Rescue Remedies.myfastforum.org

xxlynne · Last edited by xxlynne on Sun Dec 16, 2012 12:31 am; edited 27 times in total

Current Status Available

Homing Requirements: Bonzo needs an experienced settled family, sensitive to his needs; with patience to bring him through. Bonzo is just learning to mix with dogs and needs further work on this, ideally a training class. He needs a secure garden.

His Story: Bonzo was found running scared on a major A road. His finder took him in with her bitch, put notices up. Her dog decided she didn't want to share 'mum' so took into the local vets. Bonzo was kept under Battersea's gaze for 7 days and vet nurse took him home evenings. We neutered and chipped. Bonzo is in kennels in Godstone

Advert: Bonzo is 2 years old and just bringing his skills together leaving his impoverished background behind. Bonzo learnt to trust strangers and enjoy his walks. Housetrained and behaves in the house but of course is into play and needs a garden to let his 'fur' down. Quite mouthy with people when playing and needs reinforcement to commands he knows Sit; give Paw. ‘Leave’ and ‘Off’ Bonzo wants (needs) to play with dogs and learn to settle. Keen on the lead. Travels with enthusism!

Bonzo is a beautiful Collie type and has a thick coat in pastel colours with distinctive markings. His shyness and keen intelligence, coupled with receptiveness to earning food treats also 'speaks' Collie. Bonzo just needs time and patience to teach him. He loves attention/fuss and has stretched his trust to welcome strangers. Bonzo will become a confident all round dog, just needs confidence behind him.

Please visit Bonzo Crossbreed DOB 01.10 Godstone Kenns on this forum to find out more and follow their progress.

If you are interested in re-homing please complete Our on-line Homing Questionnaire so we can ensure our dogs are matched and will suit your circumstances/lifestyle.

"Please note this dog is currently in boarding kennels and is also available for foster until a 'forever' home is found"

See Bonzo's Thread Below: Watch his progress through our Rescue
Referral Details: Bonzo was found stray along a busy road. He was taken in by a lady for 2 days and although her dog tolerated him; made it known she didn't want him to stay. He was then presented to a vets as a found stray. They reported him to the local pound and dog warden. We were approached and agreed to take but he needed to do his 7 days in a public pound. As the pound had no room they allowed him to be kept for 7 days with the vets but clearly on the pounds books should the unlikely event of reclaim occur. A vet nurse has been taking him home in the evenings and days off. His 7 days are up on Friday.

We are arranging for neutering and vax on Friday and organising a boarding kennel.

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You can't train the terrier out of a terrier..they are their own persons!

Rescue Remedies Statistics
Registered Charity No.1139407

aloepeter · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:01 am Post subject:

Collected Bonzo from the vet yesterday to take him to Farnham. Rather rushed the introduction and was rewarded by a a warning growl and hackles up - suprised the staff. Gradually settled but rather mouthy. Quite OK going to the car - stop for a long pee on the way - but a little reluctant to get in the crate. Very quiet on the journey and fine when we stopped for coffee. A quick trot along the verge showed there are no retention issues with Bonzo! No hesitation about picking up horse droppings either.

Are we there yet?

Checking the mileage (and everything else in the car)

Still a bit wary on arrival and fingers were fair game until he realised how many walkers have treats in their pockets. Relaxed on the walk - lots of sniffing and snuffling - and showed he's still a bit of a puppy when tripping over the lead .... ahhh!... and picking up dubious items ... hmm.

Upped our speed to a trot and he started to grip the lead. Bit of a tangle getting him to stop - wasn't going to let it become tug-o'-war - and not before Bonzo managed to get a front leg out of his harness. While everyone else walked on we went into a huddle with the spare lead on his collar and shortening under my left foot. All calmed down and we moved on again. Back to a slack lead and sniffing. Interested by shots on the ranges - certainly not scared.

Bit of a wrench to let Pipps take him for a while (already feeling paternal) but able take some pictures.

Yummm!

... hope that was OK

Still a youngster

When the group got back to base I was surprised by Bonzo rushing to me for a licky, wriggley cuddle. Made my day!

Bonzo is clearly a bright boy (already does a "sit" and "paw") who would repay a lot of work. Could someone give him a chance sooner rather than later?

karen · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:20 pm Post subject:

I met Bonzo today - what a handsome chap he is

I, too, was greeted with hackles and growling, well more like grumbling really. But as the girls at the kennels say ' its only a friendly growl, he is lovely' Wink

He has decided that he doesn't want to sleep in his plastic bed and keeps lying on the cold floor Confused

The girls now make up his bed and then put some blankets on the floor too.

Bless him, I think he is finding kennel life a bit hard at the moment. Just hope it is only a short stay for him.

xxlynne · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 10:42 am Post subject:

Bonzo is nervous of people generally, so kennel life is going to be a test of meeting strangers that he actually dependent on. Also kennels will be the making of him as he will learn to lift that rock! I do believe he would bite if pushed. his week long foster believed that also. So he needs a slow gentle and co-opting strategy; brick by brick..I always say we are NOT looking for Heros the dog has to lead.

At the kennels yesterday I started with acknowledging him and getting him to appreciate I was connecting into him. After quite a few passing by with platitudes he was threatened growling fur up and retreated but a look of "oh you're back" I have met him 2 times before but I dont think he remembers as I kept myself in the background.

Appreciative that I was aware of him with lots of positive words, I then chose to focus and took high valued treats and threw a few on the floor which as I turned away he went to retrieve…"Hum tastey..?Friend" I then threw in the same place but stood watching as he retrieved. A little closer and his confidence building, he is being given his space. Slowly bolder and ever so slowly bolder but giving him a break and thinking time. He got to taking longer bits through the door. Then shorter bits, so gently taken from my finger tips and he is aware he is having non threatening contact. I then braved it and opened the kennel door and dropped treats near the open space, he took. Then from my finger tips with me totally still, fine Then door open he is over the threshold into the paddock invited by a dropped treat. Running around long pee and relieved himself smelling the paddock space but then came over when called for a long treat (Smacko) and wasn’t shying away as dramatically as I had supposed. Then he is curious and making contact with Geoff through the rails, back to me. Suddenly Amy kennel staff appeared and his response was to link her in with the 'meeting circle' and nervous but also initiating contact. Amy played just perfect not over acknowledging him. This is the first time he has been out of his kennel and the first time he has approached a kennel staff member in this way. We toned it down and I lead him with a treat back into his kennel. Enough achieved. Always end up on a positive note where the dog has felt out of control but very much a tinge of "over already?"...hungry for more

Farnham staff and volunteers have done wonders with nervous dogs in the past and will again.
_________________
You can't train the terrier out of a terrier..they are their own persons!

Rescue Remedies Statistics
Registered Charity No.1139407

Wander Woman · Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:38 pm Post subject:

What a striking dog Bonzo is! A beautiful beautiful boy. We made friends through his kennel door yesterday... he's a sucker for treats and is very polite when he takes them. He's very quiet in his kennel. Just sits at the door and watches the action around him.

Today I took him out for a walk. He didn't growl at me while I was in his kennel, but was very watchful. He let me put his harness on - I used care to move slowly and gave him treats - I also tried not to stand over him too much. At one point when I leaned over he gave me a lick on the chin. Good boy! Smile

He also tried to mug my pocket for the treats. Rolling Eyes

Bonzo did very well with all the new sights and smells. He was a typical boy - fascinated with the giant diggers and tree feller machines that the forestry people were using in the area. laughing6

There was lots of noise from the machines and rifle popping from the ranges - Bonzo was interested and alert, but not frightened.

He is absolutely stunning when he is gazing alertly at his surroundings - he possibly wants to be the master of all he surveys. He reminds me of an Akita I had as a teen. Dignified and strong.

This is a dog that had his nose to the ground constantly! He is amazing to watch, but he will pick up undesirable objects on the ground. He is, however, easily distracted by something nicer from a walker's pocket or a little trot down the lane. At one point he dove headlong into a pile of fir tree clippings and rolled his heart out! He and I have a common appreciation for that fabulous Christmas tree scent! laughing6

I get the feeling Bonzo would love a good run. I also think that he would excel at sniffer/finding games and have a great time showing how smart he is. He did seem to enjoy verbal praise and lots of "good boy!" encouragement.

Bonzo sat and stayed for me! He was still on the end of a lead, but it was a clear stay - he remained in place until I called him the couple meters stretch where I was. Well done, Bonzo!

We met a lady and her shepherd jogging along and Bonzo was very interested, but stayed when I told him to and didn't try to give chase. He didn't display any aggression at all - and they passed us twice.

A forestry truck drove by us a few times as well, and Bonzo was uninterested. We met some forestry men briefly, and then we saw them again - this time with both of them facing us and walking toward us. Bonzo stopped and gave them a low warning growl. The men were a good distance away from us - at least 20 meters. Bonzo stopped growling immediately when I asked him to and also came away with me immediately. Perhaps he has some stranger-danger or guarding issues.

I didn't want to crowd Bonzo on our first time out together, so we didn't get too cuddly. He let me stroke him and touch him but I wouldn't say he enjoyed it altogether on some parts of his body. He did seem to like a scratch round the ears. He was, however, hand shy at first and blanched at the prospect of a fast-moving hand. Slow and steady will win Bonzo over.

With some consistency, leadership, socialisation, guidance, friendship and lots of love, I think Bonzo will go far. He's a smart and stunning dog and I think he'll value human companions he can trust. I will wait patiently for the day when I can confidently give him hugs and cuddles that he will enjoy. Hopefully that day will come soon!
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"The question is not, 'Can they reason?' nor, 'Can they talk?' but rather, 'Can they suffer?'" - Jeremy Bentham

ClaireG · Core Member Joined: 29 Apr 2010 Posts: 1164

I haven't seen Bonzo's hackles raised at all but I have only met him 3 times.
Bonzo was a real love today, he hadn't been out for two days and came out of his kennel gentle as a lamb. It was a horrible rainy day but as he was already wet I figured he didn't mind the rain. Sniffy walk , loved the cut pine boughs and rolled and rubbed against them. Loves his treats.
On our return to kennels I thought my car could really do with the 'wet dog' smell that was lacking ......

GUESS WHO??? laughing6

He is like an intrepid explorer!! not a nook or cranny was left uninvestigated! we had rubbish wrestling matches ( and there is plenty of rubbish in my car!)

He enjoyed a hot drink......

posed for a profile shot ....

Obviously Bonzo was excited (as I was screeching with laughter as he kept back flipping into the foot well!) and was mouthy in play but not excessively so.

Then sadly it was time to put him back in his kennel. I think he is a very intelligent dog and as such will need lots of 'brain excersise' as well as walks. Harnessing his love of sniffing and exploring would be ideal.

A requirement for his new family will be an outside tap as he loves to roll Wink

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"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~ Aesop

xxlynne · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 12:46 am Post subject:

Bonzo has come so far in such a short time. Happy to see greet all who enter the kennel area..no qualms entering his kennel with a harness and calming his excitment to manage to fit the harness on him. Then off we went with such a easy air to his walk, the fear just wasn't there!

Video: Bonzo what a love

Video: Bonzo relaxed

Bonzo met 2 off lead Collie crosses and he wanted to join their fun..just the puppy, great response to meeting fun dogs.

_________________
You can't train the terrier out of a terrier..they are their own persons!

Rescue Remedies Statistics
Registered Charity No.1139407

xxlynne · Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 9:59 pm Post subject:

Bonzo had a very enthustastic walk this afternoon in the frozen outlands

_________________
You can't train the terrier out of a terrier..they are their own persons!

Rescue Remedies Statistics
Registered Charity No.1139407

ClaireG · Core Member Joined: 29 Apr 2010 Posts: 1164

I like Bonzo ...... I would love to find the time to take him out over the downs or somewhere and let him walk and walk. We walked for about 50 mins today and he was just reaching the point of relaxation and it was over. You get the feeling that he would like to approach other dogs but doesn't know how.

He sat well when we were near the road , he seemed to like the distraction of the cars going past , a bit of brain stimulation, this boy is a thinker for sure.

When we got back to kennels he was calm, he enjoyed some warm goats milk by my car. he definately remembered being in my car last week as he hopped in and sat on the passenger seat like an old hand!

saying hello to our new walker

proud looking Bonzo...

yummmmmy!!

Bonzo is not currently the easiest option , but oh boy you can just see the dog he will be when he meets the owner who will give him lots of time , stimulation and love ...... he will blossom
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"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~ Aesop

Janet · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 5:26 pm Post subject:

I had a very busy walk with Bonzo today - so busy, that I wasn't able to take any photos!
We started off walking at the back of the group which wasn't the place to be for Bonzo, so we moved up to the front and he then wanted to keep an eye on what the others were doing Rolling Eyes

This boy has bags of energy and I think he would still have had some gas in the tank if we'd been walking for another couple of hours. The kennel girls say that when he's out in the paddock, he runs and runs and runs, stops for a cuddle and runs and runs again, completely ignoring all the other dogs.
He seems very keen to meet other dogs when out walking, but in a clumsy sort of way.
At one point in the walk, his lead got caught up and he mouthed me when I sorted it out, but there was absolutely no malice. He does jump up a bit too, but also listens if you tell him not to.
Bonzo is a very quick learner and he's come a long way already since I first met him on the last group walk. Sophie also said she could see a big, positive difference in him.
All he needs now is some one to one input - he's got masses of potential love1

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Janet · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 10:28 pm Post subject:

Here's the boy himself - photo taken by new walker Hilary today. Tail up and nose to the ground!

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ClaireG · Core Member Joined: 29 Apr 2010 Posts: 1164

I collected Bonzo this morning , we jumped in the car and went for a walk somewhere different for a change. Bonzo LOVES the car!

Bonzo walked 15 yards behind an on lead spaniel and was not in the least bit interested in it.

Bonzo was always looking back to check I was there ...

He loved being on the long line and playing with a ball ....

We decided a drink stop was in order so popped in at my house ...

Bonzo did a bit of washing up (this was the only time he didn't have 4 paws on the floor)

then folded a bit of laundry ...

and then had a well earned treat .. 'snuffle snuffle ''

Bonzo was interesting with the ball, he circled me a lot (the collie in him?) but was very relaxed on his long line. he did lots of 'play growling' while playing. He dropped his ball for a treat everytime.

When he was at my house he was calm in the kitchen but on the patio he got bouncy and mouthy , I just turned my back on him and he stopped

We were meeting another walker who I was giving a lift to kennels .... he was playing with his ball when she called a greeting to us , Bonzo barked and barked and put himself in front of me .I put him on a short lead and when he saw Jane was bearing cheese and a smile his levels dropped to 'over excited'

All this dogs confidence comes through the lead as his skills seem very much nursery level.

So much about Bonzo is still a puppy !! ... .and he does those lovely big 'yeeoooowwww' yawns Smile

mods , feel free to delete some photos ..... I just get carried away like a parent at a school nativity!!
_________________
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~ Aesop

ClaireG · Core Member Joined: 29 Apr 2010 Posts: 1164

Bonzo is seen at his best when he can relax on a long line and be himself, when walking with another dog from the kennels he can be to concerned with what they are doing and not getting on and enjoying his walk!
I had a day off work and could there be a better way to spend it than in the company of this boy??

we headed off to the south downs where Bonzo could just enjoy himself ...

sniffing ...

roaming ...

and best of all rolling!

Bonzo has come so far from the dog who arrived with us such a short time ago, scared of his own shadow! He is now curious about strangers .... thinking maybe they will be nice! he gained his own fan club in the pub when we stopped for lunch!

he had a good sniff around the table and was then very happy to sit and wait for his lunch!

Bonzo ...... wait .... good boy!!

ohhhhh I think that chip was a bit hot!!

Thank you for a lovely day boy x

a very relaxed Bonzo in the car when we were homeward bound ...

Bonzo needs a mix of socialising walks and 'chill out ' walks . He has puppy ways in an adult body so needs to be well managed .He is so strikingly beautiful , he was much admired in the pub .... I felt distinctly mud splattered and wind swept at the side of him!!
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"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~ Aesop

aloepeter · Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 8:08 pm Post subject:

Hah! My turn to walk the wonderful Mr Bonzo. Too busy holding on to a very busy boy to get many pictures but here's one for the model agency ...

Bonzo almost got the hang of "Look at me!" to distract him from Nora and then showed he could really do it when we met other walkers with their collies ... gold star, I think.

ClaireG · Core Member Joined: 29 Apr 2010 Posts: 1164

Bonzo is really blossoming as his confidence is growing. We had a lovely walk today and we played a game which he really really seemed to enjoy. I had some chopped cooked sausages and I tossed a piece into the grass or bracken and Bonzo has to seek. At first I let him see where I threw it but he soon progressed to using purely his nose ....... just a gorgeous clever boy.

simply stunning looks!

_________________
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~ Aesop