Spirit of the Dog - Happy Ending

A HAPPY ENDING.

Sue started bringing her 6yr old Yorkshire Terrier to class this year. Pippa is a rescue dog. She spent the first part of her life with unscrupulous breeders. Pippa was born and then kept in a child playpen. She never went outside, never socialised. The other dogs bullied Pippa. Eventually the R.S.P.C.A. closed down this establishment and Pippa ended up with Yorkshire Terrier Rescue in Bedford. Sue has always owned Yorkies and she was seeking another dog. She contacted the rescue service and eventually went along to see Pippa, who she fell in love with and bought her home.

When Pippa was first with Sue she just hid behind the Sofa, she would not eat. When Sue put food down Pippa would grab it and run behind the Sofa. She could not or would not walk in a straight line, only going round in circles. So long in a playpen, left her with just one option of circles. Pippa had never been on a lead or out for walk. Pippa was frightened of just about everything. At one stage Sue's vet told her the kindest thing to do was to have Pippa put to sleep, as he felt Sue would never make a difference. Sue absolutely refused, and knew she could improve Pippa's life.

Sue is a friend of Margaret who owns Rupert; they come to the Tuesday and Thursday classes. Pippa and Rupert became buddies. Sue started coming to classes at Karma dog training earlier this year. Sue told me of the improvement in Pippa. Pippa is now a much more confident dog, she is learning new skills, socialising with people and dogs. She has jumped over hurdles, will go down on command. She will hand follow and do some heelwork to music moves. Sue has also learnt not to baby Pippa and to have a greater understanding of her dogs needs. Sue, literally, used to cry for Pippa now she glows with pride at her dogs progress. What a great happy ending.