Following on in our series about dogs that have been adopted from us in our 30 years of being a charity, we’d like to share Peanut’s Story…
My 16 year old hound, Peanut, came from FHT (then GRWE) over 14 years ago in May 2012. Following a successful homecheck, a volunteer called Anna contacted me with the details of a little fawn boy aged approximately two, found as a stray in Yorkshire. Within only a few days, I travelled to Cheshire to a small centre, well, a few kennels and a caravan office in a secure field!
Having completed all the paperwork in the ‘office’, we went to meet the boy. Led out to the paddock by Anna (whom I could never forget as this moment was one of my most special), my eyes met those of the little boy and, well, I was totally smitten. And have been deeply in love with him ever since.
Our first year was challenging due to Peanut’s severe separation anxiety and Anna remained in regular contact seeking and offering behavioural support. He improved but has remained closely bonded to me.
Continuing to follow FHT’s social media, in 2016, a beautiful grey hairy lurcher girl was on her way over from Ireland having been found as a stray. I contacted Anna immediately and within a couple of weeks, we were travelling to meet her with her foster family in the South. Hettie was so adorable and became a really good companion for Peanut, helping him to settle when we weren’t around for a short while. My family was complete. And they came almost everywhere with me. They have travelled miles in the car, run on beaches, walked up mountains, always came on holiday in our motorhome. They have been admired by so many people and adored by my friends. Everyone knew it was me and my two furries, r no visit!!
Sadly, my Hettie died suddenly last June. Peanut and I haven’t been quite the same since and his separation anxiety has escalated so he hasn’t been alone since. He has aged and does seem a rather old man now, sleeping a lot of the time. He remains devoted and loves his treats rather more than meals! Wobbly on his legs now, he quite enjoys a meal and drink from his resting place with little potters around the garden. At his most agile, he out ran all other dogs he met except the occasional greyhound! He loved teasing dogs thinking they could catch up before he accelerated! Hettie was always happy sniffing with the occasional rabbit chase!
And so, my huge gratitude to Forever Hounds Trust for the most precious gifts in my life. Such sensitive souls who feel acutely and take over your heart! As well as your bed!!
30 Years of Happy Tails: Paddy is living his best life!