Page 9

Northern Tails - Sept 16

FINALLY FINDING FOREVER TOGETHER Jenny Armfield couldn’t believe her luck when she visited Manchester Dogs’ Home looking for two new family members in July this year. Kennelled together and clearly bonded already, Ruby, 6 and Ebony, 4 are a pair of beautiful Staffordshire Bull Terriers who have settled in wonderfully. “People think I’m mad, but I wanted two because I thought they’d be company for one another when I’m out,” she explains. Always having had pets, Jenny is clearly a dog lover and it seems these two have helped enrich her life. “Now I get out a lot more,” she says. “It’s great! The dogs get lots of attention and I get to enjoy the fresh air, talking to people and even taking picnics on long walks.” H apy rehomings Affectionately Jenny says, “These girls fit into my life perfectly and make me smile each day. I particularly like how close they are, sleeping side by side and licking each other. Oh and the simultaneous piggy noises they make are hilarious!” It can’t be easy for older dogs in their quest for re-homing, particularly Staffies and other breeds that get given a bad name at times. A rescue dog appears to be incredibly rewarding and giving a new lease of life to a dog in need could give you just the same, as this story proves. It might be early days, but here it does seem that Ruby and Ebony have finally found forever with Jenny. “These gorgeous girls are the happiest excuse I’ve ever had for a new pair of wellies and a long muddy walk,” she declares. OUT OF THE SHADOWS On hearing the horrifying news of the fire at Manchester Dogs’ Home in September 2014, Lisa Bradley, like so many others felt compelled to act. A dog lover from a child and now with two daughters, they responded to pleas for temporary foster carers to take surviving dogs. Arriving at a bustling Cheshire Dogs’ Home, Lisa stood with so many others as one dog at a time was brought out. “If you were interested in fostering the dog, you simply put your hand up to say so,” recalls Lisa. “We only wanted a small breed so when a certain little Jack Russell was carried out we couldn’t contain our excitement!” Waving their arms about and jumping up and down “PICK US!” they all exclaimed. And pick them the lady did. A short while later, with formalities completed, Shadow was on his way home for a trial two-week period. Quiet at first, but quick to find his way, being in a cosy home suited him from the off. He loved everything that family life had to offer and still does! “The initial fortnight whizzed by and getting approval to keep Shadow was simply wonderful,” says Lisa. “He’s very good off the lead and enjoys cuddling on laps, jogging and finishing off hot drinks! Such a big part of our family, life wouldn’t be the same without him,” she enthuses. “Having shadow has taught me how important the work of Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home is and how rewarding fostering and adopting dogs can be. So when a volunteering opportunity came up this year, I jumped at the chance. Now I regularly help out by cleaning, tidying or walking and playing with the dogs,” says Lisa. One things for sure, Shadow is a very loved little dog and he’s as lucky to have Lisa and her girls as they are him. N O R T H E R N TA I L S S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 9


Northern Tails - Sept 16
To see the actual publication please follow the link above