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As we receive news of dogs that have been rehomed and have gone on to happier times with their new human partners or families we will feature their stories here. If you have rehomed a dog from ARAS and would like to see your new canine friend featured in Happy Tails please send us an e-mail and perhaps even a photograph. We look forward to hearing from you.

The list of happily rehomed dogs is becoming longer and longer and, as a result, this page is doing the same. To try and save you from scrolling down the page trying to find the dog you are looking for we have listed the featured dogs below. Clicking on the dog’s name will take you straight to the feature on that particular happy hound! Of course, if you just want to browse and read the good news stories about all of our dogs, you can still use the scroll bar on the right hand side. Happy reading. Chas.

RILEY

SHANEY

BALLY

BUDDY

LOLA

ROXY

FRANKIE

STAR

ECHO

KAISER

WILLOW

SCOOBIE

CARA

LEO

BENJI

MAJOR

NENEH & ROCKY

SAM

KACEY

MAX & DINO

STRIKER

SPENCER

TIA & BRANDY

NEMO & SAPHIE

RUSTY

HOLLY

RUBY 2

CASPER

HARVEY

BASCO & TARA

MIA

PRINCE & TIA

SAMMI

JAKE

MILLIE

KAI

ECHO 2

DUCHESS

EDDIE

STAR 2

KAOS

TARA

BEANNIE

SAM

SARAH

SAMMY

BONZO

FAITH

MURPHY

 

 

'MURPHY

MurphyMURPHY2Here at last are some photos of Murphy, formerly Albert. He has settle with us so well and has just come back from his first beach holiday where he swam in the sea until near exhaustion. He is very much loved and we are really at loss to know how anyone could give him up, still their loss is our gain. Thank you very much for finding him for us.'

MURPHY1

 

FAITH

faith-1-

Just to let you know that Faith has settled into her new home and in fact ,it is as if she has been there all of her life from the moment my father took her home. Hopefully you can see from her photos that she is happy and enjoying all her new space to run around in. She is just as you described her on your web site a playful dog with a big personality .She is quick to learn and has made such a difference to my father who was quite down after having to have his Labrador put to sleep in March.

faith-4

Mrs Wood on behalf of my father Mr Brookman

BEANNIE

Dear All.

Just some piccys of me in my new home. I am behaving myself and having a whale of a time. Thanks for everything

Love Beanniexxx

           Beanie-2       Beanie-3

 

SAM

Sam-and-BenHi

In October 2005, we collected Sam, a skinny German Shepherd, from your rescue. I thought you'd like to see him now. He has such a marvellous gentle temperament that he's the most positive advertisement for his breed you could imagine. In December, we took a rescue puppy from a lurcher rescue to keep him company as he's such an active dog. This has been a great success and they're never far apart. I've such good memories of Aras and am so glad to see your good work continues.

All best wishes,

Lis Leigh

SARAH

Hi,

We adopted Sarah a 2 year old rottweiler back in Feb & just wanted to update you on how she is doing.

We had to rename her as we have a family member called Sarah & she wasnt too happy with a dog having the same name as her so we tried to keep as close to Sarah as we could so as not to confuse her & we have now called her Kara which she has responded to great.

Kara has made her self right at home here & seems very happy with her new home & garden & has been eating great from day one. We have let her have the run of the house & has her bed in the corner of our room where she sleeps soundly every night.

She has started to come out of herself alot & has started to play alot more with us & with her toys. She also likes us to throw her toys for her but hasnt got the knack of bringing them back to be thrown again (bless her) but we will keep trying.

Kara is getting 3 walks a days & certainly likes to have us up early for her morning walks but makes up for the lack of lie ins with lots of kisses!

Kara is wonderful of the lead & is wonderful with other dogs, a very social dog, her former owners have done a great job.

Kara has met all the family & everyone loves her, she in also wonderful with children of all ages (have had children from 6 months to 12 years around her) very patient.

Took her to the vets just for a general check up & he was very happy with her & said she was a perfectly healthy dog.

Just wanted to say a big thank you for bringing Kara into our lifes she is just like one of the family now & the perfect companion, couldnt have ask for any more.

Sheryl, John & Kara xXx

SAMMY

Sammy was a large young female German Shepherd that entered our household and created total disruption!

However, over the weeks, the long walks and training have made their mark. She is a good house dog and has now completely settled. She is so intelligent and returns all the love, care and attention ten-fold. We could not wish for a better companion.

Just recently she has been let off the lead over the fields. The first couple of times were a bit traumatic. In fact, in Ampthill Park the rabbits proved to be a greater attraction than anything else around – Good game!!

A couple of Coral’s tips worked out – the bottle of stones got her attention and the cheese rewards proved to be a hit. She now returns and everybody is at ease with everybody else.

We are looking forward to many years of experiencing the enjoyment that only a good dog can bring.”

Best regards,

Ken & Jenny B

BONZO (Previously Bruno)

Bruno who we have recently renamed Bonzo is settling in brilliantly, he loves going for walks and cant wait to get out the door, he finds the next door neighbours dogs interesting he showed it by trying to climb the 5ft fence panel. We managed to get him to sit and give paw which is great we are now teaching him to try and stay in one place and not chase us all round the house ha ha.


          bonzo1bonzo2
PICT0016


Dee, Paul and Family

 

 

TARA (Formerly Wilma)

Hi Coral and everyone.

You won't recognise this email, but it's where I work now - I am in Africa running a safari lodge on the Lower Zambezi in Zambia, and Tara came too! Tara was Wilma, an 8 months old edgy and hyper Doberman bitch when I was allowed to take her from ARAS in May 2003, and now she's coming up 6 this August. Can't believe where the time's gone..... we live in Lusaka, the capital city, and she comes to work with me every day. I can't risk taking her into the bush because of lions and hyenas.

TARWEBTara's calmed down a lot but she still shouts terribly at anyone she doesn't like who might dare to bang on the gate or pass by her window, and is obsessed with watching for mice..... the rest of the time she lazes around and is a very happy and cheeky little girl. We went through some rough times with her biting - Coral will remember - but the early training we did with ARAS really paid off and I can't imagine being without her. I also have Bailey, a rescue male about 1 year younger who came from Northampton, and who has had equally difficult (though different) problems, but the pair of them are my life. They are also very much admired in Lusaka, because there's no pure bred Dobes out here.... Thanks to all at ARAS and best of luck with your work.

Kind regards

Alex Medinger

Nyamangwe Safaris Limited
T/A Kasaka River Lodge

website www.kasakariverlodge.com

 

ANNIE

scan003My name is Annie and I was rescued by the Gilbert family on October 2007, just after my 1st birthday. I was nervous at first but have settled in very well now.

I’ve got lots of toys and a very cosy bed, I’ve met a lot of friendly people and have made friends with my Mum’s chickens and horses.

I like nothing better than going for walks, racing around the garden, fields or woods for hours at a scan002time. Being so young I have plenty of energy and it does my family good too!

I have upset Mum on a few occasions when I have dug a few holes in her lovely garden but she soon forgives me!

I get lots of cuddles and love, what a great life. What more could I ask for?

Annie and the Gilbert Family.

 

Police Dog KAOS (formerly Brandy)

kaosletter2

 

STAR 2

star-2-015This, you may remember, is Star that we got in November last, in fact 8 weeks Friday. He has settled in really well and doesn’t leave Graham’s side, ever, though we are working on this. We started him at a German shepherd school this week to help with his constant barking at other dogs and they love him.

Anyway enough of my waffling, love to Shell and a very happy new year to all at Aras.

Lots a love Debbie.xx

EDDIE

As it is nearly a year since we rehomed Eddie I just thought I would send you a couple of photos from our recent holiday in the Lake District just before Christmas. We had an excellent time with Eddie climbing 5 mountains - the highest being Chrinkle Crags at 2816 feet, here he is with my partner Mel and our other dog Bubba. I hope you agree that Eddie is looking well and really alert. The other picture shows Eddie at Tarn Hows.

Eddie-and-Bubba  eddie1

ECHO 2

EchoHello everybody. I am writing to let you know how my new home is. I was a bit scared when I first came here and had a slight accident on Mum’s rug but she didn't mind. I had a look round and met the two girls, Danielle and Lauren, they loved me and I loved them. My other kids are are two boys they are older and have got their own places but they come and see me too. Dad is wicked, we play lots and lots and he doesn't mind if I nip a bit. I have two beds, one in the living room which is a big comfy quilt and also a cage with a quilt in the kitchen. Dad took the door off because Mum didn't want me locked up, so if Mum is cooking I sleep there and if they are chilling out I am in the living room.

At night I sneak in to Danielle's room but nobody minds as I'm a good boy and don't have any accidents. I cry a bit if I am left on my own but I am getting used to it and I know my family wll be back soon.

I met the vet she said I am going to be a big boy 45 to 50 KG. Mum makes me sit when I meet someone and give them my paw. The other day I sneaked upstairs. jumped on Mum’s bed and saw a dog just like me, I started barking and wagging my tail. I went up to it but it was copying everything I did. Mum laughed and told me it was my reflection in the mirror, well I didn't know I am only a puppy. I would like to thank you all so much for letting my mum take me home to my family, we are all so happy and I know I am going to live happily every after.

Love Echo

DUCHESS

duchess-3Sorry it has taken me so long to contact you but I have been having fun settling into my new family although they are not so new I have been here for over a year now and I have been enjoying every minute of it, time flies when you are having fun.

Mum and Dad take me to the woods at the back of our house and when they are not looking I sneak into the river at the end of the garden, I don't know why but they don't seem to like it when I run back in the house with my muddy paws.

Well I soon let them know who was boss and often laze about waiting for them to wait on me, my favourite pastime is chasing the pigeons and birds that come into the garden and chasing the water when dad is using the hose. Anyway I suppose I had better go, see if I can get Mum and Dad to take me for another walk. Lots of love Duchess

Duchess-copy  Duchess-copy-2

KAI & FRIENDS

Untitled-1Brin-2Just to let you know that Kai is settling down well and is thoroughly enjoying life. He was a real handful to begin with but we found him a young boy to play with and they are the best of friends.

 

Kai-2Kai is very lazy - he goes to bed with Ian and the border collie (no room for me - I end up in the spare bedroom as they all snore). In the morning I have to entice him out of bed with food, he's getting very affectionate now and loves to sit on our laps (painful).

 

 

BrinAll of a sudden about a month ago he became a big 'sop'. He still gets into mischief stealing stuff out of the washing machine and plays to the audience, a real show off, but we love him dearly and wouldn't part with him for anything. Thanks you so much for letting us become his Mum and Dad

 

 

As you can see Brin has settled down well. He is slowly getting us into order. This is his favourite look out post, on the lounge window ledge.

  Untitled2 Zac1 Kai

 

MILLIE

MillieHello everyone, my name is Millie, in fact my dad calls me Silly Millie and describes me as a dumb blonde. That can’t be right as I am a sleek black dog and I recently got my bronze Good Citizen Award so I can’t be dumb either!

I live with Woody (he’s not an ARAS dog but he’s ok), two cats and a rabbit. One of my favourite things, after food of course, is to get in the car as I know that means a good run and play somewhere nice. I never used to like cars and I was very sick whenever I got near one but then I was mixed up and frightened. I know better now and cars mean fun so I don’t get sick any more.

I like my home but I will never forget my time at at the ARAS kennels where i was helped tremendously. They took me in and cared for me when my previous people had left me tied up and abandoned. I was frightened and it should never happen to a doog, but we all know it does, and far too often as well. ARAS gives dogs like me another chance to enjoy life again with a friendly new family. After you have read this, please look at the rehoming page and see if there’s a dog there that you could help by giving him or her her a new home and the love and care they deserve. Be careful though, don’t rush as making a new dog part of your family, although rewarding, takes a lot of effort and commitment. Take care everyone, and a Happy New Year.

Millie

JAKE

jake 1We rescued Jake at the beginning of May this year and he has now become one of the family and inseparable from our 7 year old German Shepherd, Grace. He has been hard work but your assessment of him was totally spot on, he is good with some dogs and not others. It still applies and he still cannot be let off the lead but he is improving all the time. He barks at everyone and everything when we go to the vet so I have to stand outside on the pavement and most people know us by now!

jake 2As my husband and I are runners we frequently run round our local woods with him and Grace which Jake absolutely loves. The rest of the time he charges round off the lead in our garden and plays non-stop all day with Grace. He is a very happy dog and our children adore him. As soon as he's had his dinner he flops in his basket in the kitchen like his batteries are totally out of charge!

One thing having Jake has taught us is that owning a rescue dog is a labour of love. Be patient and you will be rewarded with a loving and loyal friend and don't expect too much too soon. Every little bit of progress is a triumph Thanks you for your dedication. We were so impressed by the kennels and will always remember you.

Best wishes Jenny

SAMMI

sammi1Hi, my name is Sammi. I had been with ARAS Rescue for 6 months before moving to Kent with Dave & Gemma and their 2 existing dogs Rocco and Pippa. Rocco is a GSD and Pippa (also a rescue) is a lab cross.

It took us a couple of days to get to know each other but now we are the best of friends. We have a nice big garden to play in but my favorite times are still our daily walks in the country (as you can see from these photos). I love to run and whilst Dave and Gemma may only cover 3 or 4 miles in our walk, I do at least 10.

sammi2I have never been part of a pack before so it took me a little time to get used to sharing, whether it was my toys or Dave & Gemma's love. But learned I have and Rocco, Pippa and I are now a pack who eat together, sleep together and play together and are the best of friends.

At the end of a long day I love to curl up on the carpet in the front room with Rocco and Pippa whilst Dave and Gemma watch TV. I also like it when Dave works at home as I can curl up under his desk and keep his feet warm.

My life is now very happy and to any other dog awaiting a home I would say "Hold in there, there is someone out there for everybody" and for any potential owner I would say "It will be hard work but stick with it and the rewards are wonderful".

  Love Sammi

 sammi5  sammi3  sammi4

sammi6  sammi7

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RILEY

riley4Hi, just to let you know Riley is still a good boy and we are learning new things from him each day..he is wonderful with other dogs, he has a new girlfriend now called Maggie, a boxer/staffie cross who lets him chase her and then she teases him by leaping over him! We go for four walks a day, the main one is late morning when he meets Maggie and five other dogs, all mixed, he also plays with Pippa a tiny Westie puppy, she thinks she is as big as him! He is also wonderful with children, all ages, and of course he thinks all adults are his friends too.

riley5We are so happy that you gave us the opportunity to home him, he has enhanced and enriched our lives so much, it gives a whole new meaning to retirement!

We are teaching him some agility as he has boundless energy! We sneak into the children's bit at the park and he jumps through the 'hoops', haven't tried him on anything else yet, but he is always so willing to learn.....a lot of this credit must go to his previous owners, he has obviously been to training classes, he knows all the commands.

I will keep you updated and look forward to seeing his pics on your website. Here is Riley in his new bed (Picture 1), he loves it and also taking something 'nicely' from Bert's mouth! (Picture 2).

Best regards Joy and Albert Hargrave

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SHANEY

shaney4shaney2Hi its me Shaney here, just thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know how I'm getting on. Its been 5 months in my new home and I've settled in really well. I've put on a bit of weight they're feeding me the good stuff, and I've stopped gnawing at my back with worry and now have a super glossy coat. Everyone tells me what a pretty girl I am.

So far I've been on holiday to Wales and my mum and dad are taking me away on holiday at Christmas so I'll try to be on my best behaviour, mum and dad are training me at the moment, bless them they are persistent but so am I, you can see I've got dad in his place. Anyway I'm doing really well and I'm very happy. Love Shaney xxxxxx

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BALLY

Hi

bally1bally2I've eventually managed to get a few pictures of Bally and my other dogs together. Bally was one of the Irish puppies that came over in July. I'd been helping out at the kennels on a Sunday for a while and had always resisted taking all of the dogs home with me, until I saw those little white paws, and just couldn’t resist, although those little white paws are not so little now. Bally is now five months old and still growing at a fast rate. She has been a very good puppy and she gets on very well with my other dogs. She is also doing brilliantly at training. I had a dog from ARAS back in 1997 which is in one of the pictures (collie x). She is now 10 years old and will put Bally in her place if she gets too much for her, then Bally will just go and play with one of the other dogs or just sit on the cat. The cat is not impressed but puts up with it!I would like to say thank you to

bally3

ARAS for letting me take Bally home and giving her a chance to become the super dog she is.

Gill.

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BUDDY

buddy3buddy4My name is Buddy and I have a new home and two new carers.

Since I have been here I have learnt some new tricks. I can now use door handles to open doors and I have even managed to turn on the water butt tap, but this seems to have disappeared!

I have a new friend called Sheba and sometimes she shares my basket.I have also had a visitor called Mr. Vet and he called me a "randy teenager" and said that he would see me soon!

 

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LOLA

lola1lola2I was rescued by my new family at the beginning of September. I have a lovely garden to run around in (I have only managed to get next door once!) and I have three long walks a day. My new Dad takes me out at 6.30am each morning, my Mum takes me in the garden at lunchtime when she is home from work and we have a long walk on the common at 4pm and then Mum and Dad take me out before bed. We are all sleeping like 'logs'. I am learning lots of new things and making new friends on my walks everyone stops to chat. Apparantly I am going to puppy training classes in two weeks time - although I think I know it all already. I am very happy in my new home and everyone loves me to bits. I am even making friends with Charlie the cat although he doesn't want to play with me he just stares !

lola3

Thanks to everyone at ARAS - Lola is a very welcome new member of our family - Damon, Sue, Sophie & Elliott x

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ROXY (The dog formerly known as Trudy)

roxy1roxy2Hello people at ARAS, though I would send a quick note to say how I am getting on now I have been at my new home for 5 weeks. Mum and Dad decided to change my name to Roxy, which I much prefer to Trudy. I am really enjoying playing with my sister, Katie, who is 9. She has been really nice to me even though I am always biting her collar and legs. Mum and Dad have already had to buy another collar for Katie as I bit through her old one.

I love my walks, Dad takes us out at 6a.m. over the field for 40mins and then Mum and Dad take us again at night. I love chasing the ball and meeting new dogs. Today we went to the woods for the first time. We were out for 2 hours and I loved the new adventure, but tired now though.

Dad thinks I should be in prison because I am always stealing things and hiding them, usually under the bed.Mum says I have to go to puppy classes although I have been introduced to loads of dogs already and I love playing, but somehow I don't think puppy classes are about playing sounds like school to me.

I had better go now but thanks ARAS for treating me so well until Mum and Dad took me. I feel very lucky. Lots of love, Roxy

FRANKIE

frankie1Frankie and his girlfriend love to cuddle up on the chair .They love to play and get into trouble. Stella doesn't like to be away from Frankie and starts to howl when he goes training on Wednesday night but she is fine when he comes home. Can you put the picture on your web site please as I’m sure that people would love to see that he is well and has new friends .

Thank you again Juliette and Wayne

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STAR

star1star2Thought I would let you know what to expect once you get re-homed. I was unsure of my new surroundings, but I am getting control of everything and everyone that is around me. I have this large kennel that I let my owner use during the day, he thinks it's his kitchen, I've got news for him, it's my kennel and that's all there is to it.

I have a large garden to wander around and play in, I have my owner throw things around the garden and then I wait till he goes and fetches it back for me, not sure but I think I am supposed to do the fetching He gets me to do a few tricks for him, you know like sitting and giving my paw when he says, then he gives me a biscuit.

star3

He thinks he knows about digging the garden, he knows nothing. I wait until he has dug the flower bed then I show him how it should be and move the dirt where it should be then lay on it so he can't move it back.

He has got me to the vet and I had some injections and pills, he says I have to go again this week.

Well I must go now, he wants me to run round the garden so he can chase me, write to you later when I have more news for you.

Love Star

(Who would think that this was the dog who wouldn't come out of her sleeping quarters in the kennels and hid behind her sister all the time, what a difference a week or so and a loving owner make)

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ECHO (A Dog cared for by a Kat)

echo1echo2Hi, Just to let you know Echo is doing extremely well, he has settled in just fine. He has been no problem at all the whole time we have had him, although we did hear him bark for the first time the other morning, shocked us all. He has already got his favourite toy, a rubber chicken, and his hair brush funnily enough, that he just loves to play with. He's increasingly becoming more confident which is great, the other day while walking we passed a man who was carrying a Chinese meal and he began to chase him up the road! Echo has put on a lot of weight and his coat looks so much better. Thanks Kat

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KAISER

kaiser1kaiser2Just a note to let you know how our dog Kaiser is getting on, we rehomed him from you last September. He has turned into a lovely dog, good natured and well behaved. He goes to Training classes every week and has done for a year. We wouldn't be without him.
kaiser3

Paul and Joan

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WILLOW

willow1Just a note from Willow to let you know how I am getting on in my new home. I was rescued by my new Mum and Dad on 19th August 2007. I have come on lots in just a few weeks from crawling on my belly and not really liking humans to going out for long walks, playing in the garden with my big brother Leo and getting lots of hugs and kisses. My new family have been astonished that I have not messed in the house and ask to go out to the toilet (I have never lived in a house before).

willow2I have learned to sit, stand and lay and will do anything for a treat. I am getting more confident every day and don't mind putting my collar and lead on to go out, I like going in the car too. I follow my big brother everywhere and am really happy. I hope my sister Violet is as happy as me and she likes her new home too (Violet is now Star and you can see her Happy Tail too) Thanks you ARAS for rescuing me from Ireland and giving me the opportunity to lead a full life. Here are some photos of me with Leo. (from the new owners Marilyn and Joe - Willow has become a valued member of our family much quicker than we could have imagined. Our handsome boy Leo has taken go her so well. She is a little lady with beautiful manners and they complement one another perfectly. We would like to thank you for giving us all the opportunity to include Willow into our lives, she is a treasure and well worth the time and effort)

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SCOOBIE

scoobie1scoobie2This is Scoobie who was in the kennels for ages but has now been happily rehomed by Ian. As you can see Scoobie really loves Ian's grandchildren

 

 

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RIO

rio1Thought I would send you a picture of Rio (on the left) who re rehomed about a month ago. Here he is pictured with his new best friend Sheba. He has been an amazing addition to the family, we couldn't imagine home without his character and energy.

Thanks so much.

Jenny, Phil and Val

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CARA

cara1cara2I can't believe it's nearly 6 months since I moved to Harpenden and I love my new home, especially the garden - it even has it's own squirrels! I give mum two long walks a day - I like to keep her fit. Harpenden Common is just around the corner but what I really love is the evening walk around the farm where she keeps her horse. The fields are full of rabbits and I have a wonderful time chasing them although I'm not quite sure what to do when I catch one. Mum has asked me to send you a few pictures so you can see how I'm getting on.

cara3cara4The first picture is of me after a hard session rabbiting, this is my favourite chill-out area in the garden, its lovely and cool on a hot day. I've got lots of toys and this is one of my favourites - it was a waste paper basked but I have lots of fun with it and even carry my other toys around in it. I also enjoy a game of football as you can see. Love to all the people who looked after me and thank you very much for finding me a new home. Cara

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RUBY

ruby1ruby3We have had Ruby for 3 weeks now and she has grown so much. Her colouring has changed with more brown/white on her face. She has now had her full vaccination course so is ready to go out into the big wide world.  

ruby4ruby5Here she is with her new playmate Breena the GSD X Collie who we rescued in April, they go everywhere together if they can. Ruby's bark is getting deeper and she is catching up in size to Breena who is 2 months older.

Thank you again for helping us find our Ruby, we have now completed our family

Sue, Paul and family

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LEO

leo1leo2Since coming to my new home 15 months ago I've got my paws well and truly under the table! I've got a whole new family with lots of people and friends to play with. I have got much more confident and love to go out running about as much as I can. I have grown much taller and even have to go on the special scales at the vets because I weight 7 and half stones now!!! The vet thinks I am crossed with a Leonburger and thats why I grew so big, I grew so much Mum and Dad had to get a bigger car to drive me around.

leo3

I like to go out to play and walk with all my friends as much as possible but my favourite thing is to go to the woods and run around chasing the rabbits and squirrels and I always get a 'pigs ear' as a treat when I get home.

I really like my new Mum and Dad and my new house but if it hadn't been for you rescuing me I wouldn't have got here so a big Thank You, Love Leoxx

 

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BENJI

Dear Headmistress Coral,

July 2007

benji1I know that you know me quite well but I thought I’d tell you my story so that perhaps it might help some other dogs to be as lucky as I am. I am just about three and I am a German Shepherd Dog. I was 15 months old when I came to live with Mum and Dad – I was rescued, having come from a family who could not control me. I was not lucky enough to be an ARAS dog but as I started at ARAS school just one week after I came to stay with my new Mum and Dad I am now an honorary ARAS Dog.

I have been coming to school (Obedience classes) since October 2005 and learned that my previous people should have taught me some commands! I didn't know anything! I go to school once a week although I mainly go for fun now as I recently earned my Gold Award, which is the highest Kennel Club ‘Good Citizen Dog’ Award. I also go to Agility classes, which I have only been doing for a short while but I really love it. Apparently, German Shepherds look a bit scary when we are being over enthusiastic and bouncing around but that is not always true - I am really a big softie. I love everybody, children, big humans, other dogs and even cats although they are fun to chase if they run away!

The important thing I would like to tell everybody is that my little friend Jess (she’s a CAT!) and I have recently become PAT animals. Pets As Therapy animals are special dogs and cats who have the right temperament and training to visit people who are sick or disabled, elderly, frightened of dogs like me (How silly!) or frightened of other people – I think they call that ‘Bullying’. There are lots of other situations where humans appreciate a visit from a PAT animal but we have to do a test first to make sure we are suitable. There are about 3500 PATS dogs in UK and only 90 PAT cats. Now, contrary to the belief of my old family, it turns out that I am a good dog, friendly, stable and not prone to bad temper but most importantly I have been to ARAS school and have graduated from Headmistress Coral’s classes so I can normally be trusted to behave myself.

I have also been doing a bit of modelling and I am told that ARAS are doing a 2008 fundraising calendar which will be available shortly – and I think I am one of the models. Some of my ARAS friends are the other models – so if you’d like a copy look out for when it is available.

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MAJOR

Major2We obtained Major on 25th May and we/he have not looked back since. He took at least two hours to settle in and he has been training us ever since! We took your advice as well as the vets and the Dog Handler (Odin Canine Services) and had him castrated - we think he has forgiven us.

Major3He is now under walking and dog socialising training and he is doing very well. He loves to walk and my wife is getting really 'fit'. Everyone who has met him has fallen in love with him and reciprocates the affection and attention. His ability to guard is amazing, it certainly is instinctive as we have not tried to show him.

Thanks for finding Major for us, he is really great company and loves lots of fusses and cuddles. Thank you once again Gloria and Reg

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NENEH & ROCKY (Formerly Lottie & Taz)

nenehrocky1nenehrocky2Thought you would like to see Lottie and Taz, renamed Neneh and Rocky. We have had them for nearly a year now and they have settled really well with us. They like nothing more than jumping on the couch when they think we are not looking. They have their own crates but as you can see they would sooner sleep together and they have loads of cushions for comfort. Thanks ARAS for the two additions to our family, nothing brightens our day more than to see the dogs smile (which they do), they make our lives complete. Tony

nenehrocky3

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SAM

sam1sam2Here are some pictures of Sam. We got him in January and he is doing really well with us. He still does not like other dogs but other than that he is the best dog that anyone could ask for and we could not live without him.

Thanks,

Danny

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KACEY

kacey1kacey2Just a little note to let you know how Kacey is getting on at her new home. I think I mentioned to Mark the last time we got food from you that we had a few minor teething problems, little "accidents", when we had been out shopping etc. It probably all stems from the year she spent in kennels. This only happened twice and has not happened again as she learns everything so quickly and usually after the first attempt/time.

kacey3kacey4She has a few quirks that you probably didn't see while she was with you, the most notable being her keen interest in shadows. She will stare at them for ages and tends to put herself under things like chairs and tables to get a better look at them. She loves going out for walks and for her runs with either Lucinda or myself, again we found out that she liked to "have a go" at all other dogs but we are getting her out of this and she is now a pleasure to take out. She loves the fields near us for her walks and is very good off the lead and does not wander too far and always comes back when called, oh she has a thing for squirrels but can't seem to catch them. She also has a very keen interest in water, the muddier the better in her eyes, and will always find some.

kacey5She loves her garden and is now spending more time outside as the weather improves but always comes back inside for a cuddle or a treat.She has become such a massive part of our lives in such a short time and all our friends/family adore her too. Needless to say she is now rather spoilt and has more toys than you can imagine.

We just want to say THANK YOU for "making" the match happen between us.

Many thanks again

Clint & Lucinda

PS. Please find some pics of Kacey enjoying her time in the garden watching shadows and