Happy Endings
Have you adopted a dog from FOAL Farm and would like to share your story?
If so, please email us and we will publish your story in this section. Due to the sheer volume of 'happy endings' we now receive, we will only be able to feature your stories and pictures on the website for approximately 1 year.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has take the trouble to write and tell us about all our special dogs. It is great to hear how loved they are.
Blossom, Greyhound
hello there, it's Blossom the greyhound here. Well, actually it's Allan, my master, just to let you all know that I am coming up to seven in July this year and my other master, David, says to tell you all that I am doing well in my new home and have taken over really well. I have my own bed in the hall which is a duvet covered with a blanket and my own pillow with pillow case - spoilt or what? In my old age I have got a little bit of middle age spread but I have mellowed towards cats. I come when I am called, well most of the time, and can often be seen walking round Biggin Hill in my maroon racing jacket. Thanks for all your care when I was with you at Foal Farm and I hope to see you all soon.
Tallie Capelli (Thames / Mead)
Hello foal farm, just thought I would let you know how things are with the Capelli Family. I have been here for 2 years now and have them all wrapped around my paws, even Dad.
My first few days were a bit tricky, the Family couldn't get the toilet thing right. They would let me out every five minutes and then I had to keep my legs crossed for what seemed Hours other times, but they have learnt that when I keep wandering round and run up the stairs I need to go. I have stopped making a mess when Mum has to pop out because she gives me a treat when I'm good (anything for food you know).
I have had three visits to the nice man in the blue coat, one with a bad cough and a sticky eye and when I had to have my stitches out from being speyed. The nice man was telling Mum I had to put on a little weight which I am working on all the time.
I love to go out but not when it's raining. We have a nice garden. Mum likes to chase me when I dig up the grass - it's so much fun but she doesn't seem to like it as much as me. I do like to help with the pruning of the clematis; I always start from the very bottom of the stick and get rid of the bits by eating them while lying in the sun.
The children are great fun; they chase me when I pretend to chew up their Football boots and slippers. Glenn is the mad one, he is always playing with me and my toys. He does let me sleep on his bed from time to time. Then there's Zoe; I get kisses all the time and so I let her play with my paws (we do disco moves together) and the two of them check me over as you showed them before I left the farm.
Mum and Dad say they can't remember times without me and keep telling others who stop and fuss over me about Foal Farm.
I would like to thank you for looking after me for the week I spent with you.
Hope to see you again soon.
Jessica, Cairn Terrier Pup
Hello Foal Farm,
Its Jess, remember me, the puppy Cairn Terrier? I wanted to give you a little update as I have done so many things since I was adopted in December. Well, firstly I love my new owner, ('PL' aka Pack Leader) wow thank-you for finding her out of the hundreds of folk who applied for me, 'PL' spoils me rotten! We go everywhere together and everywhere we go people always stop and give me fuss and ask to stroke me, mmmm I must be special! 'PL' takes me to training classes, everyone calls me a 'Little Tinker' (not too sure what that means) but I think it's good. I eat loads when I go there - yummy... everytime I 'sit' down I get a biscuit, and everytime I come back when she calls me I get a piece of 'cheese' and everytime I walk nicely on the lead I get a piece of ham. I'm such a good girlie! Although when I see a squirrel in the woods (I just love squirrels) and run after it to show her, I don't get anything. Can't figure that one out - it's much more effort on my part. Personally, I blame my ancestors for the whole predatory chase thing! You might like to know that I have made so many friends, in the park, in the woods, even down at the beach - its a brilliant life! Ooo hold on 'PL' wants to say a few words ... Look at me now, learning recall on a lunge line. I call this series of photos 'Sit, Stay and ... wait a minute, is that a Squirrel over there?'
Ah hello, its Karen (PL aka Karen) I have to say adopting Jess has been the best thing I've done, she has given me immense joy, she is such a good girl, and for my 1st dog I know I am blessed. We bonded straight away (but I guess that was already established from my many visits to see her & hours of sitting with her in her kennel at the Farm before I took her home). She is well balanced and socialised and her introduction to her new surroundings has really benefited through the months from a stable routine. True to my promise we have both been progressing well in training classes and her respect of my commands is truly rewarding. She has bags of energy, loves her walks, has a sense of humour and a bold personality she really is a wonderful, lovely girl. In the summer Jess & I are arranging some charity walks to raise both awareness and funds to support the great work you all do at Foal Farm. We shall both visit you all soon to say hello, show our progress and make a donation.
DJ
We found DJ at Foal Farm, listed on the website under both “Top
Dogs” and “Desperate Dogs – dogs difficult to home”.
We come from Zimbabwe , where we had owned and loved Staffies, free
to run in enormous gardens, free to bark and growl and chase cats as
Staffies do. Dogs in the UK struck us as being infinitely more contained,
more polite, less “doggy”. However, we thought with less
space, perhaps a quieter, less energetic breed would suit us here. But
there – on the website – was DJ, a Staffie, bright eyed, alert, very handsome
and identified as “difficult”. Seduced by his photograph,
we decided to visit Foal Farm, but with an open mind – to consider
other dogs too and make our decision then.
But … walking through the kennels, there was DJ, clutching a “doggie times” between his powerful Staffie jaws and marching on the spot as we passed. I lost my heart. No other dog would do.
Then began the “visiting test”. To my delight, on our first visit, Karl noted “DJ likes them”. The feeling was mutual. Week after week we visited DJ, to be reminded each time that he was difficult, that he had bitten his previous owners, that he had in the past shown “food aggression”. That he seemed to take a spontaneous and inexplicable dislike to certain people. Week after week we visited, we walked him and scratched his ears and fed him bits of bacon. We fell in love. Finally, DJ came home.
Six months later ….
The dog deemed too difficult to home snuggles up to me in the spring
sun, resting his head on my legs, gazing at me with his big brown eyes.
He rules. Each morning we walk across the road, through the churchyard
and into the fields. He keeps a beady eye on cows and ravens and rabbits
and shadows that just might be worth chasing. Days are spent following
the sun, when it’s there, or backing into the heater when it’s
not. Leaping in outrage and growling as he hears the postman come up
the garden path. Then the evening walk, the same tongue-lolling smiling-terrier
face happily trotting ahead. Followed by dinner – his first, then
ours, during which he, the “dog with food aggression”, lies
flat at our feet under the table, snoring contentedly.
This DJ, this difficult dog, has inched his way into our days, into our lives. Attaches himself
to us like a four legged black shadow. Watches every move we make with alert eyes and twitching
ears. Sleeps through the night like a contented baby. Wakes us in the morning with his groans
and yawns and greets us as if we have been missing for weeks.
DJ has many loyal friends, chief amongst them Janet and Martin from Foal Farm. They have visited him here, and walked with us across the fields, he, DJ, trotting ahead with the pride of ownership and freedom and dogdom. He’s found a home. He’s our friend, and we love him. He’s DJ.
Leo
Dear All,
I thought I'd drop you a line and let you know how I'm getting on with my
new Mummy, Daddy and Sister ... Mummy and Daddy are very good, I'm
taking them out for about three walks a day! My sister Mollie is
good too, although when she's asleep I have to try and
wake her up 'cos I've decided that she's VERY lazy ... apparently
being on the go for twenty four hours is a bit much for her (she is ancient
though - nearly four!) I am settling in really really well
and I love my new house although it is far too tidy so I've decided
that spitting biscuits on the floor instead of eating them will make
it better.
They've also been doing something, I think they call it 'training', with me. I have to say it's really quite easy, all I have to do is sit down, lie down and offer a paw and I get food - how good is that?!
I'd just like to say before I go off for yet another walk thankyou to everyone at Foal Farm for looking after me especially Stuart and Karl!
Churchill
Hi Friends,
Phew ...! It's so hot. I thought I'd come indoors and let you know how
I'm getting on in my new home.
It's just been over a week, and I'm so happy, I've really settled in well. I love my new home, I've got this large duvet positioned by a floor to ceiling window, which I sit on and watch the world go by. I've also got a lovely garden where if I'm desperate I can use for a wee, but I'm out in the fields quite a lot on my regular walks where I tend to go there.
The food is very good, and I've also been treated to a couple of large bones.
I've already travelled to a different part of the country when my owner took
me to see his Mum and Dad. They had a big garden, which I loved exploring,
and again I was fussed and shown so much love.
I went to the vets near where I live and have been registered there, the vet was a very nice man and he said that I was a very healthy and happy dog.
I had some pictures taken of me, which I enclose for you to see.
Monty
April
2005: The journey home was uneventful except that Monty passed
wind all the way! On arrival a good walk soon sorted that out and took
away some of his energy. Despite this he still managed to do a tour of
the house several times at top speed.
Since the initial tornado he has settled in wonderfully. He loves the garden and playing and has managed to destroy a so-called 'indestructible' mesh ball. He walks very nicely and even takes the time to stop for a poo now. Anyone that has ever walked him will understand what we mean by this. He knows to stop at the edge of the kerb and waits to be told to cross. This and how well behaved he is indoors makes us think that he is used to living in a home with rules.
Over the next week or two we will be building up the bond between us as we have
managed to both get time off work. It has been a joy to have him
home so far as he is so loving and gentle, and full of fun and spirit. We
are very optimistic about his future and being able to give him a safe and
loving home.
Rolo
Hi everyone at Foal Farm, My name is Rolo (formerly Blueberry). I was rescued as a tiny puppy from Foal Farm in 1991 from a huge litter! All of my brothers and sisters were named after berries, but I got a new name after I worked out to get loads of attention by always rolling over! I have been very happy with my owners, and have grown up with my owners children, playing with them all the time!! I love chasing squirrels, and also my mum's horses (which my mum says is a death wish!) In the summer I go on holiday to the beach where I have sunrise walks and can go swimming ... sometimes the waves get a bit scary though! I did not go into the water last year though as i am getting rather old now and have arthritis in my back legs!! I do not know whether I will see the beach this summer as I have cancer, but I am making the most of life at the moment, and my owners are spoiling me with loads of chews and toys! I would like to say thank you to Foal Farm for giving me to my owners, as I have had a wonderful life as a guard dog, and as a much loved family member. I hope that all my brothers and sisters are ok, and thank you to Foal Farm for rescuing my mum and giving me a chance to have a happy life!
Max
Dear all, Just wanted to let you know how I am settling in with my new home.
I come all the way to Liphook in Hampshire to be with my new Mum (Hazel) and
Dad (Stephen) on Saturday evening. 
The
journey was quite long, but I was very good and quite enjoyed telling them
what direction to take, these humans have no sense of direction, but with a
little help from me we arrived at my new home. The new house is great, although
they only let me guard downstairs, apart from the bathroom, which I allowed
them to give me a bath in on Saturday night. They said it was fun, but I didn’t
enjoy it!!!!! That evening I took Stephen for a walk around the estate where
we live, a nice place with lots of lamp posts.
That night I slept in my new bed for the first time, not too bad, and I’m getting used to it. Stephen kept waking me up every 2 or 3 hours, he said he was checking up on me, but I think he really wanted to sleep in my bed. The next day I took both Stephen and Hazel for a walk in the wood, behind where I now live, I think they enjoyed themselves, but they both need lots of training as they were both knackered when I got them home. Funny really as it seems that they both don’t know where they live as I have to take them out 2 or 3 times a day and each time I take them on a different route, still as I said with training … They should be fine.
On Monday evening I took them to doggy training classes, and introduced them to some friends, we barked a lot, but they seemed to enjoy themselves and laughed a lot. I think they are going to need a lot of training.
On Tuesday I took them to see the doggie doctor, she said I am in great health, but mum and dad could do with some more exercise.
Charlie - English Bull Terrier
To everybody at FOAL Animal Sanctuary
We are sure you will remember Charlie the English Bull Terrier. Charlie was a bit of a handful, he had been badly treated and when he came to FOAL he had lots of bite marks and sores on his body, and was in quite a sorry state. He also tried to lunge at any animal that past him. Obviously for a Bull Terrier and one with his personality, kennels where not ideal, but he was safe, receiving care and during the 8 months he was at FOAL, the staff improved his condition and calmed his lunging towards animals.
It was by chance we came across the FOAL Animal Sanctuary Website after loosing our beloved 13-year-old Bull Terrier ‘Sykes’. We didn’t think we could have another dog, but seeing Charlie made us think again.
Despite some reservations, we felt our previous experience with our highly-strung Bull Terrier put us in a good position to give him a good home. We visited Charlie who was housed in Kennel number 13 (unlucky for some!) a number of times, and then arranged for a home visit, and after a lot of thought we took Charlie home.
It took quite some time for him to settle, and he spent a lot of time in his bed and sleeping – although this might have been due to the regular long walks! There were times it seemed he was almost fearful of coming into the lounge or the bedroom, and he wouldn’t bark in the house. We took the advice that Carl and Sarah K gave, and with patience and perseverance it has really paid off. So much so, that we don’t think they would know him now.He still doesn’t like our ceiling fans very much – which was a bit annoying during the hot weather! He is now an excellent house dog - protective of his home, and is quite funny on a return from a walk when he is determined to run around the garden barking – to let everybody know he is back home!!!
He is a real character, playful, and mischievous at times, but no different to any other EBT. He is very loveable, loves a cuddle and like most EBT’s craves our attention. He loves to sunbathe, although he is not so keen on the sunscreen cream! He loves his walks along the beach and over the fields. He is beginning to ignore the cats lazing in their gardens and on some occasions can be quite well behaved when we see other dogs – regular reminders of what a good boy he is really seem to have worked. Obviously he is always kept on a lead, but the lunge line that we purchased early on allows him to run a little more freely when we are out in open spaces or on the beach.
The birds room is still out of bounds for Charlie, but his interest in the birds has become less and less, and even with the door open, he just stands there has a look then wonders past. We don’t leave the door open when we are not in the room, but it’s nice to know he is learning. He doesn’t take much notice of the parrot who sits with us of an evening, but she pushed her luck a few weeks ago, when she decided to take flight and landed on the floor. Charlie gave chase, and obviously thought she looked a tasty meal, but thankfully stopped immediately we called him. She was a little wet – so he obviously he had had his mouth near her, and obviously a little shocked, but no damage was done – Charlie although reprimanded was praised for stopping as instructed.
He has been fantastic with young nieces and friends children – although we edge on the side of caution – everybody loves Charlie – and is surprised that this rather aggressive looking dog is so loving and caring.
We will never replace our Sykes, and neither will another dog replace our Charlie, the Bull Terrier is a breed apart – and one we love dearly.
Millie
Millie, the bull terrier crossbreed, sharing her home with her friend, 'the cat'!!!!!
Jimmy / Patch
This is just
to let you know about Jimmy (known as Patch in that litter, I think) who is
from the May 2000 Jack Russell litter. I've been doing mini agility with him,
and won out of Starters with him at the Agility Club Show at Luton, in August,
and then qualified him for Crufts when he came 4th in the Eukanuba Mini Knockout
at the Letchworth Show on 31st August. It is likely that that competition will
be on the Sunday afternoon of the 2003 Crufts Show. We are also hoping to take
part in an Agility Display at Discover Dogs at Earls Court, November 16th/17th!
Incidentally, this is not Jimmy's first moment of fame, because he starred in my school's production of Oliver as Bill Sykes's dog (yes, we know he's the wrong breed, but he is a dog and he behaved beautifully!) last January.
Charlie
This is Charlie, Boxer crossbreed, with his new family. He waited for over 1½ years in his kennel for someone special who would see past his barking and general showing off - he only did this to get your attention. As you can see, he has now got his bottom planted firmly on the floor and not a sound to be heard!!
To everyone at Foal: I thought you might like to see this photo of me in my new home. I have settled in very well with my family - John, Cilla and daughter Lydia (pictured with me). I enjoy going for walks with Whisky, a little Westie who also lives with me.
There's a regular supply of food and plenty of cuddles. The family have renamed me 'Nipper' instead of my old name Buddy. They think that I look a bit like the dog that sits next to the record player on the HMV advert. That was his name.
Buddy - waited for a home at Foal for over 6 months and featured on Desperate Dogs page.
Jess
Just a short note to update you regarding Jess' progress following our adoption on the 17 November.
He has quickly settled into the household routine and is proving to be a very mild mannered dog, well behaved and obedient, well at least whilst in doors!! He has a good appetite and enjoys our company.
The first week I kept on the lead, but by the second week I felt confident to let him off, and wow did he, and does he, enjoy the freedom of the woods and green running here, there, and everywhere. He gets a little carried away and does not always responds to my calls immediately, but soon seeks me out when he feels a little lost. He also gets on well with the other dogs we meet, although strangely enough we have not met any joggers or cyclists yet.
He has settled down well with Tootsie and they enjoy a good game, although I think Tootsie finds Jess' speed of movement some what overcoming and tends to lie down waiting for him to arrive before pouncing.
We have had no trouble with the children, indeed Sarah regularly takes both dogs out after school, although at present she keeps Jess on the lead.
The Cat appears to have accepted Jess and so far Jess has caused the Cat no real grief.
All in all everything is going ok, although of course its still early days and I'm conscious that I must watch out for changes in behaviour as Jess settles more and more into our routine and ways.
Jess is pictured on the left with new found friend Tootsie and the family hamster in the background.
Red (formerly Geezer)
Hi, thought I’d give you an update on Red (Geezer as he was known in kennels). (In order of appearance - Blue, Red and Elsa):
When I first saw him in the Kennels in November, I thought what a funny looking sad old dog. I feel so sorry to see dogs his age (our vet says between 12 & 14 years old). They are so confused and bewildered, so I talked to my husband and we decided to adopt him. We brought my existing two dogs to meet him, and everything went fine, as they pretty much ignored each other.
As you know, it turned out that he is totally deaf, he has cataracts, so his eyesight isn’t that great, and he has a vast collection of lumps and bumps! No wonder he looked so pitiful in kennels! What a changed dog now though! His eyes sparkle, he loves his food and walks (he’s very sprightly and can gallop at quite a speed), loves to lie in front of the fire and cook himself (we call it “boil in the bag Red”), and amazingly enjoys playing (but not for too long). He looks adorably ridiculous prancing around pouncing on soft toys, he makes us laugh a lot. Afterwards he sleeps for England, often with his tongue out which can be mildly alarming, though we are more used to it now. His name doesn’t really matter as he can’t hear it anyway, he is affectionately called “the little man”.
He’s put on two kilos (and I promise he won’t put on any more) and has had two baths and a makeover (de-matting). He reminds me of an old gentleman in his Sunday best, rather than a tatty old tramp!
I would love to know what his previous life was like – I cannot believe he could have survived as a stray, but that’s all behind him now. He gets on really well with my other two dogs, and particularly loves to curl up to sleep in my German Shepherd’s tail (though she doesn’t think much of that idea).
I don’t know how long we may have with him, he is a real old timer after all, but he loves and enjoys every day of his life now, so when we do lose him, it will be knowing that he was happy and comfortable in his final years.
He has been thoroughly undemanding and hasn’t put a foot wrong from day one. I am so glad that we took him, and I think he is too. If I’m not careful I think I may become addicted to adopting “oldies”, it’s so rewarding.
Well that’s all for now.
Charlie (labrador)
Hello To All My Friends At Foal Farm
Thought I would send you a photograph of my new doggy pal, Blaze, whom I have been sharing my new home with for the past three months, that's us in the garden with me in my new blue collar.
Blaze came up to see me with his owners Ann and Bob whilst I was still at Foal Farm, so we got to know one another quite well.
From the moment I walked into my new home I was made welcome by my Humans and Blaze, who showed me the cupboard where the biscuit tin was kept, we became firm friends from that moment on.
Blaze is eight years old and I am only three but we have fun together, I have only got us both into trouble once when I managed to get the remains of a Pizza from the worktop after everyone had gone to bed. Blaze and I had a midnight feast, it was delicious, a cheesy one with stuffed crust, every bit as good as the advert on the Television.
However Ann forgave me, in fact I heard her say she would forgive me everything, but I don't think I was supposed to hear that.
One sunny Sunday afternoon we had what my owners called a barbecue, that was good, as Blaze and I had chicken and sausages for our dinner that day.
On a Thursday evening I go to dog training classes at Beckenham Dog Training School, I see Sarah there and would you believe it, another dog who was at Foal Farm the same time as I was. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw Sid (formerly Dandy), we had a good bark before the lesson started, you will be pleased to hear I'm doing quite well.
At the present time I am on holiday with my new owners and Blaze in what they call a caravan and am having the time of my life here, I have heard them call the place Rye Harbour in the East Sussex countryside.
I put one paw outside the caravan and there are rabbits running wild in all directions, I guarantee I would be too if I was not firmly on my lead. However, the beach is nearby, Blaze and I are allowed to run free and I have to make do with chasing Seagulls instead, not quite as much fun as chasing rabbits but never mind.
I would just like to say "THANK YOU" to all my friends who took me for walks and cared for me during my time at Foal, you took good care of me for a long time, where would us animals be without places like Foal Farm in our hour of need.
I will come and see you all again soon.
PS I still take my tennis ball everywhere with me, so far I have found 6 in the local park and brought them all home.
PPS I have discovered since being here at Rye for the past few days, that I am a real water baby. There is a nice sandy beach called Camber Sands and the sea leaves slip streams. Blaze and I chase each other into the sea, he was not sure at first, but soon changed his mind when he saw how I was enjoying myself.
Tyson
Update on Tyson, July 2005
Dear All,
Thought I'd get in touch to see if anyone there remembered me. I was the old boy who was pining so much for my old home that I wouldn't eat. When my new family collected me they thought I was a lurcher but now they're pretty sure I've got a lot of labrador and a bit of collie in me.
I've been with this family four years now and I am so very happy. There are four of us dogs and four cats and we are all great mates. I am sending a couple of pics so you can see what I mean. (I'm the big, black, handsome one, with the distinguished greying muzzle) We have
lovely walks every day over the fields or along the sea walls. My pals like to swim in the river - one of them is a water dog - but I am happy just to paddle, and we do this every weekend when the weather is good.
I had a stroke last year but thanks to some devoted nursing by my mum, I have made a full recovery, and although I am getting on a bit and need a leg-up to get in the car, I can keep up a steady dog-trot for a good mile and still break into a canter now and again. I can still get onto the sofa without assistance. Life is good!
Previous news on Tyson
Thought it was about time I brought you up to date re Tyson. What can I say? Everything's great. He was neutered in August and made no trouble of it (apart from howling the vet's down - they called me early to go and fetch him because he was upsetting all the other animals!). Tyson and my male terrier Tommy are great mates - always side by side on their walks and showing each other interesting sniffs. Rosie the other terrier is a bit put out because her supremacy is a bit threatened by Tyson's size and pushiness but the bad temper is all on her side so no problem there. Tyson and the cats are just members of the same pack now - absolutely now problems at all. I feed the cats with Tyson about and he is very good about not pinching their food or milk. He is, in fact, just great - we and all the family love him to bits. He's so affectionate you just can't help it.
He's had to have his food cut down considerably. He filled out very nicely and then continued to fill so I had to put the brakes on. As a result he has become much more omnivorous than he was previously - eats his vegetables now like a good boy and even developed a talent for picking his own blackberries. He has also pinched my husband's sandwiches out of his bag twice which didn't go down too well. Derek puts them straight in the car now in the mornings instead of leaving them in the hall.
There have been no problems about leaving him when I go to work. I'm home at lunchtime anyway and back for good at 4.40 pm and of course all the school holidays when we all walk for miles. My terriers sleep in our bedroom but Tyson chooses to sleep on the sofa downstairs - he kindly makes room for us when we watch the TV - it's just as well it's a three-seater.
I think that about covers it. I just wish his former owners could know how well he has settled in. They must surely wonder sometimes what has happened to him.
Tyson arrived for rehoming at Foal at the age of 7 years old.
Millie
Hi to all at Foal Farm (especially Sarah the Staffie home checker). Just thought I would send you a picture of Millie, who is now living in Dorset being thoroughly spoilt with sea side and country walks. I gave Millie a home a year ago after she was with you for some time and after my Boxer dog had just died. After attending school this year she has settled into a lovely dog and we love her dearly. I especially thought Sarah might be interested if she is still with you.
Millie, the bull terrier crossbreed, sharing her home with her friend, 'the cat'!!!!!
Ben (Collie-GSD Cross)
Dear Foal Farm
We are writing to you to say a big thank you for adopting our dog 'Ben' to us on 10th March 1985. Ben, a Border collie crossed with Alsatian was almost nine months old when we adopted him. We took him home to become part of our family along with our three children, and our cat Miggi.
Ben proved to be quite a character, he chewed up a telephone when it rang, sneaked a home made fruit pie from the kitchen work top, he also chewed up a handbag and it's contents including a packet of Fisherman's Friends!
But soon enough Ben settled in well with family life, he became a reassurance in securing our home, he would be the first to know when someone entered the gate and he would make sure no one entered the premises uninvited!
But most of all Ben became our loyal friend and companion; Ben would always be at the door with a warm greeting and a wet nose! Ben would love to run at the local hill and fields and even won a place at the FOAL Farm fund raising day in the dog scurry!
Ben liked to play with our three children as they grew, but to all our surprise when the grandchildren came along Ben was still there to become a friend to them too, even though he was getting on a bit.
Sadly Ben fell asleep this week through old age but we would never have believed when we took that young dog home in 1985 that he would live to a wonderful age of 17 years old.
We enclose a donation from all of us to the farm to say thank you for the enjoyment that Ben has given us all over the many years.
August 2001
Cody (German Shepherd)
Cody - German Shepherd - Arrived at Foal August 2001. It's now 3 weeks we have had this adorable dog, he has undergone his op and had the damaged claws removed.
Our vet said that he is looking in great shape now and everything has healed well. We enjoy giving him his medicated washes, fun time in shower. He is very good on the beach were he gets lots of exercise chasing his favourite red ball.
Recent update: Just a quick update on the wonderful dog we had from you 5 months ago. He has settled down very well enjoying his life with our cats and tiki the cairn. He enjoyed a romp around the paddock in the snow we had at christmas (his first). Has had several "walks" on the breacon beacons, more of a climb than a walk, loves travelling in the car or van we bought for work. Certainly has put on weight and has quietened down to an adorable friend. Thanks for all your help in homing him with us.
More Recent Update: Six months ago we let ourselves in for some exercise with an adorable but handful of loveable German Shepherd by the name of Cody. We have gone through another bout of the mange he was born with but with tender loving care and plenty of smelly washes we seem to be beating it and hope it is the last time now he is growing up. To add to our fun we went to a local kennels where they take in strays for rehoming. Here we found a young female boxer-cross which we thought would make a great playmate for Cody. When it came for the first meet, we were unsure what would happen but we had no fears, they got on straight away running all round the grounds of the kennels. So we adopted her (Millie) and bought her home to meet the cats, again all best friends right from the start. Now we have problems stopping them from playing but at least we get some rest. Please find attached photo. We will keep you informed of their progress.
Cody was brought into Foal with a terrible case of mange (he had a bald head!), amongst other health problems.
Jack (Labrador)
Hello its Jack the Labrador here. I have been with my new family for 2 months now, so I thought I would let you know how I am.
My new family have been teaching me lots of new things. I go to Kennel Club training classes, where I have my bronze test in a few weeks. I can't be bothered to bark at other dogs or pull on my lead anymore. My owners think I cannot bark as I have never barked at home. In fact I have only barked once and that was the first time I went training. It takes up too much energy so why bother!! My mum says it would be nice if I barked when someone knocked at the door but I don't agree.
I go out for lots of walks with my mum and my human sister and we have lots of fun. I hope my doggy friends have found new homes and my human pals are being good. I did enjoy taking you all for walks, I don't do that now as my mum is a bit weedy and I would pull her over.
Thank you for looking after me.
We still see the occasional bout of unsociable behaviour but a short burst of muzzle wearing appears to be the cure for this. In fact, other dog owners in the park have adopted the same action with their dogs having seen the turnaround it has made in Jack.
I hope all is well with everyone at Foal and please pass on our best wishes to Jane.
Jack spent over a year in kennels looking for someone special and he certainly found it!
Bobby
This is Bobby, waiting for his mum to arrive home. As you can see, Bobby has a great character - not a bad feat as he started life being severely abused by his former owner. Bobby's new owners are over the moon with him and wouldn't be without him now.
Poppy (Golden Labrador)
Thank you for finding me a nice home. I am having a lovely time and being very good. I don't nip anymore! and I am doing all I am told to do. I sleep on my Mums bed and she doesn't mind at all - I was pleased about that! I have a lovely big garden and like watching the birds. I go to the park and woods every day and have lots of nice walks. Today has been very special as I've been to the seaside and it was a lot of fun! I didn't feel brave enough to go in the sea! but I liked it and most of all I liked finding seaweed and picking up pebbles which didn't please my Mum very much but she never gets cross. I get lots of rides in the car and have a nice sleep then. I hope you like these pictures of me - some from the seaside (Herne Bay) today and one from my new garden.
Thank you for looking after me and for finding me a nice new home.
Jack
As promised, I have enclosed some recent photos of Jack and thought you would be interested to know that he is making extremely good progress in his social skills behaviour. We've been spending a lot of time with my sister and her family, including their West Highland Terrier that has become Jack's very best friend! In fact, he gets sulky when I bring him home again and he has to leave his friend behind. We haven't thrown caution to the wind as Jack is still uncomfortable around loud noises and loud traffic but he has made significant progress. He has become a regular visitor to many shops on Kensington High Street and is generally very popular with the staff and other customers alike.
I hope all is well with everyone at Foal and please pass on our best wishes to Jane.
Polly (Staffie)
Dear Foal Farm, I'm 6 months now and I'm loving it here at my new home. My new family take me for long walks, play with me and I've made lot's of new doggy friends. We meet regularly at the local park and field. I like going for long car rides which means I get long country walks. I've learned how to play football. How is my mum, Dolly? Did she find a good home? And what about my brothers and sisters? Say hi to the staff at Foal.
Polly the staffie settling into her new home. Polly arrived at Foal as a stray, having obviously
become useless as a breeding bitch. Having been laying down for so long, she had no fur on her sides. Her stomach was so loose due to rearing so many litters, she was the first dog to have a 'boob job' at
Foal.
Her new mum and dad love her for being a dog, not a breeding machine.
Thanks to Polly's mum and dad for looking after her so well - Sarah K.
Dennis (Saluki Lurcher)
Hi there Pete and Michelle, and all at foal farm. This is our Saluki cross Lucher, called Dennis - you can see how well he is doing now. He is a right little character, full of mischief. Please can you all at Foal Farm pass to Cherie your lurcher lady, I am sure she will be pleased to see how Dennis is doing.