Happy Success Stories
Take a look below of some of our adopted doggies, whilst we have so many dogs who settle easily into their new homes. We also have some that struggle, these doggies suffered hell in Romania so didn’t have the easiest transition into homelife. The happy and easy stories are shared everywhere, so we wanted to share some stories from some adopters who did struggle and did have some issues. The dogs below needed patient adopters who knew that all they needed was love, patience and some boundaries. Hard work and lots of love pays off!
Socks - Adopted by Georgina Powner
When my socks arrived he was so closed off. For the first week he only came out of his crate to go to the toilet. He was petrified. He wouldn’t eat would wee himself whenever my partner approached him. My resident dog and Socks would not get in. They could not be in the same room without having a massive fight. It got to the point we thought we was going to have to re home one of them😢 now, a few months later socks absolutely loves everyone constantly wagging his tail and giving kisses. And him and my resident pine for each other and cannot leave each others side! Xxx
Luna - Adopted by Rich Van sloten
When Asia (now renamed Luna) first arrived, she was so scared of anything and everyone, traffic, noises, dogs, going for walk. But over time, with patience and taking at her pace, she has pretty much overcome most of her fears, she has her favourite group of dogs to play with now, once she knows a human she'll definitely not be shy of them!!! Lives her walks, loves popping into certain shops for her treats. Yes it can be upsetting when you first get a rescue, but give them time, don't rush them, let them adjust at there own pace, and I guarantee the love you will recieve from them will make it all worthwhile xx
Lola - Adopted by Sarah Mitchell
Lola, arrived 23rd February this year. Terrified of everything, had to be carried in and out of the house. Refused to go anywhere near the car. Fear reactive to my oldest son (aged 16.) by which I mean she would bark and nibble him if he was in the same room. Scared of my grandchildren who visit every weekend. Had to keep her on the lead every time they were round. It takes her a LONG while to get used to new people. Lunged dangerously)she is a big powerful girl at cars and motorbikes. After 4 months all of this is now a distant memory. We are still careful when new people enter the house but she is more relaxed and calm day by day. Training classes weekly, helped as has TIME. She now trusts us to keep her safe. It IS hard work and we have a way to go with lunging at cats and foxes but she is worth it and is a happy, calm and loyal family dog.
Artemis - Adopted by Frankie White
Artemis (was Vixen) arrived in the middle of the night/early hours of Thursday morning and I think her sudden appearance, coupled with the fact she is much bigger than them, sent my usually super friendly and submissive dogs on the defensive. By Sunday she was starting to come out of her shell a little and was trying to explore the house, but everytime the other 2 heard her they would start lots of barking and despite some successful parallel walking outside the house, inside and even on the garden, things felt very tense. So much so that I ended up with a superficial bite, borne entirely out of fear and anxiety (and me being on the wrong place). Having such a size imbalance with the 3 dogs, as well as children in the house, I was trying not to catastrophise and give up. We went back to basics. Artemis went back to her crate and had enforced nap time and meals in there. The routine definitely helped her! We’ve since done slow introductions from scratch and things couldn’t be more different! We’re about 2 weeks in now and she’s starting to show her cheeky side - nothing on the counter is safe and her and the mini-daxie are complete partners in crime when it comes to swiping 🫣😂
Finley - Adopted by Grace Olivia Booth
When we first got Finley he was absolutely terrified. He huddled himself in the corner of the kitchen for the first few days and wouldn’t move from that spot. He wouldn’t eat, he wouldn’t go to the toilet, no matter how much we tried to reassure him and help him he wouldn’t move. The only person he trusted was our current dog Annie. After a few days he ventured into the living room and one night I could hear noises downstairs so I came down and he was actually playing with Annie! We’ve had him for just over 3 months now and there’s still one of the bedrooms he hasn’t braved yet but we’ve been able to see him develop into such a loving and funny character! It’s been a long few months but it’s been worth it for him and us 🥰
Lara - Adopted by Sharon Bolton
We have had lara since Dec 22 when she arrived she lay down on a rug and that has been her place , if we put a bed there she won't go there she is super sensitive to noise and likes her routine to not be altered, but with patience and going at laras pace we now have a very loving girl who has lots of memories from her past that we adapt and cope with on a daily basis , hang on in there on bad days because what we are doing for these amazing dogs is definitely the best feeling when you get a wag of the tail or even a little kiss it does definitely get better ❤️
Sandy - Adopted by Emma Louise Shuttleworth
My sandy arrived last November wouldn't go for walks she lay on the path and just refused. She screamed in the car anywhere. Unfortunately she was attacked by a dog when we were just getting used to it which set us back but now she absolutely loves going for a walk. She still cries in the car but she is very vocal anyway so it could be excitement. She's just the sweetest dog.
Tico - Adopted by Anna Gerrard
Tico (was pumpkin) arrived with us middle of April, I thought winner winner hes sooooo good as he never did anything wrong. As time has gone he has come into his own, he had started yelping/barking at other dogs and when out on a walk plus he started really pulling on the lead, to a point when my eldest didn’t want to take Tico out for a walk on his own. I know 100% Tico is just scared an anxious and we are seeking training advice which starts next week but this week I took him back to basics and put him on slip lead again and he’s a different dog, he still has a few moments but 100 times better. The adoption team have helped massively with their advice. I wouldn’t change Tico, he’s hard work but we love him unconditionally and this is what we signed up for. X
Bow, Button, Babushka, Billy Bunny, Breezey Wheezey, Bessie, Bumble, Bobbin, Bunty & Belinda - Adopted by Lois Ransome.
Dreadful experience! 😂😂😂😂 Dogs are a nightmare and haven’t settled I’ve had to have ten goes to see if it’ll ever work This rescue is the best I would never ever use anyone else From start to finish professional , nothing too much trouble and put up with slightly hysterical ROMMIE MOMMIES asking the daftest questions! Thank you Simone and the other admin I’ve been with you from day one and your devotion is something else not forgetting you are all volunteers a gold star ⭐️ for you xxx
Molly - Adopted by Donna Darko Beach
When molly arrived in February she was a traumatised wreck , terrified of everything , she growled so badly at our cats , it took 6 weeks of us just letting her be , before she was brave enough to go out onto the front garden , the settee became her safe space , we tried a crate but this upset her greatly, she hates being shut in , she did use it a bit with the door open we didnt make her do anything she wasnt ready for , she used puppy pads in the house for those 6 weeks , once she started to gain confidence with the garden it only took 2 days to house train her ( little star ) . Then we worked on getting her to wear a harness and collar , this took 4 weeks of wearing them for a short time each day , gradually building up to getting her on a long line loose lead , on week 10 she went for her first walk on the field behind our house . She loved it 🙂 weve introduced her to many places now , She's great in the car , can be wary of strangers but once she realises they're ok she soon fusses them , She loves our grandchildren and follows them wherever they go , even rounds them up , shes very protective of everyone she loves, I must admit at first it was very stressful and draining even though she wasnt doing much I did question if I'd done the right thing , you dont expect them to be this shut down , but it was all so worth it , she is adored by all who know her especially me , I'm so proud of her our gorgeous fluffy Molly moo xx
Fred & Barney - Adopted by Lisa Dimond
We adopted Fred and Barney at the same time in March this year, both were very scared when they arrived, Barney could hardly stand. Barney soon settled in and become my little cuddle bug, he's very chilled, little shy and nervous still but takes everything in his stride. Fred was very reactive to people coming in the house, people out on walks, other dogs, bicycles, you name it. He's a lot better in the house now, getting better when outside and the changes in the garden have been amazing, he was barking at everything he could hear and would get in to a frenzy, he's mush more chilled now. We started working with a trainer/behaviourist after about a month which I definitely recommend and know its helped us and Fred so much. We've also been giving Fred Nutricalm tablets which I think have definitely helped as well. They still have the occasional squabble, we manage situations in the house now, feeding and sleeping in separate rooms, just keep them out of the situations really. I can say it's not what we invaseged but we're all happy and I know it will get easier and better as time goes on 😊 We still have a way to go with Fred, well, both really but we see light at the end of the tunnel 😁 Barney on the right, Fred on the left, day they arrived and not long ago.
Chester - Adopted by Samantha Louise Pillai
Dreadful experience! 😂😂😂😂 Dogs are a nightmare and haven’t settled I’ve had to have ten goes to see if it’ll ever work This rescue is the best I would never ever use anyone else From start to finish professional , nothing too much trouble and put up with slightly hysterical ROMMIE MOMMIES asking the daftest questions! Thank you Simone and the other admin I’ve been with you from day one and your devotion is something else not forgetting you are all volunteers a gold star ⭐️ for you xxx
Purdy - Fostered by Jo Wigham
I got an emergency foster placement. I was told purdy was male aggressive, couldn't be homed with dogs or children as he's biten someone and he was extremely destructive. He was super scared when I got him, he did try and go for me, but sitting talking to him just being around him he got used to me. He took to my partner like a duck to water no problem. Let him meet one of my other dogs, no problems they played and ran around, he then met the other one same again, then both together no problem, he adores my girls. He then met my kids, he's a bit warry of fast movement even now but he just backs off or walks away. Hes a changed boy he loves other dogs when introduced correctly, loves people when introduced correctly. He's a different dog a month on, and I'm so lucky I got to help this beautiful boy. Just look at him 😍
Maxi - Adopted by Dawn Whitney
We adopted Fred and Barney at the same time in March this year, both were very scared when they arrived, Barney could hardly stand. Barney soon settled in and become my little cuddle bug, he's very chilled, little shy and nervous still but takes everything in his stride. Fred was very reactive to people coming in the house, people out on walks, other dogs, bicycles, you name it. He's a lot better in the house now, getting better when outside and the changes in the garden have been amazing, he was barking at everything he could hear and would get in to a frenzy, he's mush more chilled now. We started working with a trainer/behaviourist after about a month which I definitely recommend and know its helped us and Fred so much. We've also been giving Fred Nutricalm tablets which I think have definitely helped as well. They still have the occasional squabble, we manage situations in the house now, feeding and sleeping in separate rooms, just keep them out of the situations really. I can say it's not what we invaseged but we're all happy and I know it will get easier and better as time goes on 😊 We still have a way to go with Fred, well, both really but we see light at the end of the tunnel 😁 Barney on the right, Fred on the left, day they arrived and not long ago.
Chester - Adopted by Samantha Louise Pillai
Whilst I was lucky and Keanu settled in very well, I put a lot of it down to the fact I carefully read all the information and advice you gave me and followed it pretty much to the letter. You guys have so much experience in adopting from abroad and your help and advice really made a difference. Sadly a lot of the failed adoptions appear to be because people think they know better expecting a perfect dog and aren’t prepared to allow the pup to decompress and learn what is expected of them. Just want to thank you all for everything you’ve done and for letting me have Keanu (now Scruff) the best dog ever ❤️ x
Gabby - Adopted by Kelsi Stewart
Our Gabby arrived and for the first few days was showing her teeth, barking and snarling to our other dog Stella. We had to keep them apart and over the first week slow introductions and gradually let them spend more time together. Gabby had really awful separation anxiety if me or my partner was to leave but the other was still home she would still go mad and claw at the door crying waiting to see if whoever’s left will they come back. No matter how many things we tried plug ins, bones, antlers, boxes with things inside, she would still find something to destroy. We weren’t sure if Gabby would ever really settle with us but 3 and a half months later Gabby and Stella are the best of friends and we go out now for up-to 4 hours at a time without any destruction. All it took was allowing Gabby to have the time she needed to decompress. With slow introductions and building up our time of going out Gabby has settled in like shes been here forever !! We couldn’t imagine life without her and Stella just adores having a sister 🩷 best decision we ever made thank you to all at paw project for making it happen 🥰
Gabriel - Adopted by Tanya Purcell
Gabriel was realy good when he arrived...it was 2 weeks later when i left him alone that he wrecked my living room..since then i have bought a crate..he goes to puppy day care 3 times week...hes so good now..honestly could not imagine our lives without him...its been a learning experiance but worth every minute 😍
Remy - Adopted by Briony Pilkington
Omg Remy was a nightmare to begin with. So scared of everything, barked at every noise, growled at me when I walked in the room, nearly attacked my dad when he visited and was very mouthy when he eventually started playing. We took him to training within the first month and scheduled his routine and stuck to it like glue! It made such a difference. He still struggles when people enter our home, but we know how to manage it now (guests ignoring him, and rewarding for good behaviour). We know it is all fear based and understand his triggers now. We’ve now had him nearly 2 years, and the beginning wasn’t easy but he is the best! Couldn’t imagine life without him - the funniest, quirkiest, most loveable dog. It takes time, patience, perseverance and a good routine but you soon learn your dog and their personality and it really does get so much easier 🩷
Ted- Adopted by Nicola Rees
Ted became hyper attached to me and would scream if I so much as went outside to put the bins out. I struggled to leave the house without him for about 10 months. He also became fear reactive at about 7/8 months and would bark and lunge at everything and everybody (even seeing a recycling bin would be too much for him to handle) I spent the winter walking round park & rides at night with him 🙃 but, with work and perseverance, and one to one reactivity training, we are so getting there. He can walk round a busy-ish park and not react to anything, from squirrels to dogs to humans, he’s taking it all mostly in his stride (unless he sees a husky 👀) I have learned so much from him, our bond is incredible and I’ve learned the art of patience lol!
Elsie - Adopted by Lisa Williamson
So we have had elsie for 18 months now and today she sat beside my husband to be stroked ! While she has been very a happy little dog for a long time this is a break through. Patience is the key x
Gypsy & Peggy - Adopted by Maz Wykman
I got Gypsy in January 2022 she was a dream settled in straight away and the whole process was so smooth I decided to adopt another. Peggy arrived December this year and it has been so difficult at times,first they hated each other so much that they had to be in separate rooms and even now they don’t really get along they will tolerate each other but never be friends! Feeding is also a problem Gypsy had never resource guarded her food but has recently started doing so we are working on this Peggy has still after all these months not been walked she will not tolerate any kind of collar lead or harness she gets so stressed so we have to run around the garden with her plenty balls thrown . At times I could tear my hair out is it worth it? 💯 I would not be without either of them they make me smile everyday they both have very different personalities and I couldn’t imagine my life without either of them now …
Sugar - Adopted by Joanne Dewhirst
We originally took sugar in as a foster. She came to us so timid and scared of everything. We told our dog she was her new baby to look after which she has done. She's very protective of her. Sugar couldn't be left on her own for seperation anxiety, she would jump up at the window. Pull the house apart. (I won't lock any dog in a cage. Cage to me is like a bedroom. Its a chill out place). We have a busy house with adult kids so not often house is totally empty. But my son is normally on his room if not at work. And she wasn't very keep on men. We cleared the windows so there was nothing she could break or hurt her self with. And we would go for a walk to shop. Showing her we was coming back and gave her a treat and pampers saying how good she was. We gradually built up time away from house over months. Now I can go out knowing she's not bothered. But wants a good 10 mins of pamper time when we get home. She has full access to all the house. And usually find her toys or my slippers on my bed. She was still only a baby so still lots of training needed. Recall. Lead training (she pulled near roads, totally scared of cars, still scared of white vans and has to be carried passed still), and all the other things that you train them. We have some basic signs for her aswell which she understands. She now returns to a click of the fingers. (I'm the house. In the field and woods when off lead she ignores you first and second call usually. She's now amazing on the lead. Well after first few giddy moments where she's excited and pulls to set off. Off lead when it's play time she's like a nutter. But recall is pretty good. We have ornaments and plants on the windows and she doesn't knock them off usually. (Only cheap things just incase). We are trying to increase how much time she can cope in the car as she's very travel sick. But each car ride results in a visit to the woods/field or to visit family and get pampers. So she knows it's something nice. But she's settled in amazingly. She is such a little madam (teenager years) with an amazing laid back attitude but so funny. Her knick name is lady Jane. She is still weiry of men but once she gets to know them she will go for pampers and even cuddle up with them. I have no problems with her now she is a happy normal dog. (But scared stuff of vans). We have got used to her been here and she is used to us. She is great with our cats. Still chases them if they run. She hasn't got a nasty bone in her body. But very protective of my youngest daughter who sugar has the best bond with. Oh and now she's settled we have some amazing conversations where she howls to chat.
Buddy - Adopted by Sarah Allan
We adopted Buddy(was vader)March 2022,He didn't like my Husband or my grown up son to begin with but after a few weeks he grew to love them.Buddy was very guarding of food and the kitchen,we put a stair gate up across the kitchen door which has helped massively,we also fed him from our hands to begin with and that also helped with the guarding,he began to realise we weren't taking his food away.Buddy still doesn't like people he doesn't know coming into our house,I have to keep him on the lead as he has tried to bite a couple of our friends.Buddy is very good with strangers when we are out on walks but has recently become reactive to some dogs,this only started when he turned 18 months he is now 20 months,I am hoping he will grow out of it and its only a phase he is going through.Buddy is a very loving and affectionate dog.It has been really hard work and still can be at times but we wouldn't be without him now 🥰
Bear - Adopted by Amanda Cunnigham
When we first got Bear about 17 weeks ago. He was a scared puppy but seemed to take it all in his stride as puppies do. He met our old dog and they got on well. Thought we would have it easy or at least easier being a puppy. But he had 5 months of being in a rescue we don't know how they feel. Even though they are very well cared for. He hadn't had a home environment and every thing and I mean everything he was scared of barked at absolutely everything the TV wind aeroplanes motorbikes anything. We had resource guarding food guarding. Then his testosterone came in. He lunged at everyone. Me once so I was the one who had to do everything. We thought he was lunging and guarding me at first but soon became apparent that he was doing to anyone and anything. I got him neutered as he was old enough then. Then we worked on the behaviour. I had a feeling it was testosterone based and he wanted to be king of the castle. He would go for my husband who is disabled every time he came back to bed. He went for my daughter for just entering the living room he went for my other daughter when she came to help in the kitchen. It was never ending. He had to be put on slip lead to calm him down and he knew that was his punishment. No I never had a crate I don't like unless the dog calls for one. He never has so wasn't going to start now. He went for my husband every time he got up from his chair. But that was different bark and lunge soon realised it was his way of saying husband was bad. Anyway told my eldest to move out as she wasn't listening and listening to her bf who has no experience in raising any dog so best person to listen to. All she was doing was causing an argument saying I was making excuses for him when in fact they were facts. Also he got worse after leaving him at vets he screamed like a baby when I left him broke my heart but knew it had to be done. But as the weeks progressed he listened quicker started doing things 1st time the relief I felt that he was turning a corner was fantastic as I was no way giving him back unless we had tried absolutely everything and it was in his best interest. Now he is the most perfect dog a puppy can be lol except the chewing of stuff he should like my memory foam mattress topper that he destroyed in less than 5 mins. Did I tell him off no as no one saw him do it so he wouldn't undrleratand. So he was the best decision I made not only for me but he's gave life to my old boy who's dying of a bladder tumour. Truly believe if I hadn't git bear my max wouldn't still be here. Max now wants to play go out on walks and bear makes sure he gets him up to go out and keep going. He truly was worth all the effort. Not saying we got a bit more to do like being reactive to some dogs and people but every walk he's getting better.