEKS ON

Abi's tag got here today, so she's now jangling away happily!

She has now been with us for 2 weeks, and is settling in nicely. She is getting to like a bit of vigorous play with me, and isn't scared - she had always enjoyed it with George though ! Also, she doesn't often look to see if she is doing the 'right thing'. She very rarely needs to go off to her bed for a bit of comfort and sleeps contentedly in front of the (unlit) fireplace. Of course, the downside of her feeling confident is that she is now trying to push the boundaries to test me! When we are in the fields, she doesn't come back as soon as she had been doing, but at least I know she understands my commands! So I'm sure we'll soon be back on track...

©2008 Irish Retriever Rescue UK