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Anni

How did you hear about Anni?

I came across BDRUK’s website whilst searching online for rescues that focussed on disabled, blind or older dogs. We already have one disabled dog, a rescue from Romania with a broken spine. Last year we decided we would like to start fostering, and approached BDRUK. Jackie was very quick to respond and very helpful in explaining the process. We fostered Mila, a blind dog from Bosnia, for a few months before she was happily adopted into the family.
Months later (and after one further foster with a local charity), we were ready to welcome another dog. However, this time we thought it best to consider adopting – our resident dog is getting older and a little more fussy about his companions coming and going.
Jackie was very tolerant in listening to my situation update, and suggested Anni as a potential dog who would fit in well here. I was able to speak to Anni’s fosterer at length to get a very good idea of her before we went to visit. My only concern (and it would have been the same with any dog) was the dynamic between the new entrant and our resident dog. Managing that carefully but giving space was really important, and BDRUK were extremely helpful in helping me plot it. I arranged a separate safe space for Anni, and organised for her to meet our dog outside and walk together before going in to settle down.

Initial impression of Anni?
We drove over to meet Anni a couple of weeks before we adopted her, partly because her fosterer was in the same county and it wasn’t a long journey, but also because she was recovering from surgery at the time and was not ready to be taken to a new home. We fell in love with Anni instantly as she came out to greet us when we visited her at the foster’s house.
When we returned to pick her up at the allotted time, she was exactly as she had seemed at the first meeting – friendly, trusting, adorable, and well-cared for by the fosterer she had been staying with for the last months.

How did she settle in the first week?
She settled in with us immediately, sleeping and eating normally, and getting on well with our resident dog. I’m sure this was largely because she had been in foster with other dogs, but also because she had previous owners (one who sadly died), and so experience of living as a pet. BDRUK knew her well and we were all confident she would adapt well.


How is Anni doing now?
Only six weeks after the adoption, Anni is part of the family and it feels like she’s been here forever. She’s so low stress, I never have to worry about the dogs together or manage any difficult behaviours. She’s perfect; the ideal dog. She makes my other dog seem totally neurotic and difficult by comparison! (but then, he is!).
Anni is with me most of the time, she follows me, trusts me, sits by my desk. She gangs up with my other dog to raid the larder or pester me for food. She follows my other dog outside and they run around barking together. Anni has no idea what she’s barking at – she’s completely blind – but I love the fact that she’s up for it and so happy.
She is a total inspiration and the kindest, sweetest little soul.

Anni
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