Monday 10 January 2011

Flash and her puppies


Every now and again we get wind of a really lovely, heart-warming, and blog-worthy story here at our head office. Well, today is one of those days! Samantha Davis, Supporter Relations Office for our Canterbury Centre, is going to tell you the touching story of Flash, the pooch in the spotlight with her 6 adorable puppies (picture above).

Take it away, Sam:

All dogs are amazing. We obviously think so… we do afterall work for Dogs Trust. However, sometimes a dog comes into our centre at Canterbury, with such an exceptional story, we have to share it.

On 9th December 2010 a very underweight black and white Collie approximately 3 years old was picked up in Northern Ireland by the dog warden and taken to a local veterinary clinic. She had been hit by a car and suffered several injuries as a result. She had a broken hind leg and a puncture wound to her abdomen. The Vets gave her all the necessary treatment for her injuries and cast up her leg. She had no microchip and nobody claimed her.

2 days after the accident she gave birth to 6 puppies and the clinic held onto her for just under 3 weeks. This was the best place for her in her condition and she gained weight and the puppies developed with few complications from the accident. In this time, the clinic tried desperately to find deserving homes for Mum and pups but struggled to find anyone suitable.

Their only option was to hand them over to a local animal organisation that in turn got in touch with us. An arrangement was made for Flash and pups to be brought over to us on 29th December so we could care for them and rehome them through our centre. Whilst a 20hour journey wasn’t ideal for the dogs, it meant that we could save them from an uncertain future, care for them whilst they were recovering and then rehome them to responsible new owners.

When Flash arrived we didn’t know what to expect. Having been through such an ordeal, we prepared for a dog that could be very nervous and apprehensive of new people and strange places. We thought particularly, around her puppies she could show signs of distress and maybe even aggression.

We couldn’t have been more wrong. She turned out to be the sweetest natured and most affectionate Mum we’ve ever had in. She has a wonderful temperament and copes amazingly well with her situation. Her leg is still in a cast and she continues to feed her pups. She can’t yet be separated from them; so much so that a trip to the vets for an X-ray and recast was a family affair and the puppies went along for the ride!

The puppies are now 4 weeks old and are doing well. We are slowly weaning them onto dry food and getting homes ready for when they can leave Flash at 8 weeks old. We already have a perfect home lined up for Flash where she can relax and enjoy herself.

Both Mum and Pups have captured the hearts of all the staff and volunteers at Canterbury. We shall be sorry to see them leave. We are confident however, that once rehomed, their ordeal will finally be over and they can enjoy their ‘forever’ homes, and be given all the love and care they deserve.








23 comments:

Dani Crossland said...

aww they are so sweet :) x

Palma G said...

It is always upsetting to hear of a dog being hurt in anyway, in this case its great to see flash is recovering well and her puppies are healthy! Thay all deserve a caring home , she is a lovely looking dog. :-)

Anonymous said...

Flash looks lovely as do her puppies i'm glad she has a new loveing home to go to and i'm sure those puppies will be snapped up x Dogs Trust Rocks x

Anonymous said...

Wonderful to hear of a happy ending for Flash. She is a sweet looking lady. Hoping the pups will be as lucky. I have no doubt that they will, they're beautiful. If I didn't have my two, I'd be straight there.

Anonymous said...

what a lovely happy ending if i lived closer i would of loved to have fostered flash and her pups
you guys do a wonderfull job taking in all these lovely dogs that have been abandoned through no fault of there own
well done flash your pups are adorable

Rachael said...

Flash is beautiful and very brave too. I'm so pleased that you have already found her a loving new home to settle in too. I love the fact that all her pups had to go along with her for her x-ray...that's so sweet.
You all do wonderful work at Dogs Trust THANK-you so very much x

Carole Lewis said...

I have a dog who was also rescued from Ireland along with his litter brothers and sisters. It seems they don't treat their dogs too well there! He has grown into a beautiful, sweet natured and loving dog and we adore him. I hope all your puppies find a loving forever home and enjoy a long and happy life

Vicky said...

What a beautiful story and she's smiling in those photos too, she must be so happy now x

Anonymous said...

I have a 5 month old collie who is just like Flash.

I hope she grows up as sweet as Flash and good luck in finding the truly lovely homes they all deserve.

Best Wishes

Marg and Odette x

Rachel and Charlie Dog said...

That is fantastic! A BIG thank you Dogs Trust, to all the people who gave their time and looked after the little family over the Christmas period, I think you are amazing. And yes, you can see she is smiling in the photos. I love Dogs Trust and we'll be doing the Waggy Walk again this year. :-Dx

Melanie said...

What precious story! You made me cry!!! This is the kind of story that brings us to want to donate money to you rather than the thousands of charites out there!!! Keep it up you are amazing :)

Anonymous said...

What a heartwarming story, and thank you Dogs Trust!!!

Unknown said...

Poor Flash, but it's been a very happy ending for her and her puppies. Glad they are all doing well. She looks such a friendly girl - best of luck to you Flash in your new home - hope all your babies are rehomed quickly too. xx

Tracey said...

A trully wonderful ending,what an amazing Mum Flash is !! those babies are gorgeous just like their mum,
well done yet again ~Dogs Trust~ youre all incredible!! xx

Anonymous said...

flash is a lovely dog soon cute and so r her puppies nice to see that flash is getting better i love dogs trust !!!!!

aberlass said...

aww she's such a sweetie, so glad to hear she has found a new home. i'm sure her adorable little puppies will soon find 4ever homes, she loooks so much like my dog who i rehomed nearly 6 yeares ago suchsweet natured dogs and very inteligent.well done on all ur good work xxxx

Ponita Whiteside said...

Its a pity shes not in the north west i would be interested in rehoming her. What a beautiful dog.

toni whatley said...

Carole Lewis. . . I rescued a dog with pups from Ireland, dogs trust rehomed the pups for me, was wondering if your pup maybe one of the litter? It would have been around September 09?

Anonymous said...

What a wondeful outcome. Well done to you all. By the way, I have my Dogs Trust sticker in the front kitchen window.

Anonymous said...

FABULOUS STORY..AND SUCH A HAPPY ENDING! MY COLLIE BOB WAS BORN IN GLASGOW dt..and he is a star! THANKYOU..SO MUCH DT..FOR ALL THAT YOU DO! OUTSTANDING! HAPPY DOGS...HAPPY OWNERS!!!!!!!!!!XXX

Anonymous said...

fabulous! my bob..born as winter was born at glasgow dt..he is also a collie.thanks DT for caring and giving not just the dogs..but US the chance to ENJOY..poochie love! NOWT like it!!!!!!!!

kixxmcmac said...

so glad thyr safe @ well with the dogs trust, who do a fantastic job as ther r so many cruel people out ther, hopefuly flash @ her gorgeous wee puppies wil al find lovin homes, soooooooooooooo cute!

Laura Steele said...

Aw....brought a tear to my eye. My collie looks like Flash and was found pregnant and rescued by SSPCA. She has turned into the best dog and I hope and pray Flash and her pups go on to have happy lives.