The Sunday Times Magazine • 53FLOSS
We rescued Floss, a working
border collie, from a retiring
farmer when she was four. She’d
only ever lived outside and was
frightened of everything —
cars, cats, tennis balls, us. The
first change came when we taught
her to fetch. She got the idea,
then she loved it, then she became
obsessed with it. She will fetch
sticks until she drops dead. After
that and a mere six years of
training, patience and sacrifice (no
dog-unfriendly holidays), she has
become the ultimate family dog.
And a consummate cat herder.
Harriet Perry, Kent(ANOTHER) RUBY
We adopted our beautiful Ruby in 2008 from Dogs Trust Evesham. She
was almost three years old and had been with a young family who hadn’t
had her for very long before they decided they couldn’t commit to the
long walks she needed.
She was a black Belgian shepherd and she was beautiful. When we
brought her home she immediately settled in. Our cat wasn’t too
impressed but they got along just fine after a couple of weeks.
She wasn’t a barker, didn’t jump up at people and we didn’t need to use
a lead — she was very obedient. We found out by chance that she was a
failed police dog before she ended up at the rehoming centre, which would
explain her excellent behaviour.
One day when I was 38 weeks pregnant, Ruby started making a big
fuss of me. She nudged me constantly, whined at me and kept indicating
upstairs. Eventually I went upstairs with her and she jumped onto our bed,
gathered the pillows and quilts into a nest and sat and waited for me to get
in. I didn’t feel anything happening but the next morning my waters broke.
Ruby obviously sensed the baby was on his way. I will never forget her
concern that afternoon and it brings a few tears every time I think about it.
Ruby died last summer. She was 15 years old. We had to help her on
her way, which is the absolute worst thing I’ve ever had to do. I was and
still am heartbroken. I cried for weeks and felt real heartache. I’m crying
while writing this.
I punished myself for months on end, questioning the decision to help
her along — the ifs, whats and maybes. My husband has always been
very pragmatic about it.
I’m in a better place now but miss her terribly. She is irreplaceable.
We won’t be rehoming another dog. I know this sounds silly but I really
can’t face the heartache again.
Fiona Wall, Worcester
BRUNO
Bruno the Siberian husky spent
his first six years abused and caged
24/7 in a hot crate in Los Angeles.
I volunteered with a rescue effort
flying 146 desperate dogs to new
homes and second chances.
Watching his diminished spirit
return was remarkable. He readily
expressed gratitude, recognising
his changed circumstances, that
he was now safe and loved. He
now spends his days roaming the
mountains and rainforest with
me in Vancouver. He is a healer to
others he meets along his path, like
he’s paying it forward. He’s now in
his later years; it’s been an honour
to connect with his wolf soul.
Pete Twist, VancouverMILLIE, AGED 1
A three-legged
Patterdale terrier with
separation anxiety,
Millie has ended up in
Battersea twice. She
wants an owner who
can put in the time and
training she needs.
battersea.org.ukSUE, 4
An excitable lurcher,
Sue was rescued as
a stray pup in Bath.
She’s seen 941 of her
friends go off to new
homes, and is looking
for an experienced
“forever” owner.
rspca.org.ukPABLO, 18 MONTHS
A shy lurcher in the
care of Dogs Trust
Merseyside, Pablo
needs “forever”
owners who will be
at home most of the
time and can build
his confidence. He
could live with children
aged 14 or over.
dogstrust.org.uk/
rehomingIn need
of a good
home