The story of Robin

[Mary Walshe]

********************THE STORY OF ROBIN*******************

A few weeks ago I saw an advert on the web, a six month old Red Setter puppy was for sale, the advert included a picture, and that picture spoke a thousand words!

Robin was the puppy's name and her ribs were sticking out through her, each one of them could be counted, she was like a skeleton with red skin clinging to the bones. I contacted the seller and purchased Robin. As soon as she was safe in my home, a friend of mine rang the seller and chastised him! He denied owning Robin and said that he only sold her for a friend of his. If his story is to be believed, then Robin had more than one bad home, no one will ever know the truth of what happened in Robins past, except Robin herself. We can only guess at the sad story she would tell us, if we could but understand her doggie chat and the sad whines in her nightmares!

Enough about past history, Robin has now turned a corner, and I for one pledge to ensure that the wrongs of the past will never again be repeated in Robins life, for as long as she lives and as long as I live!

When Robin came she was very agressive towards my other dogs. She would growl and snap at them, and because she was so agressive they didnt befriend her either, so I put Robin in a pen where she could see and hear and sniff my dogs without being able to bite or injure them. Day one went by with meals on the hour for Robin, she could only eat a tiny bit at a time, her little tummy couldnt handle anymore. Day 2; she was getting meals every two hours and putting up weight. By the end of day 4 she was on 4 meals a day and eating heartilly! Robin was also afraid of open spaces to begin with, and she had no muscle mass at all, it is very likely that she was kept in a confined space with little or no exercise and even less food and water! Electrolites helped rehydrate her, and she was treated for internal and external parasites, given calcium and vitamins each day and when she improved she was vacinated and microchipped, received her first collar and harness, and became the light of my life!

It was Katie my Gt. Dane (my wise old lady of 11 plus,) who figured out Robins needs far better and sooner than I did. In her wisdom she must have seen and understood Robins fear. Behind my back Katie opened the bolt on Robins Pen, pushed the door in and boldly walked up to Robin, ignoring her snarls and snaps. I watched in amazement as Katie just stood there and allowed Robin the space to gain her confidence. Next, one of my other dogs; Tiger, came on the scene, and she picked up a toy and threw it at Robin Hey presto! The playing started and never stopped, and it has continnued ever since, with Robin being very attached to a squeakymat toy with a long fluffy tail. This toy is often found between her paws or under her head when she lies down! I couldnt envisage being without Robin now, she pours her whole heart and soul into loving me and making me happy. Robin has certainly given me a lot more since I met her than I could ever hope to give back to her in a whole lifetime! Did I rescue Robin? Or is it Robin with her zest for life who has rescued me from relative boredom and shown me a fast moving world full of Red Setter joy?

Robin's bubbly energy energizes me!

Robin loves her harness and canicross!

[Claire Prangle]

Thankyou for sharing your story of Robin with us, it was very special.
Claire

[alison dixon]

i have tears in my eyes too reading this and cannot every understand why people are so cruel. she certainly is blessed to have a wonderful home with you. well done and wishing you many years of happiness and wonderful walks together.

[danielle rowles]

In tears here too, such a fantastic story you have shared with us all.
I hope you and Robin have many wonderfull happy years together, well done.
xx

[Lesley McRoberts]

So glad that there are people like you in the world - you are wonderful. I wish you many happy years together.

[JOANNE]

Robin looks very relaxed and happy in the photos. It is wonderful that you have found each other and may you have many long and happy years together. Give the pretty little girl a big hug from us all here in New Zealand. JO.XXX

[Anna Kazimierowicz]

Mary, you are doing great job. Her love and faith in you will be boundless.
Thanks

[Melinda Auld]

Well done on rescuing beautiful Robin and giving her such a loving home.

[Dixie Cruise]

Lucky that you and Robin found each other ... so glad you were able to help the beautiful girl. How anyone could mistreat any dog, especially a setter, is beyond me. I've had four rescues (two of them irish) and I can tell you that Robin will appreciate your kindness to the end and will show you intense love as payback. Thank you for stepping forward.