A Special Story - Twirley
‘Twirley’ originally came to us as a stray dog collected by the dog warden in June 2003. He was not claimed by his owner and as he wasn’t wearing any identification nor was he microchipped, we couldn’t trace his family.
Twirley struggled with living at the kennels and wasn’t happy to be confined to his kennel and would chase his tail, which can be typical of animal that isn’t happy and is feeling anxious.
He was adopted a couple of months later but returned shortly afterwards. It was apparent that Twirley was quite insecure and needed time and patience to gain his trust and understand his behaviour. He would become defensive if he felt uncomfortable or if he was put under pressure to do something he didn’t want to. He adored being around people and found it difficult to accept someone leaving him, even if it meant leaving him in one room to go to another.
Twirley couldn’t understand why he had found himself back at the kennels and he became upset and would grab his tail whilst spinning.
It wasn’t long before he had another ‘interest’ in him and he was rehomed for the second time towards the end of the summer in 2003. Unfortunately this didn’t last long either and he was returned again.
It was over 6 months before a new family spotted him and he was off again in 2004 to a new home. The family, without children, were experienced dog owners and were given details of Twirley’s history and reasons for him returning to the kennels. He was very possessive over food and sometimes toys and caution needed to be exercised when introducing him to new people when out on walks and also visitors to the home.
His new mum and dad loved him very much and could see how intelligent he was. He had gained his Good Citizen Bronze Award and loved to learn new things.
Twirley settled in very well and clearly loved home life and spending time with his new family. Unfortunately, Twirley demonstrated aggressive behaviour over ‘dropped food’ and the situation could have become serious if not handled correctly.
The family perservered with Twirley and focused on the many positive traits of his personality and character. Sadly, there was a similar second incident that occurred and Twirley was returned.
It seemed that it wasn’t meant to be for Twirley to live in a home and the kennel staff were all saddened to think that he may have to live at the kennels indefinitely. He was a firm favourite with his volunteer walkers and adored his Kennel Assistant ‘Mum’ Jodie and then Sadie. It was clear that a life in kennels was not conducive with his welfare and quality of life as Twirley would quickly revert to his spinning behaviour at times of stress. Everyone who helped to care for Twirley worked hard to provide mental and physical stimulation and he was able to spend most of the time in a specially adapted room which served as a socialisation/assessment room for dogs at the kennels. He was happier when out of his regular kennel and could spend time in good weather in his large, grassy pen or alternatively snuggled up on the sofa in the socialisation room.
Beccy Garner, member of the Committee of LAA, took a special shine to Twirley and began to take him out on regular weekend ‘agility events’. Twirley was a natural at agility and loved to travel in the car with Beccy. Beccy was always very responsible and careful with him when he met new people and agility helped to build his confidence.
Twirley was a regular visitor to Beccy’s family and her Mum and Dad took a particular liking to him and noted their interest in homing him. We are delighted that he has been in his new home for a month and is doing really well! His new Mum and Dad and, of course Aunty Beccy, all adore him. Twirley is a special dog and he will need a lot of time and understanding and on-going kind training techniques to keep him on his best behaviour. We are confident that he has found a family that are committed to working with him to ensure he remains with them for the rest of his life.
We wish Twirley and his Mum and Dad the best of luck and he is fortunate to have found a very special family that are prepared to give him the best possible chance of living a life out of kennels and in a home that he deserves.
