Love is in the air as delightful duo finally find their forever homes
With Valentine’s Day approaching, Ashbourne Animal Welfare’s Wanda Meilczarek returns with some happy news about two dogs who managed to find their perfect partner recently, and she also tells us about residents at The Ark who are looking for their own Va
HERE are two lucky dogs who have already found their Valentines.
Both Cassie, the Staffie X Jack Russell, and Harley, a Staffie X, have had special appeals to find them a home featured in the News Telegraph last year and we thought readers would like to know that there have been happy endings for both these lovely dogs, who had such a long wait to find their forever homes.
It may be the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this year but the staff and volunteers at The Ark are already jubilant at rehoming Cassie! After all, she had been waiting to find her perfect home for more than five years!
She came to The Ark originally in 2016 after already having had several other homes. Staff there thought that she hadn’t had a very good life as she was quite frightened by loud noises, hands coming towards her etc, suggesting some rough treatment in the past.
She also had virtually no manners around people, although she was very friendly, and she certainly had no manners around other dogs. Definitely not friendly!
This latter issue proved to be her downfall when she briefly went to live with a family who then sadly had to return her to The Ark as they just couldn’t cope with Cassie’s reactions towards other dogs.
The Ark persevered with her education and, fortunately, she was a good pupil and loved being taught new things.
Over time, Cassie learnt to “keep calm” instead of “carrying on”.
She became a firm favourite with The Ark volunteer dog walkers and had a large fan club of supporters and sponsors who kept her supplied with treats and toys, both of which she loved.
Imagine their joy when a lady enquired about adopting Cassie and came to see her on several occasions to get to know her. Staff explained all about the issues she had and fortunately the lady had owned a dog in the past with a similar temperament and was happy to give Cassie a go.
To everyone’s great delight, on Christmas Eve off Cassie went. The Ark were worried that she might be back by new year, but instead they have had the best possible start to 2022 that they could have wished for as Cassie has indeed found her forever home.
Cassie’s new owner says: “I can’t imagine my life without this beautiful little superstar. Her personality is really shining through now and she’s so funny and loving.
“It’s still early days but I’m sure when Cassie’s ready we’ll have lots
TABBY cat
Frankie is among the pets desperate to find their own Valentine.
Frankie – who came in for rehoming last April after his owner died, leaving him alone in the property – is among the residents at The Ark still looking for a home
At first, we were very concerned by his condition as he had very little fur on some of his body and was a very stressed boy.
His stress caused him to appear quite
of adventures together.”
Another happy ending is for Harley, who had been at The Ark for 11 months before finding his perfect home.
He came in for rehoming when he was almost seven years old when his owner could no longer care for him. Harley was not very confident and was rather shy when first meeting new people.
Once he got to know them, he was aggressive but, fortunately, this did not last long. With the help of the vet and lots of TLC from the cattery staff and volunteers, Frankie is no longer on any treatment and has a fine coat of tabby fur!
This sensitive cat is now ready to start life in a home of his own where he will love to sit on a knee. The Ark would like him to have access to a safe outdoor area where he can relax and enjoy his golden years... at 15 years old we think he deserves to become someone’s Valentine!
Another tabby cat who has had a long wait (nine months so far!) to find love is Poppy who came to The Ark after being found under someone’s bed.
She is a very friendly cat, but will let you know when she’s had enough fuss... but then many of us enjoy some company but sometimes want a bit of time to ourselves.
Last but not least is loveable old boy Mr Tibbs, another golden oldie at 15 years who is looking for a quiet retirement home and, while a bit wibblywobbly on his legs, can still jump on a knee for a cuddle!
He was originally rehomed by The Ark after his owner sadly died, but then was returned when his new
then very friendly and enjoyed his walks and playtimes with the dog walking volunteers. Despite having shared a home with another dog, Harley was not a fan of his fellow dogs and this also made him more difficult to rehome.
He was quite reactive when meeting them and was enrolled into The Ark Academy to learn how to be calmer around them.
He also suffered from separation owner could no longer care for him.
Of course, The Ark has lots of dogs also still waiting and hoping for loving new homes, such as Amber, a nineyear-old lurcher-bull terrier-cross who was adopted from The Ark five years ago after a long wait.
Sadly, she has now been returned for rehoming as her owner passed away and The Ark is hoping that this time her wait will not be as long!
Amber loves meeting people and is very friendly but she isn’t so keen on other dogs or cats! She is still very active and likes to run and play ball.
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anxiety and was not happy being left by himself.
He did have some viewings but none of them led to his permanent adoption. However, his luck then changed when a couple came to see him who weren’t put off by his problems or boisterous behaviour and decided to give him a try.
We are delighted to tell you that they say: “He is a gorgeous boy and we absolutely love him.
“Over time he has settled down in the house and now enjoys cuddles and is not so anxious about being left by himself.”
While still not keen on meeting other dogs, he is now calmer when he sees them. He also goes with his owners to their allotment and sits quietly and waits while they let the chickens out. His new owners say: “He is ‘our boy’ and is definitely in his forever home.”