From Rags to Riches - Dulcies Blog.xx

Just over three years ago we had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Dulcie who was rescued from a puppy farm. Here is her story as told by her proud mum.

Me and Dulcie.xxx

The anxious looking little spaniel sitting on Cheryl's lap was Dulcie. It was her first full day in her new home after making the long journey from South Wales up to Lancashire via a series of foster homes. She had come to the vet's to be checked over.

'Team Dulcie' aka Paul and Colin!!

It had been about ten days since Dulcie had been rescued from her life as a puppy farm breeder. She was thin and had been infested with a variety of parasites. Her foster mother told me she was very dirty and smelly and her feet and belly were stained yellow from urine. Her little body was covered with scabs from scratching and she had bald patches from rubbing against the bars of her cage. Her muscle tone was poor and she tired quickly. She is about eighteen months old and had produced and fed at least one litter despite being undernourished.

This was Dulcies skin when she first arrived in our care.

 She had recently been spayed at the rescue centre. But she was surprisingly confident and her tail never stopped wagging. It seems that Dulcie had not experienced the worst case scenario of puppy farming. She looked to humans for comfort and was bright and optimistic. Some ex breeders are totally shut down and traumatised.

Click on the link above for more information on why Puppy Farms are bad news!!

It is a horrifying statistic that approximately one third of puppies on the market come from this unregulated trade. Puppies are shown to unwary buyers with a nice looking bitch purported to be the mother and the next week another litter will be brought in to be shown with the same dog to the next unsuspecting group of purchasers.

 It is a huge and lucrative business, often carried on through on line advertisements. Puppies are bred from unhealthy and stressed dogs in appalling conditions. Even blind bitches or dogs with serious defects will be used to produce puppies for sale to the public. Such puppies sometimes die shortly after sale. It is  heartbreaking. I have been asked why in this nation of so called dog lovers  this ghastly trade is not illegal. I have no answer.

Dulcie had never had the experiences that a puppy in a responsible home could expect. She had never been in a house, never had a cosy bed and treats and toys, never been for a walk or played in the sunshine. Everything was new and frightening. Television was a fascinating mystery. She was afraid of the dark and slept very badly.

Part of the adoption agreement was that there would be a calm, kindly dog already resident to be her companion and mentor. This has been crucial in Dulcie's transition into being a pet dog. She watches Jenny closely and copies everything she does. She watches for her reaction to new situations and draws courage from Jen's unflappable attitude. It has been a real bonus that Dulcie's arrival has had a very positive effect on Jenny who was missing the companionship of her litter sister.
I have been pleasantly surprised and relieved at the ease with which Dulcie has adapted to her new circumstances.

House training was sorted in a few days. Her recall is amazing, better than I have achieved with months of effort with other dogs. Sleeping has improved by giving her a well wrapped hot water bottle to snuggle up to in her crate. She quickly learned to walk on the lead, has put on some weight and is now strong and healthy. She is already beautiful but, when her new coat comes through, she will be stunning. Despite her poor treatment in her early life she is forgiving, loving and trusting. She is happy and playful and learning fast. Her delight in seeing and chasing a butterfly for the first time is something I will never forget.

My first experience of this kind of rescue has been wholly positive. I am aware that others take on much more difficult cases and they have my respect and admiration.
So Dulcie and I have made our lifelong contract. I will pay the bills and provide delicious food and luxurious conditions. She will give love and fun and friendship.

 Not a bad bargain.

Dulcie's search for her forever home has been successful. She's staying put.

Photos of Dulcie courtesy of Janine Bebbington.