‘It’s just a much happier house with Lily and Sammy in it’
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your rescue pets. What made you decide to adopt?
Lily & Sammy are the 3rd and 4th rescue dogs we have adopted. We had always wanted to adopt, but my job meant I was away a lot, and it was only when we settled into our current home that we had the stability to be able to look after a dog.
We adopted Lily almost a year ago,
and Sammy has been with us for 15 weeks now.
Our previous rescued collies lived out long and happy lives, and even though we first thought we couldn't go through the inevitable heartache again, the house was too quiet and empty without a dog.
We have always looked for rescue dogs, as there are so many out there desperate for a home.
How did you find Lily and Sammy?
We looked at local charities first, but some of them didn't respond, and others didn't have suitable dogs for us. We found KLAWS on Facebook. They were the only charity to respond immediately to my enquiries.
What have been the highlights of your life with Lily and Sammy?
It’s just a much happier house with Lily and Sammy in it.
Have you had to face any challenges with regards to bringing home and living with Lily and Sam? If so, how have you overcome or coped with them?
Both dogs have presented different challenges. Lily was really frightened when we first got her, and pretty shut down. Even having been here almost a year, she is still unwilling to go anywhere except the garden and is only just becoming happy with physical contact. The only thing we could do at first was to find her a safe space, so we built her a den in the corner of the living room.
Lily has really progressed once Sammy arrived, and they have started to run around together in the garden.
As Sammy is blind, this was a new experience for us. He adapted so well, and within days had decided to go upstairs and explore. He walks well and so confidently, but he reacts to cars, so we are working on that. He is already well known in the neighbourhood and has quite a fan club😊Oh - and he loves his food!!!
If you had to describe Lily and Sammy in just three words, what would they be?
Lily - Kind, gentle soul. Sammy - brave, cheerful companion.
Do you have any advice for people who are thinking about adopting a rescue pet?
I think patience is paramount. After what they have been through, gaining their trust may take what feels like forever.
