One of the aspects of the SPA’s work of which we are justifiably proud is our dedication to the rehabilitation of dogs. I am not just referring to their physical rehabilitation, such as we saw recently with Hoffen, the beautiful Pyrenean Mountain dog, or one of today’s adoptions, Ficel, who arrived in a skeletal state and was covered in cuts and grazes.
I am referring also to the mental and psychological rehabilitation that we give to dogs such as another of today’s adoptees, Manon. Although she had an owner prior to being abandoned at the SPA, this young dog had seen absolutely nothing of the world and was scared of her own shadow.
Putting her in a box with a more confident dog helped her to regain confidence, and regular walks and playtime in the parks did the rest. Of course the fact that Manon is a stunning looking dog also helped her on her way, and today she left with her new family.
We are also lucky enough to have the help of Melissa Martyn, is a dog behaviourist who drives a long way every week or so to visit our dogs and assess their needs in terms of socialisation and training.
All these strands, volunteers walking and socialising, employees showing nothing but love when the dogs are cleaned and fed, and regular, good quality food means that we can and do work miracles!
So two excellent adoptions today; one from the malnourished category and one from the formerly timid category!
We did have one very sad new arrival, however. I am sure that many of you will have read of the terrible car accident that took place some two weeks ago, when a teenage driver lost control of his car close to Carcassonne, killing himself and 4 of his friends and leaving a fifth in a coma. Well today one of the bereaved mothers came to abandon her son’s dog. She cannot bear to see this constant reminder of her loss. Our sympathies are with her and the other bereaved parents, and we hope that young Hoch is soon out of the refuge, as it wasn’t his fault either
Manon, she knows how to charm!
Poor Hoch, his young master is dead and he has been abandoned as a result.