Sue – Page 13 – Dog Adoption France

Duffy

The other day I was asked if I could possibly take in a two year old female Beagle. Lola had just been adopted so I had a space and agreed. So I went to collect Duffy who turned out to be a six year old Anglo Francais. At least the female part was right !! Apart from the first two ‘mistakes’ everything else I was told about Duffy was correct. She is gorgeous ! Quite a large gangly girl, very affectionate, obedient and timid. She hits the deck if she hears shouting so I think she has known unkindness. Found half starved and covered in ticks she is looking better every day. Duffy is now sterilised, vaccinated and chipped and has never run off whilst out walking, so if you are looking for a largish, loving, softy, Duffy is for you.

WARNING !!

WARNING !! I have heard from Ann who adopted the lovely scruffy Mojo from Cahors refuge last year. They had a nasty scare when Mojo started violently trembling and they thought he was fitting. A mad dash to the vet where they found out they he had eaten poison. The vet said that farmers are putting slug pellets down when they fertilise so it is easy for a dog to get the poison on their paws or drink it if the pellet has been rained into a puddle. So, if your dogs shows any symptoms, get him/her to the vet directly, any delay could prove fatal.

ps What could also prove fatal to humans (if I get my hands on them) is taking a dog back to the refuge in this freezing weather after they have known the comfort and warmth of being inside. For heaven’s sake couldn’t you wait just a week until the weather improves ?

Montaigu dog

Owner found and dog reclaimed.

Hallo, I’m the handsome brown dog in the picture and I’m looking for a happy permanent home. I’m about one year old and love to play with other dogs – but don’t mind if I am the only one. I am well behaved and very polite. At the moment I am being looked after by some very kind people but they already have a lot of animals and although they love me they cannot keep me.

Would you have a place for me ?

Help all this dogs get a home and lots of love, we can help you castrate them and find the food you need, accessories like the best glowing choker for canine for every occasion, and an appointment with the vet so you can take him happy and healthy.

This little lady is called Fanny and is an absolute delight. A Pinscher mix she would be ideal for any couple who want a small dog that can be taken anywhere and everywhere. Her owner has died so she finds herself without the comfy fireside she once had. Fanny is just two and a half years old and is chipped, vaccinated and sterilised ready to go !

Noe is a gorgeous Setter / Spaniel mix of eight months old. These are great dogs with great characters, friendly, affectionate and fun loving. Wonderful family dogs who do nevertheless need to know basic training if they are not to go completely bananas !

Lola

Remember me ? Lola ? Well my life has changed so much I can hardly believe it – just hope I don’t wake up and find it’s all a dream ! From being tied up and muzzled on a balcony, I have been adopted by some lovely, lovely people who adore me – and believe me the feeling is mutual. Here are a couple of photos of my new life. After a wonderful run on the beach and ‘catching’ waves, what’s a girl to do but snuggle up in her new cosy bed. Jealous ? I bet you are !

Febuary 2012

Well thank goodness for that. January is over for another year. Don’t you just hate January ? Well I suppose those of you with birthdays in that month quite like it, but for me it is just a no-money-after-Christmas, bill-laden, long stepping stone to February. I often think that it would be much better to start the year with February, a nice little short month which would get us on our way and prepare us for January after that. Of course this year there is the excitement of having the 29th February and I will propose to Ernst just for the hell of it. Of course he will say no – thank goodness as he is German and I really don’t want to be a ‘Frau’ !!

Ok I’m getting out the soapbox now. We are quite a close few doing what we can to make dogs’ lives not a ‘dog’s life’, if you see what I mean. We work closely together, there is NO competition between associations. We give up free time, a normal home life, put marriages at risk and I dread to think how much money comes out of our pockets to save dogs and make them happy. Obviously, no-one forces us to do this, we choose to do it. So, to those people who go on forums to criticise and sling mud without having all the facts, I say “bog off”. Personally, I think that those who have the time to spend all day ‘chatting’ on these forums, should get out more. (Except you dear Evelyn !!)

If you adopt a dog who is not right for you please do not refuse offers of help. It is certainly true that refuge dogs can develop a slightly different personality when they are in a caring loving home. Would you expect an adopted child who has lived for a long time in an orphanage to automatically know the rules of your household ? For dogs it is the same (and they don’t have the ability to speak to make things easier), so, please give them time and, as I said before, accept advice and help.

Luckily it is very rare that Poorpaws gets ‘returns’ but the dogs here live as a family and I can assess their personalities so know what sort of home they would be happy in.

Ok off the box now !

After saying we get few returned dogs, I have to report that poodle Tiny is back – the second home lasted less time than the first !! He will now join the band of ‘lifers’ here. He is a complex little lad who has a complete aversion to collars and harnesses so much so that he nipped me the other day when I put a collar on another dog !!

Talking about Tiny, I had a lovely day recently going up to north of Angouleme with Doreen and Andrea. Doreen adopted a poodle from us quite a few years ago, the lovely Sean. Sadly Sean developed a tumour last year and had to go for the big sleep. I promised to find another poodle for Doreen and came up with Tiny who was a darling in the refuge. However, when he was out in the big wide world his true colours came out. Poor Doreen, she tried so hard with him but after he bit his way through the vet, the girl at the poodle parlour and got bossy with her, I took him back. So we were then looking for another dog and I came up with Mamouchka who was quite a way up North. Doreen, daughter Andrea and I set out on, what for me, was a VERY BIG ADVENTURE !

We discovered we all love country music so it was Tammy Wynette and yee-hah all the way there and back. Little Mamouchka fitted the bill very well. Or so we thought. A visit to the vet and Doreen emailed me to say that Moumou has a tumour and doesn’t produce tears. (She could have some of mine, I produce them by the gallon at the slightest thing – have you seen the film Hachi, oh good grief, a real giant box of tissues jobby). Obviously this was all very upsetting but dear Doreen has not given up, Mamouchka will be operated on, has drops for her eyes and has Doreen as her guardian angel.

On a happier note……………….adoptions ! Wow, what a month ! Fleche, Tanguy, Primus, Lola and Caline all packed their bags and went off to join the circus. Reports are that they are all sooooo happy, so we are too.

I – unforgivably – forgot last month to thank all the ex-Poorpaws who sent us Christmas cards with pocket money inside to buy biscuits for the less fortunate dogs. Especially Oscar of Brassempouy who, even many years later, never forgets his pals. What a handsome chap he has turned into – can’t believe his name was once ‘Petit’ !!! You are all incredibly kind, even those who have lost dogs and don’t feel ready for another one ………………. yet, got in touch. I’m working on you !!

And to the lovely person who suggested I write a comedy series, thank you – don’t think I’ll give up the day job yet though !!

Much love to you all and who knows, if things go wrong I could be Frau Biefang this time next month !!!

Sue x

Fox Terrier

ADOPTED !!

This little boy is thought to be about two years old. He was found a few months ago and rehomed by the person who found him. But he’s back ! Said to be ok with other dogs and cats, he is a solemn little chap who seems to be forever preparing himself for a clip round the ear, or worse. It would seem that he wants to be in a home where he will have human company or he will go on his way – therefore a secure garden would be necessary. For more information call 0602280816.

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Urgent!

Due to computer problems, Sue will be unable to receive or answer any e-mails for a while. In the mean time, should you wish to contact her, call 05 65 24 53 03.

Thank you.

Primus

Here you see the lovely Primus with the equally lovely Rowan who is doing great things at the refuge at Carcassonne. Poor Primus has not had much luck. Now only just over a year old, he was taken to the refuge at Carcassonne last August with his brothers and sisters They were all adopted but somehow Primus was overlooked and he has been at the refuge ever since. Recently it was realised that Primus’s kennel mate was preventing Primus from eating and Primus was too gentle to stand his ground. Very thin he was put in another enclosure where he is doing well. Cat tested (passed with flying colours), this gentle soul could be the love of your life

Puppies

Sleeping pups – the only way to get them to stay still for the camera !! These little babes, are two months old, three females and one male. Vaccinated and ready to go

By the way my printer is running out of ink – the puppy who looks brown, is in fact black like her sisters !

Trudie

ADOPTED – YEAH !!!

Trudie seems to be saying “ooer, who’s that out there” in the first photo and “oh, so you want to play, you should have said” in the second. At 8 years old and being black, Trudie doesn’t have much hope of getting homed which is such a shame for this lovely girl. However, you wonderful Poorpaws supporters have come up trumps for Freddy, Rocky and Tanguy so we’re keeping everything crossed for Trudie. Her exit fee from Carcassonne and sterilisation will be paid for by a well-wisher

Lola

This is Lola, rescued and brought to Poorpaws, so thin you could play a tune on her poor ribs, after being taken from a despicable person who kept her on an apartment balcony 24/7 and fed her when she thought about it. Not very often. Luckily a kind lady who was delivering publicity leaflets saw Lola week after week and reported to the police. The SPA inspector was brought in and Lola and her sister who was in an even worse state, an absolute skeleton with a muzzle almost stuck to her poor face. The publicity lady has taken in the sister and Lola is here. She is a love and seems to bear no grudges. Obedient, loving, fine with both dogs and cats, six year old Lola will be sterilised and vaccinated very soon.

So, we have taken the “No publicity please” sticker off our letter box. Not only do the deliveries provide work for people who have trouble finding jobs (could be me soon !) but had it not been for that lady, Lola and her sister would still be living in misery. You only have to recycle them after all.

Elfie

One of our first homings of 2011 was Elfie. A large dog who had been put up for adoption. I’ll bet he was glad he was – just look at these lovely photos. Elfie has acquired a very dignified name – Captain Hastings (!), and a beautiful home to match. Well done you Captain H !

Cherie and Dylan

ADOPTED THROUGH THE DOGS’ TRUST IN UK

Cherie and Dylan (3 and 4 years old) were adopted from Poorpaws when puppies. Both beautiful dogs used to space to run around in, their lives were turned upside down when their owners moved back to UK and have since divorced. Now living in a terraced property near Portsmouth, Dylan and Cherie are not happy and are letting the neighbours know it by crying during the day whilst their owner is at work. So, you know what’s coming now. We are looking for a good home for them (not necessarily together) either in UK or in France (Cherie and Dylan have passports). The present owner is willing to travel (even to France) to ensure a happy future home.

Sam

ADOPTED !!

Gorgeous handsome Sam ! Gold medal winner of the Dog with the Waggiest Tail 2010 – Category Dogs without Tails ! At two and a half years old, Sam has spent the last year at the refuge at Carcassonne vainly wagging what tail he has at all and sundry but for some reason always gets past over for another. His carer at the refuge confirms Sam to be fine with other dogs, affectionate and gentle with children, all in all a great dog for a couple or family. And just think of the advantages of a dog with no tail, your guests will not have to grab their aperitif glasses desperately from the coffee table to stop them being swept away ! Come on, get this gorgeous boy out of there. Call Rowan on 0434589231.

January 2012

Well, here we go again, another New Year. Here’s hoping you all have a good one and give in to the desire to adopt more dogs !!

My Christmas was a washout ! A rotten, eyes streaming, nose running, throat tickling, head exploding, limb aching cold started to attack on Christmas Eve and blossomed on Christmas Day. So whilst Ernst, his nephew Sebastian and Sebastian’s mum all went off for fun, food and festivities at our friend Lesley’s, I stayed in bed clutching a hot water bottle and menthol soaked hankies watching the lovely Hugh Grant in the dvd of Love Actually. (Hmm. Thinks. Not such a bad Christmas after all !!).

Luckily New Year’s Eve was lovely !

On the doggies front we had a flurry of adoptions to end the year. Quite a few puppies have been reserved ( still many left though !), Lassie has found happiness in a lovely new home, Poodle Ben is getting a second chance (hopefully he doesn’t blow it this time !), Freddy has been rehomed (that caused the tissues to be brought out for obvious reasons) and, joy of joy, not only did Rocky go to a new home but he took a pal from the Carcassonne refuge with him !

Now I seem to remember quite a few months ago that I explained that I would no longer be taking in any more dogs as we have so many that will never be adopted. In future dogs needing homes would go to my SPA Inspector friend and I would keep the website going. Yeah right. Poor Danielle is bursting at the seams so we had to open our doors again. Caline and Lola are here at Poorpaws as are three black LabX pups who will be old enough to go to new homes in about three weeks.

I promised another piece of advice for training your dog. A lot of people have problems when leaving dogs at home. The dogs bark or cry and sometimes destroy things. This is caused by anxiety but not, as is often thought, because the dog is left behind, it is because the dog thinks he is responsible for you and is worried about you. You have to teach your dog that it is perfectly ok for you to go out whenever you like. You can do this, starting when you first get your new dog, by, several times a day, just walking out of the house and, if possible, walk back in through a different door. Stay out for a very short time at first, just a minute or so, making the time out longer and longer. The most important thing is to NEVER talk to the dog before you go, no “bye bye darling, I’ll be back soon” and VERY IMPORTANT when you come back in, completely ignore your dog for at least five minutes. Then you can call him and fuss him. He has to get used to you just going and coming whenever you like and he doesn’t have to worry.

If that sounds muddly buy The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell who explains it much better than I do !

Going to Limoges this week to collect two Chinese Crested Bald (yes, bald !) dogs ! Look out for them on the website !

Have a lovely January

Sue x

Gypsy

Remember little Gypsy ? Back in April 2011 I was convinced she wouldn’t make it and if she did she would be handicapped. Well just look at the beauty with her little mate in front of the Christmas tree !! In perfect health a lovely and much loved Gypsy/Lola couldn’t be happier.

Caline

ADOPTED!

Caline (cuddly / affectionate in French) is just that. At just one year old Caline is a perfect love. A little timid when she first meets you Caline very soon gets over her shyness and if you have a tennis ball for her to play with, then she’ll be your friend for life. Totally fine with other dogs and cats Caline is vaccinated (rabies too), chipped and sterilised. A great addition to your household.

Gildas

Gildas has been very unlucky. He came to the refuge as a small pup of 3 months, but no one took him and now he is fully grown. He has never known a family or love, and for him the best thing that can happen is a run round one of the refuge parks, which he gets every couple of weeks on average, as there are a lot of dogs he has to share with. It is heartbreaking to think of him spending his whole life there, and it is probably just because he is black. However if you look at his lovely long ears and beautiful bib, you will see that he is something quite special!

Tanguy

ADOPTED!

8 year old Tanguy is at the refuge in Carcassonne – dogrescuecarcassonne – and doesn’t have much chance of being adopted because of his age. Winter is a rotten time for older dogs in refuges because despite all the fabulous work done there, there are not the resources to provide heating. Having a lovely character wouldn’t it be great to think of Tanguy in front of a warm fire instead of shivering in a kennel ?

Frida

Frida here is about 18 months old. Adopted from Poorpaws as a puppy, she sadly had little or no education and was left to roam free day and night. “We don’t agree in restraining our dogs” was the owner’s comment. Pity he didn’t come out with that before he took Frida in the first place. Surprise, surprise Frida has been up to no good and needs a new home with a VERY secure garden and preferably in a town or somewhere well away from sheep. Adorable in all other ways.

Fleche

Fleche, a female bearded border colley of one year old. Faithful, very bright, obediant. Will be sterilised before adoption.

Puppies

Beautiful female pups two and a half moths old. Breed ? Well, yes something like that ! Will probably be a medium size or smaller.

Lassie

Here we have Lassie, the ‘balcony buddy’ of Lola (see below). You can see what a pitiful state Lassie was in when rescued, just look at those ghastly muzzle marks on her little face. Six year old Lassie has put on weight since being cared for in her foster home and is ready to be adopted. She is a little territorial about her food bowl (understandably after what she has been through) and is not happy sharing toys or her bed. Obviously having known neither before she wants to hang on to them, but we are sure this will change when she realises she has no worries any more. A very dainty, faithful, affectionate dog we are so hoping she gets the chance of a better life.

Poodle Ben

This handsome Poodle is called Tiny or Ben, whichever you prefer ! He was Tiny when he left Carcassonne but his adopters called him Ben. Tiny was found in a deplorable state in an apartment by the police when his owner died. He was taken to Carcassonne SPA where everyone loved him and he was considered to be a fabulous dog. The only reason he wasn’t snapped up several times is because he has a problem with one of his eyes (possibly a cataract) even though he is young. The Carcassonne vet aged him at about five (probably because of the state he was in – Tiny, not the vet ) but this has since been found to be incorrect and he is in fact not yet two.

Still thinking he was five, Poorpaws found him a loving home with an eighty year old lady. However he has turned into quite a handful, too much for this lovely, gentle lady. He likes his own way and grumbles when he doesn’t get it. He likes to be the centre of attention, hates walking on a lead and don’t even try to get a harness on him. On the plus side he is no problem with other dogs or cats, always up for cuddles, is clean in the house and good when left alone.

So, Tiny needs to go back to basic training and we are looking for a home with someone who is confidently able to do this. He will be a lovely boy when his corners have been rubbed off. Tiny has been neutered, chipped and vaccinated.

Jackson

You will have to have been a Poorpaws follower for many years to remember Jackson ! A fabulous hunting type dog mixture who went to a wonderful caring owner with lots of patience – she needed it !! Jackson turned into a great dog even finally accepting cats, as you can see ! Lucky, lucky Jackson.

December 2011

Well, would you believe it, December has crept up behind me so quietly I didn’t realise we are already in THAT month, the ‘C’ month !

Personally I would love to spend Christmas day curled up with a good book in front of he fire with a bottle of champagne to keep me company, but we always spend the day with friends and, of course, have a a lovely time. I remember once when I lived down south Ernst had the opportunity to go skiing with his family over Christmas but I couldn’t go because of work commitments. I waved him off quite happily and had a lovely meal with girlfriends on the 24th. On Christmas Day I opened presents and a bottle of bubbly in the morning and thought how nice it was to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. The second glass of fizz confirmed that I was happy on my own. The third and I thought it would have been nicer had Ernst been there, the fourth went down and by the fifth it was “how COULD he leave me alone on Christmas Day ??!!” Poor Ernst chose that moment to ring to wish me Happy Christmas – he didn’t ring again before he came home !!!

Anyway that’s all very boring, you want to know how dog adoptions have been going. The answer to that is good !! Juno will soon be off to a new home, we have our fingers crossed for Rocky, Gracie has been adopted (by the receptionist at our vets !), the black Labrador has been homed and Girly has gone off down to the Cote d’Azur.

Please look at Freddy, a lovely dog and by giving him a home you permit his owner to die in peace.

We still have puppies who would make your household much more fun. However, we do not let pups go to new homes over the Christmas period where people tend to be either stressed or hyper or excited. Best they come to you when all the celebrations are over and your home has been restored to calm.

Recently I homed a very dominant poodle with a very gentle lady who was anxious about the dog taking over. Dogs are only dominant over humans when they think they are in charge and it is their responsibility to look after the human. Our job is to show the dog that WE are there to look after them and all they have to do is to relax and have a good life. Dogs who bark and cry when left alone don’t do it to be a pain or ‘get’ at you. They do it because they are anxious that ‘their’ baby is out alone. Imagine if your young child went out and you didn’t know where they were or when they would be back. Dogs don’t destroy things to ‘get revenge’ they do it because anxiety activates their saliva glands and chewing relieves them.

Here are a few points to show your dog that you are the alpha and he doesn’t have to worry about you.

1) Never go to your dog to make a fuss of him (thereby showing subservience). Always call your dog to you to be stroked. You can do this as much as you like.

2) If your dog comes to you when you haven’t called him and paws at you to be fussed or ‘leans’ against you, this is not ‘cute’ the dog is showing dominance. Turn round and walk away. You can then call him to you.

3) A good way of showing who is in charge is at feeding time. Put a biscuit for yourself in the dog’s bowl and stand so that your dog can see you but don’t talk to, or look at him. Then eat your biscuit out of the bowl (still not looking at him). When you have finished, just put the bowl down (still ignoring your dog) and walk away (you can stay in the same room if you want to.) This shows the dog that you are ‘alpha’, you eat first and the dog gets your leftovers. When your dog has finished eating, or has walked away from his dish, pick the dish up and don’t put food down again until next meal time. This shows your dog that he eats when you decide and not when he does. Never, ever take a food dish away from a dog whilst he is still eating to ‘test for aggression’. Wouldn’t you get rather peeved if someone took your plate away whilst you were still eating ??!!

More tips to help your dog to be stressfree and happy next month. If you can’t wait I recommend The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell.

Have a wonderful Christmas, I’ll be back in 2012 !!!

Sue x

Freddy

ADOPTED!

This is a sad, urgent case. Freddy is 7 years old, in fine health, vaccinated, chipped and neutered and good with cats. Tragically his owner has terminal pancreatic cancer and is worried sick about what will happen to his faithful friend when he is no longer around. Therefore we are urgently looking for a happy home for Freddy and give his owner peace of mind. You can contact Mr. Fraser’s friends and neighbours, Mr. and Mrs. Miller on 0602278029, or get in touch with us.

Juno

This little Juno and by all accounts, a dream dog. Smallish (less than 20 kilos), one year old, sterilised, identified and vaccinated up to date. Loves children, friendly with other dogs, housetrained, good on the lead – what else do you need. Her story is that she stole the hearts of, and was adopted by, some very well meaning people from a refuge in Paris. However, they live in an apartment in a very built up area of Paris and although Juno has regular walks, she is lively and needs a garden to romp around in.

Juno comes with all her ‘equipment’, bed, travelling cage, toys and her present owners are happy to arrange ‘delivery’. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get this little lady to a new home for Christmas?

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This little girl is about 2 year old and is a cat’s whisker of being carted off to the SPA. Found wandering we are desperate to find her somewhere to stay, if only temporarily.

Rocky

Hallo there, my name is Rocky but I am not boxer, I’m a big softie ! I get on with other dogs, cats, am good with children and love to play football ! OK I’m ten years old but I’m in great shape and am really not looking forward to a chilly winter here at the refuge at Carcassonne. The people are lovely here and do their very best but I’d love to be in my own home nice and cosy. If you have a space for me in your home and in your heart, please call the very kind Rowan on 0434589231. It doesn’t matter if you don’t live close to Carcassonne, travel arrangements can be made for me. I’m keeping my paws crossed.

A very kind dog lover has offered to pay the costs to get Rocky out of the refuge and also pay to get him neutered. So if the only reason stopping you from calling Rowan and giving Rocky a loving home is the cost, you can go ahead ! Go on, make his day !

Gracie

OK, if you scroll down past Gracie without a second look, then you have a heart of stone !!

Four month old Gracie was found in a lovely couple’s garden where she was so hungry she was jumping up trying to eat the bird food off the birdtable. An adorable young lady who gets on with everyone and who has wormed her way into all our hearts.

Fauve de Bretagne Mum and Pups

Believe it or not this is a family !! The poor mum was found in a ditch with six babies. Sadly four had died but these little rascals survived. Mum is a Basset Fauve de Bretagne and goodness knows who dad is but the pups have tiny legs and ‘travel’ very close to the ground so we are sure they will be mum kind of height.

Three Terriers

Here we have three wire haired terriers. Two are four year old brothers – who can be separated – and the one on the far left is only 7 months old. Suprised they haven’t been adopted up to now as this breed is usually very popular. They are all very good characters (obviously as there are three males sharing a park) and the older ones are brilliant mouse/ratters. The younger one has not been put to the test !

Girly

Reserved!

8 month Girly is just a fabulous dog. On the slightly smaller size of medium she is great fun and very intelligent. A super character – at the moment she is in a park with six little puppies and is so gentle and patient with them. Loves to play, especially with a frisbee and to see her try to pick it up whilst still standing on it, makes you laugh out loud. She will make a super companion. Will be sterilised, chipped and vaccinated.

Black Labrador

Adopted!

Probably around 3 years old this black labrador was found a month ago wandering without any identifying marks, collar, tattoo or puce.Everything has been tried to find his former owners but to no avail. He is house trained, likes the car, does not bark, waits to eat his food when given and is very affectionate. He loves his walks and is used to walking on the lead but he does pull and will need some training on this. We have found he does respond to french commands. Although not used to living with cats he is now placed in a cat household and is accepting the cat without signs of aggression and does not bother about hens.He needs a loving home as soon as possible as after two moves already he is getting attached to the new carer. He has been seen by two vets with a clean bill of health and he has now been puced [ no. 250269801658928] and castrated. He is fine with other dogs and children. If you were thinking of a dog it would be difficult to imagine a better choice.
For more information speak to carer Jill Spearman on tel. 0563 26 45 57 or email jill.spearman@aliceadsl.fr
He is currently in Varen which is near Cordes and St. Antonin. in Tarn and Garonne

November 2011

And an angel came unto Poorpaws and the angel’s name was Sophie. And Sophie looked at all the dogs and laid eyes on Gumbo. And Sophie saw that Gumbo was good (despite his broken leg and damaged hip). And Sophie picked up Gumbo (and his veterinary bills) and took him home. And Sophie was happy and Gumbo was very happy and repaid Sophie by peeing and crapping all over her home. BUT Jean-Francois was NOT happy and said unto Sophie “either the dog goeth or I goeth”. Silly Jean-Francois. And Sophie helped Jean-Francois pack his bags and move into the shed.

Ahhh, I love a happy ending !!

Other lucky October dogs were Bouba, Leyla, Roux and Biscuit, thank you so very, very much.

I’ve just had a wonderful birthday (62 eek !) and my friend Sue gave me a wonderful suprise by coming over for a few girlie days so forgive me if this month’s news is a bit short – things to do and places to go !

Have a great November despite the shorter and shorter days – how horrid it is going to work in the dark.

Sue

ps Gumbo is now clean and Jean-Francois is back in the family home !!!

Biscuit

Looking for a dog who is on the small side of medium, who is friendly, fun, affectionate, obedient, neutered, chipped, vaccinated, toilet trained (how many more boxes are there to tick ?!), then let me introduce you to the lovely 10 month old Biscuit who is all of the above AND is friendly to other dogs AND cats. You need more than that, you’re just difficult !! A super dog and ps., he’s handsome too !!

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Puppies

And yet more poor abandoned pups. A fine mixture of males and females, all lovely natured and about two and a half months old.

Vigan puppies

Dumped in a cardboard box with their five other (!) brothers and sisters, these little beauties have been transferred from the vet into foster care here in the Lot. There are two boys and two girls – obviously we have no idea who the parents are but there could be a bit of border collie there somewhere, don’t hold me to it though. Whatever, absolute darlings, very friendly and huggable. If you were wondering what/who was missing from your life, here is your answer !!

Roux

Roux, OMG just look at this lovely poor young boy ! Regulars will know that Brittany Spaniel are my favourites and here is a beauty. About 18 moths old he just wandered into a garden and all attempts to find his owners have failed. Very timid at the moment, he is starting to play but just cannot get up enough courage to come indoors yet. In foster care in the Vienne he is just a wonderful pet waiting for his chance. Someone take him soon please or I am likely to find myself divorced before I am married !!

October 2011

The October update is a bit early because………..on the 1st October……………….I’m going for a week……….ON HOLIDAY !!!!!! I can’t wait, our annual week with friends at Ernst’s sister’s house on the Cote d’Azur spent playing cards, reading, sleeping, eating, drinking and generally putting the world to rights. Don’t worry about our dogs they will all be tied to trees for safety with enough food and water (hopefully !) for one week. Nah, only kidding, some will be going on their hols to friend Danielle and the rest will stay here to be cared for by friend Virginie and spoilt, treated and cuddled by June.

October has been a topsy turvey month for Poorpaws. On the plus side Leyla’s pups have all found homes as have Gus, Blacky, Muppet and the kittens. On the down side poor Gumbo managed to sneak out and got hit by a car. I feel terrible, it was due to a moment’s inattention on my part when I shut the gate sure that he was inside and he wasn’t. He now has pins in one leg and a damaged hip and expect, has blown his chances of adoption. This is a dreadful shame as he really is the most lovable dog being one hundred per cent love and not an aggressive bone in his body. He is great with other dogs and cats backing down immediately when he gets too annoying and gets told off by the older dogs here. His one fault was that he jumped up all the time – doesn’t do that now !!

I cannot sign off without mentioning our friend Pam Evans who sadly died suddenly the weekend of the 17th September. Pam was a great Poorpaws fan supporting every fundraising event and making Christmas cards for me to sell. She also made the most fantastic theme birthday cakes which you could order, then wouldn’t take payment for. Her funeral day was lovely (if I can say that) the church was full and husband Ken wrote a wonderful eulogy which was read out. Tender and amusing there wasn’t a dry eye when he ended by saying “give me time to get my breath back and I’ll carry on”. The world is a sadder place without you Pam.

Bummer, I’m crying again !

OK I’m off on ‘me’ hols. Be good, take care and I’ll be back soon.

Sue x

Leyla

18 month old Leyla has been a great mum to her pups and now they have all been homed we are looking for a mum for Leyla. Those of you looking for a small dog, don’t wait !

Muppet

Muppet is 4yrs old, vaccinated, chipped and sterilised and has all her papers. This is a very affectionate and lovely dog and she needs a home urgently!

Muppet needs a fenced garden above all else as she is at present with a lovely lady who adores her but because her land backs onto a river and is unable to be fenced, Muppet runs off to visit neighbouring farms, crossing roads on the way. She does no harm except to round up a few cows as is in her nature as a Beauceron, but it’s worrying and not really acceptable. However Muppet would be very happy to remain in an enclosed garden with frequent walks and lots of love and attention and we would like to stress that she is actually a VERY obedient dog in all respects! She is fine off the lead if you are with her and will come to call or whistle no trouble

– she only goes off on her own if she’s bored and left to her own devices. She loves other dogs and older children who can play ball with her (not little ones so much as they scare her with loud noises etc) and she’s not bad with cats as she was brought up with them as a puppy. We know Muppet’s history from being a rescue puppy so can track back through her four years for those who would like to know all about her. She’s a delight we’re told and but for the problem with not being able to contain her whilst her present owner is otherwise occupied working in her office at home – Muppet would not be needing a new home as she’s adorable. So, please contact us if you would like to go and meet Muppet and we will put you in touch with the lady who has her and can tell you all about her or please call us on 05 65 69 12 26 or email on :- doglinks.fr@gmail.com for all the background on this wonderful dog who will be a delight for some lucky person.

Kittens

More kittens – real beauties these, call Graham Berry on 0565 31 49 72

Gina

Well I don’t think we have to worry about whether or not Gina is happy in her new home !!

After a long journey, a visit to her new vet, a vaccination, here she is zonked out, a sure sign she is happy. Reports are that she is every bit a special as I always said she is !

September 2011

A very weird month August has been – 40° one day and boots and brolly the next ! It is much easier to keep dogs warm in the cold than it is to keep them cool in the heat. Here we have kiddies’ plastic sandpits filled with cold water in the garden and in dog parks but have to say that they seem to drink the water rather than paddle, except for Rik the ancient huge German Shepherd who wallows like a hippo just keeping his nose above water. Our old Brittany Spaniel, Max, suffers in the hot weather so I make sure he has a comfy bed on a cotton sheet in the shade of a tree with water close by. But is he thankful ? Nope ! He drags himself back into the mobile home where the temperature is unbearable and lays panting !!

Adoption wise August was a scorcher too !! Loulou, Benno, Albert, Little Ted, the Setter pups, Fredy, Milou, Fifi and Gina all went to new homes or have homes to go to. Thank you SO much !!!!

I was lucky enough to be able to take a day and go up to visit the lovely Leeanne and Mike at Twilight Retirement Home for Dogs.

Now I hasten to say that Leeanne and Mike run the home, they’re not inmates !!! What a wonderful place, to see all those elderly dogs who most certainly would have had a very unpleasant future had it not been for Twilight. Leeanne and Mike do a tremendous job on a very limited budget but there is nothing limited about the love and care they dish out in dollops. Please visit their website www.twilightchiens and see for yourselves.

Sadly, I was having such a good time that I didn’t notice that whilst I was there, someone picked up France and turned it around, at the same time wiping the N21 completely off the planet !! It took me forever to find my way out of Perigieux and I hope I never have to go there again. I feel so sorry for people living there, they must leave home in the morning wondering if they will ever find their way back at hometime !! However, worth every kilometer to get to Twilight and I fully intend to book myself in when I get old and doddery…….alright, more old and doddery !

August was also the month of the annual second hand clothes stall at the Montcuq vide grenier.

Once again it was a great success We arrived with 35 sacks of clothes and left with 8 !! Friends Danielle and Lesley were by my side from beginning to end – 7am to 6 pm – friendship indeed. Thanks to all who donated and/or bought clothes, we raised a fabulous 645.45 euros. Every cent will go to animal rescue and will be shared between Poorpaws, the SPA, Twilight and the Refuge Canin at Cahors.

The kindness of people never ceases to amaze me and I must give a huge thank you to Brian and Angela who, despite being sad and distraught having had to put their two dogs to sleep in a very short pace of time, thought of Poorpaws when packing their car to come down to their house near here and put in three HUGE bags of a very expensive dog food to give to us. Plus a large dog bed. The dogs loved the food and were not happy about going back to the usual brand even though they loved it before !!! A bit like going back to fizzy white wine having tasted champagne !! Thanks Brian and Angela, you are very special.

Well that’s about it, have a look at the updated adoption page and if you don’t see what you are looking for, give me a call, there are new dogs looking for homes all the time.

love,

Sue x

Loulou

Loulou, a beautiful Blue Roan (no less !) 4 year old Spaniel is looking for a new home as her owner has moved to Java (again, no less !) and could not take her. A sweet little dog, she is vaccinated, sterilised and passported. Great with children, not fazed by anything and will let you know when you have callers. Different coloured eyes which adds to her charm !

Benno

Beautiful Lady Benno ! This is a photo of the beautiful two year old Benno just three minutes after she had been left for an ‘away hour’ at Poorpaws to see how she would react. Well, every picture tells a story ! I just cannot emphasise enough what a gorgeous girl she is. Quite shy at first, loves playing with a ball and gets on with everyone. Not an aggressive bone in her darling body. She is MUCH smaller than a labrador ( spaniel size) and was taken in by a kind person when she turned up obviously very recently having had puppies. The lady had Benno sterilised, chipped and vaccinated but sadly is off to Australia very soon and cannot take Benno. This is an ideal dog for anyone – please someone adopt her soon before I fall totally and impossibly in love !

Tressor

There is a French saying which, translated means ” have I got ‘pigeon’ stamped on my forehead ?”. This means “do you think am stupid/gullible or what ?!” There seem to be increasing cases of English people taking dogs from other Brits whilst said Brit “just has to pop back to England for a week”. Inevitably nothing more is heard and the poor ‘pigeon’ is left with a dog they don’t want/cannot afford. This is the case of Tressor a 7 year old Border/German shepherd. A very kind lady agreed to look after Tressor for someone of whom she only knew the christian name and had no means of contact. I know, I know !!

The lady cannot afford another dog and is desperate to rehome him. Apparently fine with other dogs, chickens and horses. (Tressor, not the lady, although I’m sure she is too !) So beware of Brits bearing furry four-legged gifts. Think of drugs and “just say no” !!