Beryl

‘She’s a funny, clever, weird, dear creature’

Beryl’s forever foster family are besotted with her.  They love her odd-shaped cylindrical body, her rough, fluffy fur that hid all manner of lumps and bumps, and stubby little pom-pom tail that wags (or pulses!) overtime.

Most of all though, they say she’s an inspiration - full of determination and resilience.

And she is. Beryl’s life began on the streets of Romania. Caught by the dog-catchers aged about two, she spent years in Adjud public shelter before one of the kind volunteers bonded with her and wanted to give her the chance of a better life.

At Adjud, Beryl had become withdrawn, not getting on very well with the other dogs and rarely coming out of her kennel. One of her back legs appeared shorter than the others - probably the result of an accident or cruelty on the street - and it was painful to watch her trying to get around.

Beryl was taken into foster care with the family of the kind volunteer, where she began to flourish and even started to play. Annie’s Trust and BDRUK funded her passage to the UK, and BDRUK arranged a foster here: a lovely home in Southampton with a rescue brother called Eddie (who Beryl adores and with whom she enjoys a rather rough style of play!).

Veterinary attention has revealed Beryl’s disability to be caused by neurological damage, likely from an impact in early life. Nonetheless, Beryl gets around well on her three good legs, using her fourth as a ‘prop’.  On a good day she can even run down the garden!

Beryl has received physiotherapy, massage from her foster Mum, and lots of fuss and attention (which she requests with characteristic guttural noises). She thoroughly enjoys her food (although her teeth are poor from chewing on stones - a sad reality for many dogs who have lived on the street and want to fill their bellies with something).

Beryl’s physical disability is only half the story. The vet has started her on a temporary course of anti-depressants to help with night tremors and her general level of anxiety. When she first arrived in the UK Beryl was reactive to everything - traffic, bicycles, noisy children, next door neighbours, and other dogs. She now wears a bright ‘Give me space’ vest when she goes out, which helps, as does the fact that with the medication, time and love, she is improving dramatically.

We’re all so proud of how Beryl has adapted. But it became clear to us that this special, older girl (born 2015) should stay where she is and not be promoted for adoption. We are delighted that her foster home is going to become her forever foster.

Please consider that for as little as £5 per month you can help us support her foster family by funding her ongoing medical care. In return we will be delighted to send you updates on how she’s doing (and exclusive pictures of that scruffy, funny, gorgeous face).