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Well all, turns out the way to get Chris to get a new dog is just to show me one with the most tragic sob story...

Meet Kipper everyone!

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So while I was at work a few weeks ago, one of the AWDRI fosterers came in with Kipper. Kipper is a blind, 15-year-old Border Collie (I think there may be cattle dog in there too!) who was picked up by the local pound, with his terrier buddy, and when the owners arrived they took back the terrier but said they didn't want Kipper anymore - even when the pound offered to waive all fees and give him back free of charge. No go. AWDRI found him and took him into foster care, they did a terrific job with him, and when he visited me at work, I was struck by this faith in humanity. Kipper couldn't see me, he has hearing issues and could barely hear me, but he came right up to me, tail wagging, and had a treat and a cuddle. I went home that night and went looking for his profile to share on social media, desperate to do anything to help him find a good home.

The next day, I was still thinking about him. Constantly. I realized I might not have to look too far for his home... I expected a flat 'no' from my other half but it turns out, he was an even softer touch than me. He was fully on board when I proposed adding Kipper to our pack.

So, I took James to meet Kipper, put in my application, and now he's ours :) He was quite stressed the first few weeks at home, I cannot imagine how difficult it was for Kipper adjusting to a new home at his age, without his family and his buddy, and without sight. He relies a lot on his nose, and at the suggestion of one of the wonderful local trainers I laid scent-trails down all the hallways and 'safe zones' so he could find his way about easier. He panicked at first when Zeke or Maya approached him, snapping at the air and barking, very fearful behavior. He and Zeke sorted themselves out when I followed throough a plan that's probably not highly recommended by trainers and simply put them in the bck yard together. Kipper had a couple of goes at Zeke when he approached by Zeke is bombproof enough having helped raise several dogs in his time, they now get along together fine and can be in the yard together they basically just do their own thing. Obviously this is not a tact that works with Maya, she will not put up with being barked at, so we are working with lots of little training sessions together, going for walks together (they are fine then) and lying close on different sides of a door. I am confident with time and patience they will settle down together - I will keep trying!

Kipper is much happier now he's been here for several weeks. He keeps up well on works amazingly for his age, he's eating all his meals, and he can hone in on a left-open car door in seconds and scramble up onto the floor then the seat - he loooooves car rides.

My current goal for Kipper is to get him swimming... so far he doesn't seem experienced with water, and is obviously a bit mistrustful of it, but we will get there :D

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Such a heart warming story.What a brave lovely boy Kipper is. At the grand old age of 15 & blind it must be extremely difficult for him. He has been very fortunate to have found a very loving & understanding forever home with you Chris. Thank you so very much for taking this dear old chap in. Give dear Kip a big cuddle for me ☺

Edited by BC Crazy
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  • 3 weeks later...

How wonderful of you to give him a home for the end of his days :heart: Look forward to hearing how he goes.

On another note there has been a serious lack of photos of the gorgeous Maya :provoke:

Sorry about that Crestie :D If you're having withdrawals, feel free to click through to Maya's blog in my siggy :) Plenty of photos there! I've finally killed my camera so I don't have anything superrecent. Once I've got my new snapshotter I'll be sure to use her as a model!

Thanks everyone! Kipper snuck out the gate SOMEBODY WHO IS DEFINITELY NOT CHRIS forgot to close this afternoon and went to visit the neighbors :p He enjoyed himself so much he didn't want to come home again. I think he just wanted to get sympathy pats!

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