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 | To save and improve the lives of dogs in the Canberra region | ||||
The Rescue (and Rehome) of Rupert | written by his foster carer Gail on 2nd September 2005 | ||
| My much loved foster went on trial with his new owners yesterday, and I thought I'd show you how he progressed during his time in care. He has the most wonderful heart and through the wonderful people that have helped him and me since he was surrendered to a pound and then into my care (through ARF), he has blossomed into a gorgeous, loving, cheeky, clever, caring and well behaved (hehe) companion. | |||
 | This is Rupert as he was surrendered to the pound. I think he's in there somewhere! He had to undergo a hurried clip so that he could see and walk properly again. When he was clipped we found a malnourised but happy boy underneath. | ||
| The next pics were taken in his second week out of the pound. He only weighed 2.2 kg at this stage - it didn't affect his love of life though - he was so gutsy. Apart from being underweight, his skin is yukky and because he has not been able to open his eyes properly for some time he seems over sensitive to the light. As if that is not enough, the cartilage in his ear is deformed from his ear being matted to his head (which is why it sticks up at a funny angle) | |||
This is Rupert at my house on his first day in foster care. He's wearing a coat to protect him from the cold now that his is almost fur-less, and to stop him scratching the sores on his skin |  | ||
 | Here he is just a few days later strolling round Lake Burley Griffin | ||
This is week 4-5. As you can see he has regained some muscle and is putting on some much needed weight - he is now 3.2 kg but is still a bit underweight. His ear, having been gently put into it's natural position many times a day is finally starting to behave. He's also been learning how to play. We bought this toy especially for him and, after some encouragement, he now chases and shakes it and is even starting to learn tug-o-war! |  | ||
Also week 4-5  With such a beautiful confident nature it was only a matter of time before he got the best spot on the sofa Note: my resident Peebs (a former ARF dog himself) on the outer | |||
Closer view of the snug little couch potato! |  | ||
 | The next are taken in week 7. In these pics he is visiting a fellow ARFer and her dogs getting in some group doggy fun and frolic. | ||
I think the pictures say it all! He looks gorgeous and happy and healthy - and he is! |  | ||
Thanks so much to everyone who helped me with Rupert. He is a great success story and will make his new owners very happy. | |||
| POST SCRIPT | |||
 | Rupert has been with his new family now for four weeks and both they and he are overjoyed. His new family comprises a wonderful couple who give him company all day, take him for long bush walks and give him all the spoiling a dog could want. | ||
Rupert now spends his days being a neighbourhood busy-body, 'helping' with the gardening, playing with his toys, and on special occasions, playing games of chasey with the grandchildren (who haven't caught him yet!). |  | ||
 | Don't ya just love happy endings? but wait there's more..... | ||
May 2006 Here the transformation just about complete. Presenting ..... His Royal Highness Prince Rupert the Bold (and Beautiful) |  | ||
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