2nd January

After telling the reasons why Daisy, Honey, Oscar and Doris were in rescue, my mind went back  to May 2008 and a very special Stafford called Percy. Percy was a stray in Treetops, Alison had noticed him and her heart went out to him, he was finding life in kennels stressful, he was entire, had broken teeth, a poor gait and only a stump for a tail. Most nights when we talked Percy would come into our conversation. Although I had not seen Percy something that I cannot explain touched me about him. Alison and I agreed that if Treetops would sign him over to Guildford & District SBTR I would pay for his veterinary treatment to make him more re homeable. Treetops agreed and to Alison's Percy went, it soon became apparent that he was not over keen on other dogs to say the least. Alison took him to Jane the vet and it was decided that he would be castrated, bad teeth taken out vaccinated and put on a joint supplement, with this done in June 2008 Percy went up on the website, including The Oldies Club website for re homing.

Also at this time Alison had taken a call from an owner who was expecting her first child and felt that she could no longer keep her dog and could we re home him. Alison explained that there was not any available spaces, instead offering her placement of him on the website. Although she would have to keep him until a home was found, she agreed. As the dog was in inner London I went to assess him for his suitability for re homing. Knowing the area from driving through it to one of my customers I found the address without any problems. The area is densely populated with hoodies and their Staffords in tow on large thick chains as leads, not the best place to try and re home a Stafford without the help of a rescue!  As the door opened I was greeted by the owner and a beautiful red male Stafford called Blaze. Observing Blaze in the home I listened intently on Blaze's life and his character. Blaze had been attacked in the local park as a puppy whilst on the lead by another Stafford running loose. The attack was so intense it was reported in the local paper and had left Blaze with a damaged tear duct. My assessment of him was a good all round 18 month old Stafford. You may be thinking how does Percy come into Blaze's life? Well on 19th July 2008 an adoption enquiry was received from Luci for Percy, it was a  perfect application but not for Percy as Luci already had a Stafford called Tara and a horse called Goose. The lifestyle would be to much for Percy but not for Blaze! Blaze was put forward as a more suitable dog for the Luci and Tara. A meeting ensued  between Tara and Blaze on neutral ground. Tara and Blaze were great together both accepting one another, it was the best a meeting could be. Luci agreed to adopt Blaze and Blaze was taken back to his owner with agreement that the handover would take place the following weekend.

Stuart and I collected Blaze the following rather eventful Saturday. We had just got out the car to be greeted with a hoodie and a Stafford with a large chain around its neck also acting as a lead, the chain must have at least 3ft of it being dragged on the floor behind the owner, it was unbearable and I wanted to say something but just looked at Stuart who shrugged his shoulders knowing there was nothing we could do. Blaze was ready and waiting and quite frankly I could not wait to get Blaze and get out of the area. Blaze's owner handed over bedding, toys etc to help settle Blaze into his new home. The owner handed me a carrier bag which contained photos of Blaze including the newspaper article for Luci. Blaze did not turn back for a second glance when we left but happily got in the car. Petrol  required then we would be on our way, but as we got to the petrol station  opposite where Blaze had lived Police cars descended from every direction there had been a robbery just a few minutes before. We arranged to meet Luci with Tara again on neutral territory all was fine, now to Blaze's new home and life, he happily jumped out of  the car following Tara into the house. I handed over the carrier bag and went through the photos with Luci when I stared with disbelief at a photo of  Blaze with an electric collar on!!! This was obviously used when the owner walked him as she was unable to stop him from pulling and had used this method as opposed to correct training.

Blaze now lives a charmed life with Luci, Tara and Goose and has a new friend Chico the Jack Russell. I cannot thank Luci enough for adopting Blaze and giving him such a great life. Luci has been so much help supporting GDSBTR at Battersea D&CH reunion event every year raising funds. I feel blessed that she has also become a friend  and wish Luci, Tara and Blaze a long and happy life together.

As for Percy he inadvertently found homes for 4 dogs including Blaze whilst looking for a home. Eventually we adopted him, surprisingly he was fine with Daisy, Honey and Oscar. Daisy was forever licking his face and he would stand there allowing her to do it, at times I thought his head would come off! Honey would snuggle up and sleep with him whilst Percy was Oscar's best friend having their own form of chase. Sadly Percy died on the 3rd June 2010, after drowning in our fish pond, he had never taken an interest in the pond during the 22 months he was ours. How and why it happened will always remain a mystery. Although no longer with us he still promotes adopting older Staffords with his picture on the banners for the rescue stand. When not in use a banner hangs at the side of our bed and Stuart wishes him Good Night before going to sleep.