My Favourite Word

My human pal Blue tagged me with a very interesting challenge. She asked me to think of my favourite word. Lots of MPs, poets and other bigwigs are also selecting their favourite words as part of a UNESCO project to promote literacy in third world countries. The results will be compiled into a book which will be sold in aid of the Education Action program.

It's very difficult to pick a single favourite word. I could have chosen freedom or peace or love but instead I thought I'd go for something more personal to me. It is my blog after all. So my favourite word is ...

RESCUE

And so this post is for all those special people who dedicate themselves to rescuing all kinds of animals (yes, even cats!) Every day I thank dog for those who give their all to help animals in need. Thank you. I hope that my story below will help explain to others why you do it...

...

Most of you know I'm a rescue dog. But did you know that I was in a bit of a sad way when J1 & J2 took me in? My background is a bit of a mystery. I was found as a stray and taken to Battersea Dogs Home in London where I stayed for a month before being taken to Fox Terrier Rescue.

Who's this sad looking little fella?

Yes, you guessed it, it's me. This photo was taken 3 years ago when I first came to live with J1 & J2 and I'd just had my first haircut. It was really hard getting the clippers over my ribs because they were so prominent. I was on a special diet for a long time and had to be fed little and often to try and encourage me to eat. I'd lost my appetite for life and I didn't trust anyone. My only comfort was my toys. I didn't interact with people, and I wasn't bothered about being stroked or getting ear scritchies. As long as they left me alone to get on with destroying my toys I was fine. Gradually I began to come out of my shell. There were a few setbacks along the way. It broke J1 & J2's heart to see me flinch everytime anyone raised their hand near me. They still remember the time I ran and hid when J2 took off his belt (he was just getting undressed!)

The last 3 years haven't been easy. I've come a long way from the scared skinny little chap I once was. I've been attacked by other dogs, had terrible health problems and yet now I'm a happy dog, glad to be given a second chance here with J1 and J2. They wait on me hand and paw, just as it should be.

So to all you noble souls involved in animal rescue. This is why you do it. To help dogs like me readjust and go on to lead happy and fulfilled lives. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

[Special thanks to Lee England, at Fox Terrier Rescue who let J1 & J2 offer me (and Watson before me) a new home.]