Adopting from MAD Rescue
Let me share a touching story that illustrates the virtues of adopting from MAD Rescue. It all started with a personal connection to the cause: my own childhood dog was a rescued German shepherd who had a rough start in life and that experience left a lasting impact on me, and I’ve always had dogs in my life ever since so when I was asked to become a trustee for a rescue organization, I didn’t hesitate to accept.
One of the dogs that came into MAD Rescue was Xena, a poor soul who had been starved and neglected. It was heart-breaking to hear her story, but it also filled me with determination to help her. I had in recent months experienced the sudden loss of Indie, my beloved Labrador who had been with me for over a decade, due to Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia and I noticed hugely the absence of a large dog in my life which left me feeling lost and longing for companionship.
Xena’s journey to recovery had been closely monitored by Mel, a dedicated member of the rescue team and despite her traumatic past, Xena showed incredible resilience and began to thrive under Mel’s care and her true amazing character was certainly shining through.
When at the end of Jan, MADUK Rescue held its first open day, with free mini training sessions, and advice for those struggling with their Malinois or Dutch Herders with an opportunity to meet and connect with other owners, I had the chance to meet Xena in person. Instantly, I felt a connection with her, we played ball and I knew I wanted to give her a loving home.
Initially I had concerns because I already had a young terrier puppy so before making any commitments, I wanted to ensure it would be a good fit for both Xena and myself. Mel suggested a foster trial, which turned out to be a wonderful idea. With Mel’s walking me through how they should meet and be supervised whilst I introduced Xena to my household, I then followed Mel’s guidance on Xena’s behaviour and feeding her, taking into account her food protection tendencies stemming from her past starvation. It wasn’t always easy, but with patience and consistency, Xena gradually adjusted to her new life. As time went on Xena grew accustomed to the hustle and bustle of my lively household, eagerly welcoming visitors with open paws. Meal times soon fell into a regular routine, and everyone adjusted to the feeding schedule without any fuss.
Xena has formed a close bond with my other dog, Violet, and even became comfortable around my horses. We build our bond day by day and Xena rewards me with her with cuddles and unwavering loyalty, proving that even dogs with difficult pasts can thrive in the right environment.
Adopting Xena was not without its challenges, but the rewards far outweighed any difficulties. Seeing her transformation from a scared and malnourished pup to a happy and confident dog was truly inspiring. It’s amazing to witness how a dog with a troubled past can be trained and transformed Every rescue presents its own set of challenges, requiring patience and effort to help the dog adjust and overcome any issues. I couldn’t have done it without the support and expertise of Mel and the MAD Rescue team.
So, if you’re considering adopting a dog, I urge you to consider rescuing one like Xena. Not only will you be giving a deserving animal a second chance at life, but you’ll also be rewarded with unconditional love and companionship.
