Tara Brindle Staffie DOB 11.08 Farnham Surrey Kennelled

xxlynne

Had the pleasure of transporting Tara to Farnham Kennels yesterday. She is so pretty nothing like the above pictures. Ran out of camera battery so didn't manage pics but she is small like Becky and Phoebe. Leads are about play apparently but there she is young and so keen to have fun!

Janet

Tara is a little sweetie - small and compact and very easy to walk. She sits and gives paw and seems generally very gentle, affectionate and playful.
We didn't meet anybody on our walk, but she did seem a bit concerned when we heard some children shouting and people talking.
I will take some photos on our next walk - she has such a soft, pretty face in the flesh. Just makes you want to squeeze her Embarassed

westbrom1

My 12 year old daughter walked Tara without any problem today - apart from when Tara went one way round a tree, Victoria went the other then Tara decided to "solve" the problem by running round the tree again to get to Victoria for a cuddle and they were both then stuck in a tangle of lead, tree and cuddles!! Laughing

She was an absolute sweetie all the way round, happy to walk but very quick to come back and sit just in case a treat was on offer! We didn't meet or hear anyone, so nothing to add on that front.....

Janet

Tara is an affectionate little bundle of fun and energy. I didn't stop smiling all the time we were walking. She trots along, looking back every couple of minutes, investigating everything around her - and yes, we got caught around a tree with her a few times too.
There was an army exercise in the woods today, so a lot of noise, but Tara got used to it very quickly. We also walked near a road and she didn't take any notice of the traffic.
We met Jojo with Sam on our walk and they were fine with each other - I think Jojo was keen to get on with his walk though!
Tara is so small and cute - perfect lap size Laughing

Janet

Had another lovely walk with Tara today. We played ball for ages - well until I was worn out anyway. I tried to get some photos of her playing with the ball, but I wasn't quick enough.
In the original information about Tara it said she could be a bit funny when it came to females, but today on our walk we met Suzi (not our Suzi)small terrier who is sometimes muzzled (but not today) and they were fine together.
I hope these photos show just how pretty (and tiny) she really is Smile

karen

Poor little Tara has developed a bit of a cough and we are trying to keep her as quiet as possible - not an easy task Rolling Eyes

She will need a few more days rest then hopefully will be much better. I do really feel for her, at this time of year particularly, it is not nice being poorly in kennels. Crying or Very sad

karen

Poor little Tara is now on antibiotics. She had boiled eggs for tea with her tablet so hopefully she will be on the mend soon. It is always so sad to see the very little ones poorly in kennels. She spent some time on my lap today and then I tucked her up in her bed for the night Crying or Very sad

I really hope she feels better soon, she looks so small and vulnerable Crying or Very sad

xristine

Tara is spending the weekend with me. She is a sweet dog and has obviously been trained at some time. She knows sit, paw, no and off. I banned her from my study to start with because of Hektor my hamster but I decided to let her come in as I wanted to put her pictures on the site. She took one look at the hamster cage which is at dog level (my JRTX had her own hamster). I said: "No, we don't look at Hektors do we!?" and she came away. She is currently curled up on my armchair in my study; this was the deal I made with her.

It's very strange to go from an elderly JRTX to a lively staffie but this little girl is sweet natured and quick. I've just showed her how to play Findit! with bits of her dried food (I hope I'm not in serious trouble for that) and she is very happy to sit and give her paw. She does that nicely. She takes things offered her very gently. She came with me to help me make my bed but jumped off when I said 'Off!' She's been saying things to me but they are all good natured things. Someone is going to get a little sweetie here.

Here is a test shot in my conservatory. This room is full of cactus so I introduced her in there very carefully, saying No! when she went to the window sill. So far, I've found that one No! is enough. She doesn't try it on again. I'm impressed!

Nose is a bit out of focus so I'll see if I can do better next time. When I call her name she rushes over and licks me and the camera! Rolling Eyes

xristine

Forgot to add that you can take chews away from her and swap them for stuff. She has let me dry her paws. We have a mild disagreement over the purpose of a lead but I think that's just initial enthusiasm.

PS she doesn't snore!!!

xristine

Here's a slightly better shot... cropped her ear off though... Crying or Very sad

She really is small. She fits into my JTRX's bed. Just measured her with a ruler... she's not scared of rulers! She's 17" from tip of her toe to her shoulder...

xristine

Tara sleeps so quietly! Whenever I go downstairs for some tea she follows me about. She knows that Karen disappeared from this house and she isn't letting another human being out of her sight. Anyway, here's a sweet shot for you all and I promise to stop. I think she lived with a photographer before because the camera doesn't faze her at all. She has walked passed Hektor's cage now several times and doesn't even glance at it. She did like my gardening gloves though and I had to tell her to leave! She didn't hurt them, just picked them up and them gave them back. What a nice tidy girlie!!

xxlynne

Wonderful! those pictures have allowed me to take those terrible first pictures off they so weren't Tara and these ones so are!

xristine

@xxlynne
She's wonderful! She sooo wants to please. I've just had my dinner and there wasn't a murmur out of her. She now waits outside the bathroom for me instead of trying to come in there as well. She's stopped grabbing the lead when I take her into the garden. She waits so patiently for it to be attached to her. She's taken her antibiotic without a fuss.

I left her for 15 minutes when I went to buy her some chicken - I'm a vegetarian. There wasn't a peep though she was pleased to see me back. I let her look in the shopping bag and told her it was 'specials' - she was very waggy!

Her only fault is that when she drinks, the kitchen gets washed as well! Wink

@Karen - appetite is back! I cheated though and used some of the food to play treasure hunt Laughing

karen

I cannot tell you how much it means to see those wonderful photos, read the lovely write ups and know that this little girl is safe, warm and loved tonight Laughing

I love looking at the last photo - really captures what a wonderful little girl she is. She will benefit so much from her weekend with you, Xristine, can't thank you enough Exclamation

xristine

Karen – I can’t thank you and Lynne enough for letting me have her for a few days. She’s a real sweetie. She’s totally unfazed by anything. There are fireworks tonight and they’re have been children making a racket in the road – I guess that’s Halloween! She isn’t bothered by the phone, the door bell though she did check out my grandfather clock! She was pleased with her chicken supper and took her pill (on a small treat) without any fuss. I had chicken stuck to my fingers so gave them to her to lick and she was so careful! No snatching and grabbing. I picked up the bowl to help her clean the last few licks because it was travelling around the kitchen and there wasn’t a murmur from her, she really is the sweetest doggy ever! She’s stopped grabbing the lead and now waits sweetly while I put it on. My mother has fallen in love with her and she hasn’t even seen her! I think she is the most fabulous dog. She’s still very young and she so wants to please – all that when she has a high temperature and is clearly unwell. I’m expecting to have to help with crowd control when she’s better because if there isn’t a queue then the world is mad. You couldn’t ask for a sweeter dog nor a prettier one. She’s a real Kate Moss of the staffie world and the only problem might be that her new humans might get pursued by mad photographers like me!! And tiny!! I can lift her without any hassle at all and she fits on my lap.

She had a little woof at our reflections in the conservatory tonight – literally woof, woof… so I growled a ‘quiet’ and she stopped. I tell you. She’s perfect! She wants to learn and the difficult stuff has already been done.

I’m intending to take her for a little walk early tomorrow and then a little drive in my car… She’s a real girlie girl so I’m hopeful she’ll like the Streetka!

I want to get some more photos when she's a little better. Her nose is still dry. Janet's photo of her sitting and looking up is so her! So I'd like to get something like that. As soon as you ask her to sit she wants to give a paw! Ohhhh and she loves laughter. Whenever I laugh she wags her tail.

xristine

Tara is less hot today - her ears were very hot yesterday but are cool this morning and her nose is damp. She has coughed a couple of times this morning but is very waggy and pleased. She likes scrambled egg which she had mixed with her dried food for breakfast. Again, she took the antibiotic without any fuss.

We went for a short walk late last night, she walks very fast which is fine because I do too. She doesn't pull but she keeps the lead taut. A police motor bike and police car went by with sirens blazing and she took no notice. We had an unscheduled encounter with a cat and she seemed more interested than aggressive and came away when I told her to leave. I'm not sure if she understand some of the words I use but she seems to understand what I want and does it! This morning she has asked to go outside - she hasn't done that yet because I've been taking her out every hour. So I'm convinced she's been house-trained.

Last night was rather touching. As we came towards my drive she turned into it - she'd remember where she is living at the moment. She came to the door as if she's lived here all her life. She is going to fit into family life so well. I'm convinced by her whole demeanour that she once had a loving home and now she needs another one but this time one that's for always!

I put her bed in my room last night. She thought that I needed a companion in my bed but I explained I liked sleeping alone so she quite happily settled down in her own bed only jumping on mine to say good morning at 8am today! She's not an early riser. Laughing

Hope to get some more shots of her later today. It's pouring with rain - she doesn't think much of that!

BTW Hektor doesn't think much of her at all - he was busy swearing for about 5 minutes last night undoubtedly because he is aware of a dog in the house! Rolling Eyes

Just as well he doesn't need rehoming! Laughing

Dee

Aw how wonderful. Thank you so much for offering her this time Xristine.

Confirms so much of what we all felt about her.

Thank you xxxxxx

xristine

@Dee
It’s a pleasure. She’s a sweetie. Someone has worked very hard with her. She just needs the polishing. She’s unwell so I don’t want to hassle her by trying to teach her some new commands. I don’t think she knows Down in the sense of lying flat on the floor. But she seems to know Off! And Leave! And No! stops her from doing whatever it is she is doing. Quiet! In a growly voice stops her from doing a woof! She’s fine with Hektor the hamster so could live with rats and mice as well I should think. I don’t think the cat interest is aggressive but she does show interest so someone would have to do a little work there. I don’t get the impression that it would be difficult. I trained my JRTX to accept next door’s cat and she’d sit with her and share a basket. But my JRT never let off wanting to eat the thing! Tara doesn’t strike me like that. She’s very sweet and affectionate. She was a bit bouncy when she first arrived but she was unwell, had been crated in a car and then arrived at a strange house to stay with someone she’d never met. If you arrived here today you’d think she was ‘my’ dog and that she’d been with me a lifetime. She’s started looking at me for instructions and she wags her tail when I talk to her. She has really soulful eyes – she could melt stone! Effectively, she’s a young dog without the hassle of puppyhood and with the most difficult bits of the training already done. Even though she’s a long way off well, we’ve been laughing a lot she and I. She strikes me as the sort of dog who will want to be part of everything but I have to say that she’s very good at sleeping in the arm chair in my study! I haven’t seen her with kids but she’s heard children in the road and her ears prick up with interest. I can imagine her with a family but she’d also be good for someone like me who wants a doggy companion. I think the loss of her first family has made her determined not to lose another one! But she isn’t neurotic about it. She just wants to know that you’re coming back. I’m making her spend some time in the kitchen on her own just so she knows that humans don’t walk out on you. I want her to realise that there will always be someone there for her. I know all the dogs in RR’s care deserve homes but little Tara is totally without hangups and problems. She’d be a really easy option for someone who wanted to rescue, but doesn’t have a lot of dog experience. She doesn’t bother around food, she waits patiently to be fed, she doesn’t grab, bark, growl and she hasn’t touched anything of mine except my gardening gloves and she gave those back! I don’t know what she will be like in the Streetka… I’m hoping it will stop raining and we can give it a go.

xristine

Here she is again... this shows her beautiful coat. Even though she's not very well and has lost some weight she has the most beautiful coat. I hope this shows how small she is. I fear my pics have made her look large. She isn't - she's small and compact and neat.

I found a sachet of dog wipes I had for my JRTX but never opened. Anyway as I don't have a dog brush I gave her a once over with the wipes and again she doesn't mind. She even let me roll her onto her back so I could do her tummy which is freckled by the way! Really cute!

Zack 'n' Me

Sounds like love Xristine Very Happy

Well done, it looks like things are going great for both of you.

xristine

She's feeling a lot better this afternoon and has a wet nose now. We've been in the garden and I've tried to take her photo outside... not easy because I don't trust her off the lead in my garden. I need an extender for the next foster.

Isn't she gorgeous? She needs a bright pink colour, matching jersey and a home and then she'll be perfect!

xristine

Zack 'n' Me

She looks great, wonderful photo's too.

xristine

@Zack 'n' Me
She's a very sweet dog indeed. She goes back to the kennels tomorrow but hopefully she's enjoyed her little holiday with me. I most certainly have enjoyed my time with her.

I just want a home for her now! Wink

edited to add the first ones were with a 60mm portrait lens but the ones in the garden are with a 50mm lens... both Nikkor. The 50mm doesn't get used enough because I take close-ups of flowers! I need a dog really to ensure the lens gets used more... Wink

Zack 'n' Me

I am sure she has enjoyed herself Xristine.
Yes i totally agree with you, it makes perfect sense to get a dog to make sure you use the lens more often Very Happy

xristine

xristine

One last??! photo of Tara from me. I wanted you to see her with a wet shiny nose!

We've just returned from a walk. She is very good on the lead, she doesn't play with it - she just gets on with walking. The people who have been walking her have done really well with her! She walks fast but responds if you want to slow down. I love this picture because you can see her cheeky expression and her beautiful coat but I have to keep reminding - she's small and compact... only knee high.

Sharonr - Admin

You know its difficult to decide who has enjoyed this weekend more ... Tara or Xristine! Think it's a very close call, but it's been a joy to see Very Happy

Thank you Xristine Very Happy

xristine

Sharon - I've had a great time. She's a delight!

I have had a little experience with staffies but nothing like what I've had with JRTs but I have to say staffies are much easier to train and control! Tara only needs telling a couple of times before she realises what you want and she's really wants to please. A JRT may or may not realise and sometimes couldn't care less in any case! Laughing

I'll miss her - she has been fun and we've laughed a lot even though she has been ill. You can look at her pictures and see a grown dog and she is adult but only just. She has lost some weight so we've tightened her collar and the end sticks out more... it brought a lump to my throat to see the little teeth marks where she has caught the end and 'played' with it... a measure of just how young she still is. As I say, here's a dog with all of the hard graft done, yet so willing to learn and so anxious to please. I know she'll shine in her new home because in a couple of days I can see what she is like. The walkers say the same thing - she is fun and biddable. She is a wonderful dog and she deserves a home to match her sweet personality!

xristine

Tara and I went for a work at 11pm last night. She is wonderful on the lead. She’s keen to get there but responsive. She walks in one direction… none of this constantly swapping sides that some dogs do. When she wants to go out she stands by the door and nudges her lead (which hangs by the back door) if I say ‘Do you want to go out?’ and wees on order with: Tara wee wees! Sit! Stay! is brilliant and she performs a beg without being asked. In fact if you hold a treat she most often will do a ‘beg’. I’ve noticed that JRs will do that too without being taught. I haven’t reinforced it because I don’t like the word ‘beg!’ I make her Sit! Wait! for her meals and I’ve used Wait! on her walks as well. I won't let her leave the house till she's calm and she has to let me exit first. I think it's important to reinforce that with her because she is quite strong. So she's learned that we don't go anywhere till I say so and we have to be calm and dignified on leaving the house. Laughing

She’s started guarding the house… she had a woof at the milkman at 5am but stopped when I shouted Quiet!! Again she took her antibiotic without any fuss and she loves scrambled egg!

We played ball last night – Janet has said that Tara likes ball and I can confirm that she does but she doesn’t seem to know the word ‘ball’.

We’re going for a walk this morning and then a leisurely drive back to the kennels. I’ll update the thread when I find out how she is in the Streetka. A lot of dogs don’t like roadsters so we’ll see what happens. Karen says she was fine crated in the car.

xristine

I've just returned from taking Tara to the shops - this involves quite a long walk along the canal. We met several dogs but I waited for them to be put on the lead as Tara has been poorly. She returns to your side with Heel! and will then Wait! and Walk on! She also met children, pushchairs and those mobility car things that run people and dogs over! People stopped to talk to me - assumed she must be mine because she is so well behaved and commented on how sweet natured and beautiful she is.

At the doggy sweet shop she was very interested but good and insisted on washing the shopkeeper when she tried the seat belt harness on her. The shopkeeper thought she was wonderful!

We met hissy swans and some guy who thought his dog was better behaved than it was. Each time Heel! will bring her back to your side. Then she'll do Wait! and Walk on!

Anyway, we're now going to have a rest, a cup of tea and a chewie and then we'll be setting off for the kennels.

Whatever the reason is for Tara's current homeless state I know it wasn't her doing. She's a really sweet dog. In a couple of days she is doing just what I tell her to. I'm very authoritarian so she does what I say because I'm bossy when she goes to her family she'll do it for love and she'll blossom! Wink

xxlynne

You can see why we believe in weekend fostering..we discover so much; the dog can relax and know they are loved! Photos reveal their beauty and hopefully the fosterer has a great weekend too!

xristine

@xxlynne - I've had a lovely weekend with Tara. I can recommend fostering to anyone who can't have a dog permanently or to anyone who just wants to do something useful for a short time. It felt like Christmas! Thanks so much to RR for letting her stay with me and to Karen for bringing her up here on Saturday.

Right - car travel. Tara was delighted with the Streetka. My leather seats gave her a problem because she slipped about and we couldn't get a blanket to stay on the seat either but Tara solved the problem by curling up small and going to sleep! I used a doggy seat belt on her but to be honest in a normal car she'd probably just sit there. I have never driven with a dog and I don't drive much so I didn't want to risk having her loose in the car. For those who know the Streetka is a (two-seater) roadster and has sports suspension so the ride is quite hard and you get chucked about a bit. If she'll travel in that - she'll travel in anything! She was in the car for about an hour with me and stayed curled up small all the way. We were stuck in traffic jams for at least 20 minutes and we got lost a couple of times. She never made a fuss.

So Tara travels well and likes cars.

Some family is going to be sooooooooooooooooo lucky!!

karen

Tara was very vocal this morning! She had a lot to 'tell' me. She is looking so much better after her weekend away and kennel life is hard on her.

I really hope her home comes soon Exclamation

xristine

karen

Tara is going out for another break with Xristine. I am sure she is going to benefit hugely. She will be with Xristine from Saturday to Tuesday Laughing

xristine

I hope Tara benefits hugely as well. I know I will Laughing

Tina D has kindly pointed me in the direction of her biscuit recipe so I'm going to try the salmon ones on Tara this weekend. So looking forward to seeing her again! Will let you all know how we get on.

Lots of thanks to Karen for making this happen.

Wink

Sharonr - Admin

Ah bless you both - enjoy! Looking forward to the piccies and updates Very Happy

xristine

Oh we will... we will... I've just got her bed ready and some little surprises for her. Wink

There's a surveyor coming tomorrow so I'll get to see how she is with strangers in the house... Very Happy

I'm hoping to introduce her to my mama who is intending to measure her up for a sweater!

I'm a bit worried about whether I'll be able to put the car harness on her... it's a good job a) she's patient and b) she's decided that I have to be humoured... Laughing

xristine

Picked up Tara around 9.20 this morning having got lost at Farnham - my excuse is TomTom sent me the wrong way... She was pleased to see the Streetka again and hopped in very readily. She was well behaved as I put on the car harness. She travels extremely well.

She seemed to recognise the house and wagged her tail at the front door, then went round checking that her stuff was still here. Laughing

I warned the surveyor that she was here but he said he liked dogs so we let her meet him on a lead. She licked him and was nice and polite. He thought she was a beauty and commented on how young she is to be homeless. I put her in the kitchen whilst Waitrose delivered and she was very excited to see all the stuff that had miraculously appeared. She had a look in the bags and fished out her dog biscuits, placing the box at my feet with a waggy tail.

This evening she has been much less anxious about where I am all the time, has stopped following me to the cloakroom and seems a lot more relaxed. She's remembered all the stuff about not pushing me out of the way in the rush to the door. She loves the kong I've got for her and has learned to roll it round the floor to make the biscuits come out!

She's a fabulous dog!

Anyway, enough of me - here's a picture taken in my study with yet another chewie!

Zack 'n' Me

Glad to see the two of you are back together again Xristine Very Happy

xristine

Zack 'n' Me

Sounds like you are both having a great time Very Happy

Maybe she likes public transport ?

xristine

Zack 'n' Me

Wonderful

xristine

After scrambled egg for breakfast Tara and I walked to the shops (about a mile and a half) via the road as I didn't want her to get muddy - I wanted us to go to the doggy sweetshop. She seemed to remember the shops because when we got there she was eager to get to the end of the parade where the doggy sweetshop is. She said hello nicely to the shopkeeper and helped me choose some chews and a toy. The shopkeeper thought I was talking to her a few times instead of to Tara so there was much laughter - which Tara likes. We returned via the canal as it didn't matter how muddy we got. She let a jogger pass without a fuss and met some business man who had been sent via the tow path (!!) to a meeting. There was no attempt to jump up and greet, she waited patiently while I explained where he was. She passed the hissy swans, ducks and dogs without issue. Ears perked up when she heard dogs barking but she'll 'walk on!' on command.

She waited on the door mat while I got the door closed and then let me carry her through to the kitchen for a rub down - we got pretty muddy she and I! She's now chewing the chew she says is the best and is happy.

If you are thinking of having Tara her don't judge her by what she's like in kennels. She just wants out of there and she doesn't hear anything you say. Away from the kennels she listens and is a sweet dog just waiting for the next command. She's very young still and her training needs some polish but all of the basics are there. I keep a few Pointer's puppy biscuits in my pocket because they are really small and I reinforce whatever it is I'm working on at the time. Half an hour in your home and she'll be the sweet, obedient and calm dog she is. I apologise if I'm teaching granny to suck eggs but Staffies are people dogs. The cruellest thing you can do to a Staffie is to abandon her and Tara has had that done to her. She has no issues apart from the fact that she has been abandoned and she needs another human to love and be loved by. She doesn't need more betrayal.

I can't emphasise enough what a delight she is. She'll do any amount of walking and once she's done it she'll curl up quietly with a chew. She's started looking at me for the next command now and all I want for her is for those beautiful eyes to be turned in love to another human! She so very sweet. She is a little on the thin side now but she'll never be a thickset Staffie - her height is because she is long legged rather than thickset. Her head is small and not the massive heads you often see on a Staff. She is very pretty and that's not a word I'd often use to describe a Staff (sorry everyone - please don't ban me!) She's actually quite elegant - again not a word one would automatically associate with Staffie! She has zero interest in pulling and tugging. A lot of Staffs will try that on but she doesn't. She isn't that interested in shaking toys either but she does like chews and best of all she likes walking and being with people and especially with her special person!

If you read this and cynically wonder why I don't home her then it's because I live alone and work full-time or I wouldn't be writing this now - you have to fight me for her! She needs a home where she won't be left on her own for long periods of time - she wants to be near people and she's such good company and such good fun that you wouldn't want it otherwise if you're a doggy person. She'll travel in the car with you to the shops and to visit and she'll mooch around the garden with you but she wants to know there is someone close and that she isn't going to be dumped again.

xristine

Tara and I had breakfast and then went for a long walk. She helped me pack her things - or at least unpack them so I could practise my packing all over again. We played 'Fetch the Teddy!' which involved rushing about at great speed when I threw the teddy and then rushing off with it for a lap of honour. I'm not sure I understood the 'rules'. Laughing

We then went back to the kennels. Again she was well behaved in the car. She now understands about having the seat belt fitted so waits for me to do that. She learns so fast and she realises that communication is two way so is making a better job of explaining her needs because I'm not as quick at figuring things out as she is. So she has started exaggerating her signals so that I get them.

I don't know what more to say. Everyone I've introduced her to thinks she's fabulous. She's fun, she's friendly and she wants to please. Seeing her in the sunlight today with her gorgeous shiny brindle coat and her slight frame I realised all over again what a pretty dog she is. And she has the personality to match.

She has gone back to kennels quite cheerfully and was very pleased to see Karen. But the truth is she doesn't like being in kennels - she needs to be with people. She needs to be in a home of her own so she can love and be loved. She'll repay in bucket loads I know because I've had her here only a few days and she's settled to the routine and given me so much fun and affection. This is one little girlie that will never be in debt where love is concerned!

Janet

Tara looked absolutely gorgeous today after her holiday with xristine. Her coat is positively gleaming to match her smile, she's filled out beautifully since the last time I walked her and she now sports an amazing collar! We had a long walk together and she is a real tonic. Such a pleasure to be with, as sweet as can be and a credit to you xristine Smile

karen

On top of her walk with Janet today, Tara also had a trip to the vets to have her vax and general once over. She is in fine health, weighing about 13kgs - such a dainty little girl.

She was as good as gold in the vets and the car, just popping off the seat to pick up the lead I had carelessly dropped into the footwell. Once she had tidied up after me she settled nicely Rolling Eyes

xristine

@ Janet - I think she’s a credit to all of the dedication you and the other walkers have put in! But I agree, she’s very sweet and great fun to be with!

@Karen - Yes, I’m sorry about the lead picking up. I fear that's my fault. When she came I’d noticed that some walkers had mentioned she grabbed the lead and I noticed that too so I set about explaining that wasn’t acceptable. She accepted that very quickly because trips out to the garden have to be on the lead here and we did three proper walks a day beside the trips to the garden. I won't budge until everyone is dignified and calm! But unfortunately, when I took her out I’d drop the lead on the door mat while I fetched the other things we needed and she started picking it up and giving it to me. It’s not ‘grabbing’ the lead and she had no ill intentions towards it so I didn’t have the heart to be churlish about it and told her ‘thank you and good girl’… I expect you get the picture…
Rolling Eyes

She learns fast! I’m used to a ‘deaf’ JRT who started listening to my ‘commands’ after 30 times. Tara learns them after 3 times!

But I think she has a tidy mind. She certainly liked helping me search for things in the cupboard under the stairs! Laughing

I’m glad all is well with her – all she needs now is a human to love and be loved by. She’s a super little doggie! She’s so bright and willing to please and the perfect passenger!

Both of you please give her a tummy tickle from me!

I'm adding a photo of her in pensive mode. Isn't she gorgeous?!

xxlynne

Scrumptious love4

Sharonr - Admin

Wow stunning photo, stunning dog Very Happy

Janet

Took Tara out for a few hours today with Guy and his staffie girl Ziggy. We walked them on a beautiful common nearby and Tara behaved immaculately. This common is where Ziggy is walked regularly so she was off lead, and I'm sure Tara would have loved to join her.
We met ,and walked with, a large pack of dogs, mainly border collies and Tara mixed well with all of them.
Tara was an absolute star in the car. Both there and back she curled up in a little ball and was very quiet.
On the way back, we stopped at a cafe and Tara sat patiently next to the table while I ate my lunch. She greeted everyone going into the cafe with a big smile and a waggy tail. This little girl is about as perfect as they come Smile

pgt7787

Janet is right: Tara is a little star.
I had assumed from the pictures that she was about the same size as my (quite small) Ziggy, but Tara is truly "petite". Her character is engaging: she has no issues with other dogs and is the usual love-you-to-bits Staffie with humans. I know Staffies very well and love them all, but this one is special.

Guy

Janet

Took Tara out to a diffferent common today and had another lovely walk with her. She's such an easy girl to be with - not a scrap of trouble.
She seems to love travelling in the car - she gets in, settles down quickly,curls up and hardly moves until you get to where you're going.
We met a young labrador on the common and they played together for a while - Tara is always keen to play, but isn't over the top.
My Mum loves her and found it easy to walk her - she was on a long lead and didn't pull at all today. I think my Mum likes having her face washed too - Tara's an expert at this.
Tara is very responsive and would be so easy to train - she's everything you could possibly want in a dog.

xxlynne

Tara has a family being homechecked.

irishemeraldlady

That's Brilliant new's Very Happy

xristine

I hope all goes well. This little one really deserves a nice home. One of the meanings of her name is 'star' and she certainly shines brightly.

Keeping fingers and toes crossed for you little girlie! Wink

madmaggie

Being a Patti/Fell/JRT lover I am surprised to find myself in love with Tara. love6

What a super little girl! Fingers and toes crossed for you

karen

Tara went off for a walk with Westbrom1 this morning and returned in the pouring rain to meet Tyler.

Neither Tyler nor Tara were desperately keen to go out again in the heavy showers (they weren't the only ones - the humans weren't that keen either Wink

) however we all braved it. Tara and Tyler rubbed along together on the walk, occasionally sniffing each other but each mainly focussed on getting back. Needless to say Tara won everybody over and has now gone back to, what we hope will be, her new home.

We just have to wait and see now if the Tyler / Tara match can work and that they can live together in harmony.

There is an awful lot of people hoping so Wink

madmaggie

here here! so many fingers, toes and paws are crossed !! thumbup

pgt7787

Good luck, Tara

xristine

Be happy little pudding. Wink

Sharonr - Admin

Am keeping everything crossed for her Very Happy

xristine

Tara will work hard to fit in I know. She is very biddable and eager to please. You'd have to go a long way to find a sweeter natured doggie and she learns really fast!

OK she was my first little foster but I'm not one bit biased!!!

Wink

Zack 'n' Me

xristine

@Zack 'n' Me

Je suis parfaite moi mdr Razz

I said 'goodbye' to Tara when I took her back last time and explained I hoped I wouldn't see her again but that if she wasn’t homed by Christmas she could spend a couple of weeks with me. So she was determined to be angelic for any potential new humans because she knows how bossy I am. Rolling Eyes

But in all seriousness I’m so pleased she has a home. I hated the idea of her in kennels. Staffies aren’t built for it emotionally and physically; they need humans around them. She’ll always be special for me because she was my first foster and truly, I’m not exaggerating, she is a real sweetie.

I hope we hear how she’s getting on!

Zack 'n' Me

et modeste aussi Wink

S'erieusement cependant, bien fait vous devez entre si fier d'elle Very Happy

I must admit i could not translate the mdr Embarassed

Good luck Tara, not that you will need it Very Happy

xristine