Phoenix Cushaw

I had been following Phoenix for a while, whilst trying to persuade my husband to get another Frenchie.

We were away in Norfolk when he agreed to foster (strictly not adopt) but I knew that would change once a dog was here! I completed the paperwork on holiday.

I picked Phoenix Cushaw up from some services, and her frightened little face peered at me all the way home. She was overweight, with scabby paws, unsocialised and super cautious about the world - but we'd read about the 3/3/3 rule. She managed a very short walk due to her weight, but really enjoyed it. However, she wasn't happy to meet Fred (my other Frenchie) despite him just seeing a playmate in the making.

After a couple of days of short walks with Fred, and snapping at him through stairgates, we let them off in the garden. Phoenix Cushaw wasn't interested in him at all as she hadn't been outside for a long time so the garden was her only interest. He gave up.

It's been a slow process and, 16 months later, progress is still being made.  Only recently can I leave them with a bully stick each when I go out (hers is always the biggest so he can finish his first, or she'd steal his!). However, she now knows what play is (she thought he was attacking her originally), and they do get in the same bed from time to time. She will now sit next to me on the sofa - she used to go sit in the corner pointing her bum to us which was pretty heartbreaking.

She absolutely loves walking - and is making up for lost time - and will go hiking with my hubby for miles.

She also is a bit of a water baby. Finally ,the toys can be left out.

Through all of this her need to please you was always there. Her allergies are under control, and she is well versed in the bedtime routine of sudo and socks.  Yes it requires a bit of effort, but the reward has been seeing her transform into the dog she is today, and she will be given more time.

After only 2 weeks my husband said "She isn't going anywhere is she?". I knew it would happen, and much sooner than I anticipated!

Rescuing is like getting the Ready Brek glow - that's how it makes you feel. x