I've been putting off writing this post, only because it absolutely broke my heart when I gave her back, and all I can think of is giving her the sofa she deserves. I'm still torn as to whether I could realistically have her (as you'll see through the post - she is irresistible!)
A few weeks ago I was given the absolute pleasure of taking Tracy home for a spot of downtime away from the kennels. When I went to see her in her kennel, even though she'd just returned from a two hour walk, she was absolutely BURSTING with energy. I couldn't even get a photo of her standing still!
We hopped in the car, and got so excited, straight away we were in a tangled mess
After a quick pitstop at Pets at Home for some treats, toys and general flirting with all the staff (from her not me!!) we headed home.
She is such an inquisitive little character, and absolutely fearless! Around the garden a dozen times; smelling every inch, and in the house and straight on the sofa.
"NO TAKE. JUST THROW"
We finally relinquished the tennis ball, when she realised that there was a squeaky, cuddly elephant that was in dire need of being destroyed.
We didn't meet or interact with any children during our adventure weekend, but as you can see from how poor ole Nelly the Elephant ended up, Tracy probably would benefit from no toys around. Otherwise her playfulness will come out, and you may end up with a disembowelled toy, and a crying toddler!!
After having a good play (she loves rough play - but she does get a bit too excited so you just need to remind her to calm down if she gets too worked up) she decided she was tired and needed a lie down. So where better to go, than to bed!
After what seemed like hardly any rest time, Tracy was up, alert and ready to play - and just as well, my parents popped by!!
(Not sure if guard dog, or just plain nosey!)
I don't know how she has reacted with men previously, but her initial reaction to my father (and a few older gentlemen throughout our time together as you will read in a bit) was not off to a good start. She was weary of him to start with, going in for a sniff, tail down, ears back. My dad put his hand out for her to sniff and she didn't like it and had a little snap. I shouted at her 'No' and she instantly knew that she shouldn't have done that, and ran straight up to me and practically threw herself on her back, and in possible the most submissive way, and gave me her belly.
She calmed down, and decided to try again with my father, and this time I think she knew that she could trust my judgement that he was alright
She was quite fond of my mother
Before eventually realising we were all there to see her and to fuss her. Once she knew this - she was in her element!!
When my parents finally left, it was time for us to go out on a lovely walk down the bay, and try and see if we could get lucky! (Again, for her - not me!!)
We went for a lovely walk. And I just must say - she was a dream walking on the lead. I don't know if it's because I'm used to walking my dog who is over 40kg, but Tracy hardly pulled!
Why I said earlier that she didn't react well to older men as opposed to men in general was because my friend joined us, and she was SUCH a little hussy with him!! Lapped up the attention that he gave her. Such a flirt.
The one thing she kept doing on the walk, which melted my heart every time, was every couple of minutes, she would stop walking, turn around and walk up to me, tap my knee with her nose and then turn back around and carry on walking. It was as though she had to keep checking I was still there. As if it was her version of pinching herself to see if she was dreaming!
After a truly lovely walk, we were all in need of a drink and a sit down - so naturally we had to stop off at the pub! The Waterguard is my dog-friendly choice whenever I'm down the bay.
An older gentleman came to say hello to her, and she had the same reaction as she had had earlier in the day with my father. But when his wife came over, she was on her back having cuddles like butter wouldn't melt!
She decided over the course of the weekend, that her favourite place to sit (and I was not complaining in the slightest) was on me
And when I had the absolute audacity to go to the bathroom without her (I know, I'm a horrible person) She decided to sit there and keep my seat warm (and also completely ignore my friend)
After a busy day, we decided to call it a night and head off home for a cuddle in bed
Sunday morning came, and we were up and out the house for another adventure!
This time we went to Roath and had breakfast at Stag Coffee. She was wonderful and friendly with everyone that was there, again though, except for an older gentleman whom she did not like for some reason!
We ate breakfast (of course she was spoilt and had a few sausages - how else do you think I would be able to get these beautiful photographs of her?! The key is always food!!). Again - the best seat is on me...
We walked off our breakfast before heading back to the house for some more playtime and cuddles
However, we soon realised that a cuddle is all we really wanted. I was meant to be dropping her back to the home for about 4pm. But come 3.30pm I had to phone them and ask if I could have her one more night as I couldn't bare to part with her
As soon as I had the okay to puppysit for one more night, we dropped my friends off (and made sure they actually left)
Then headed over to my parents for a lovely Sunday roast - and naturally she had her own, dog friendly, dinner!!
She made herself quite at home in my parents house. Again, she was wary of my father for some reason, but that changed the second she realised that he was the one with the food!!!
Following our early start, busy day and giant roast, we headed off home for an early night and a spot of quality cuddling
Tracy is an absolute diamond of a dog. I honestly do not know why she has been in the home for so long. Like most rescue dogs, she obviously needs a fair bit of training. The funny thing with her is that she obviously knows her commands, but like a typical female, is stubborn and forgets! She just needs regular training and socialisation. And a very patient owner.
The more she got to spend time with my father, the more relaxed she was with him. So she just needs someone dedicated to her and socialising her as much as possible.
I would probably recommend her not getting rehomed with small children, only because she is boisterous when she plays and doesn't quite know her own strength.
We saw a lot of dogs over the course of the weekend, and to be honest she wasn't really fazed that much by them. The only time that she would react, was if they barked first.
It broke my heart when I took her back on the Monday. I could have easily kept her. She deserves a perfect home, with a perfect family. Because, come on.
Just look how perfect she is