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| Much Loved Saffi; Desperate for help | |
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| Topic Started: 7 Jan 2009, 09:14 PM (3,871 Views) | |
| Armand | 7 Jan 2009, 09:14 PM Post #1 |
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Newbie
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In 1998 our family picked up a new member of the family that was to have an immediate and huge impact on all our lives. We picked up this gorgeous 8 week old bundle of fluffy joy from Belinda Chidlow. Gorsefield Xantia Saffi was the focus of all our attention and has been ever since. Since the death of my mother in 2006 my father has been looking after Saffi. They have leaned on each other for company and it has been a mutual bond of love and companionship. Unfortunately 6 weeks ago my father suffered a very serious stroke at the age of 64. He is still in hospital, is paralysed on his right side, cannot speak and is being fed via a tube. I have tried desperately with all the family to see if anyone is able to take Saffi on, for what might be her remaining years. I have had no joy with my family, friends or anyone else I would trust with her. My circumstances mean I am unable to care for her, so when I called Belinda desperate for advice she suggested posting on this board. Saffi is a lovely girl and is superb with kids, maybe down to the fact that she has had kids of her own. Whilst we used to have cats, her long period being separated from them means I wouldn’t chance exposure to them (at least not unsupervised). If introduced properly she is ok with other dogs, but grumbles very loudly if in proximity to dogs she doesn’t know. She is fit and healthy, albeit a little slower because of her advancing years. She is currently on a Hills special diet because her tummy can get upset if she’s fed things she isn’t used to. She’s been trained (mostly) to respond to command, and recall via whistle, but just to be on the safe side normally we keep her on the lead during walks. She is very used to being left for longer periods in the house (both my parents worked shift hours) without incident so no worries about ‘accidents’ She was such a playful shepherd in her early years, and we event managed to get her on the front cover of a GSD magazine with a chance shot playing in the snow. After expending all the other preferable options I have no choice but to ask any kind hearted soul out there if they could offer her a loving home for the remainder of her years. Because I know that she is getting on a bit, and because she is such a loved animal I would be willing to take on full financial responsibility for her which might help with anyone wishing to take her on, As I’ve said, if my situation was anything different then I’d have her. She is currently in her favourite kennels near Henley upon Thames, Bucks, but she cant stay there indefinately. Please feel free to contact me at any time on the email or number below and I’d be happy to chat. Ben ben@eclypse-designs.com 0781 8054597   
Edited by Armand, 8 Jan 2009, 01:29 PM.
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| Deleted User | 7 Jan 2009, 09:19 PM Post #2 |
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Deleted User
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Isn't there an organisation who specialises with fostering dogs from owners who have serious illness and health issues, but i cannot recall their name. can anyone else? |
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| Armand | 7 Jan 2009, 09:23 PM Post #3 |
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Newbie
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There is one in cornwall called the 'cinnamon trust' I have contacted them and received back an email that pretty much quashes that idea, and i quote "Your father is just under age as we take cases for people who are over retirement age" |
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| Armand | 8 Jan 2009, 01:44 PM Post #4 |
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Newbie
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Sorry, i've just edited my original post as when i re-read it i may have given the impression that i was looking for a long term 'temporary home' I am actually after re-homing her permanently, sorry for the lack of clarity. |
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| Barking Mad | 12 Jan 2009, 03:27 PM Post #5 |
Wotdontdodirt
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Hows little Saffi doing there is just something bout old dogs 
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Mad, Cally, Tia, Floyd, Kodi & Shade  http://rabbitravers.website.orange.co.uk/ | |
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| PJ | 14 Jan 2009, 05:24 AM Post #6 |
Ember and Rodneys mum
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OMG she's a younger version of my jess  I really wish I could help out but with rodders leg I cant take him out to introduce to another dog and it would only be a long term foster to get her out of the kennels and into a warm loving home. my homes unfortuanatly not very well suited to a dog of advancing years but if she's still looking when we finally move I'll give you a shout! Have you tried the oldies club for her? http://www.oldies.org.uk/ |
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PJ wots Ember & Rodneys mum Monkeydog & Plonker trained by Auntie Pat's Norty Girlz Skool & Phoenix Dog Training | |
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| Armand | 14 Jan 2009, 10:11 AM Post #7 |
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I really appreciate the help. She is still looking for that special home. I have contacted the Oldies club and they have space for her, but for myself i really wanted to find her a forever home and save her the stay in kennels. I am going to be moving her nearer me (nottingham) at the weekend. I just hope things work themselves out. As for my dad, we've been told to look for a 24hr nursing care home for him, so there's now no chance of re-uniting them 
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| Armand | 20 Jan 2009, 01:44 PM Post #8 |
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Newbie
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A quick update. We are still looking for that forever home for Saffi. We took her to a potential home on Saturday (17/1/09) but unfortunately she didn't get along with their existing dog at all. I am wondering if homing her somewhere without other dogs may be a better option. I have another potential this thursday (22/1/09) and they have lots of animals so i'll have to see if she gets on. I really appreciate all the people who have contacted me, it means the world that people care at this troubling time. Ben |
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| megatronic | 20 Jan 2009, 03:31 PM Post #9 |
mum to Meg & Benson
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good luck for Thursday  hopefully with there being more animals she will settle better.
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http://www.gsdfanatics.co.uk   | |
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| gsdlover | 20 Jan 2009, 03:52 PM Post #10 |
Madly in love with Nigel
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Sorry you are having to rehome Saffi - she is beautiful The Oldies Club will list her on their website but she can still stay at home with you until a new home comes up if that helps so she doesn't have to go into kennels  I put someone else in touch with them not so long ago - they are a great resource for anyone that is looking to rehome an older dog
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| http://www.vigilgsdrescue.co.uk | |
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| Deleted User | 20 Jan 2009, 08:41 PM Post #11 |
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Deleted User
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I'm going to pass your details onto a lady of advancing years, who has always owned Sheps and has recently lost hers, and is pretty devastated. She has a terrier though, a sweetie she adopted after a friend died. She is a fit and healthy lady and is an ex Vet (from Sussex) as she has the terrier do you think it is an idea to put you in touch? Edited to say Hang it, I have passed your number on ...hope it comes to something, she was a very well thought of Vet down here, highly recommended!! |
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| Astralhaze | 20 Jan 2009, 10:48 PM Post #12 |
You're Damed If You Do & You're Damed If You Don't
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Have only just found this... I hope you find that special home for Saffi, she's lovely.... such a shame she not too happy with other dogs Good luck Ben, and I'm sorry to hear about your Dad too, I hope things work out for you & your family |
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Hazel Mum of Toula Cyrus Molly   Toula is a Beckenberry GSD.Cyrus is an Irish Boy   RIP Jazzy Beckenberry Zodiac 28/4/93-20/1/07 | |
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| Armand | 24 Jan 2009, 10:26 AM Post #13 |
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Well unfortunately it seems that Saffi just isn't going to get on with other dogs. The couple on thursday were absoutely lovely, as were their 'crew'. Saffi would've been extremely happy there if things had worked out I am back on the hunt for that special home, only this time minus the other dogs. The couple i met said Saffi was a lovely dog, and likely to have a special bond with that person willing to take her on. As always if anyone knows anyone, or can help in any way then feel free to distribute my details or give me a buzz. Regards Ben |
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| biggsd | 1 Feb 2009, 10:55 AM Post #14 |
2 days in rescue can be a long time
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Moving this to German Shepherd Rescue Surrey Females , If you know of any one looking for an older gsd pleas direct them here |
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Theres a home out there for EVERY dog German Shepherd Rescue Surrey. 01932 571268 http://www.vigilgsdrescue.co.uk john@biggsd.com oldfart@littlegsd.com http://www.kay9services.co.uk http://www.staffierescue.co.uk | |
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| Armand | 9 Feb 2009, 09:24 PM Post #15 |
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Sorry about my delayed response everyone. Been getting my fathers house in order before rental so have been very manic. Thanks to everyone who has contacted me. Private messages winging their way through the ether. Answering some of your questions. Unfortunately i think Saffi would have diffuculty adjusting to living in an outside environment. She's been a house dog since we have had her (6 weeks) and i rather think she has become accustomed to the soft furnishings  I have to say, i have no idea how she would react to cats. We used to have some when she was very much younger but being quite a bit older now, i coulldn't say with 100% certainty that she'd be fine. She is currently staying in our garage (i've tried to make it a little more homely) as my partner is far too allergic, but it is not a long term solution so i am still emailing places desperate for that lucky break. I have contacted almost all the charities i can think of nationally, but unfortunately they can only suggest rescue centres. Fostering is a problem because of her reactions to other dogs so i'd rather eek it out and see if i cant find somewhere more permanent for her. Once again Thanks to everyone taking an interest in this, you're help is very much appreciated. Kind Regards Ben |
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