Angel

Last winter, a scared and skinny german shepherd was taken by the police to a vets – she had deep wounds around her neck caused by a collar that was far too tight for her. However they struggled to treat her, as she would not allow strangers to get close to her. As she was a stray or abandoned, the vets called us to take her in, and we named her Angel.

The vets and behaviour team were determined to work with her to build her confidence and ready her for a loving family. It took a long time but with training through positive association, we worked together to slowly help Angel.
 

Taking vet visits at her pace

A few weeks after coming in to us, and Angel was taking treats from vets but was still anxious and often hid behind her carers when the vets approached. Gentle progression meant they started to touch her flank, and 8 weeks after that Angel was able to receive a round of vaccines.
Coming into spring, and Angel has gained even more confidence, and the vet team was able to give her a full check up and neuter. She was aged at around six years old.

She was now ready to look for a home. She was still a nervous dog and would need her new owners to be gentle and patient. Angel was a very sweet and affectionate dog to those she could grow close to and just needed the right owners to help her through her anxiety.
 

And they found each other! 

After many visits and bonding time, Angel was adopted in early summer. They said that just within a few days of taking her home, Angel had become even more affectionate and loving. She likes the field behind their house, sitting on the porch, and listening to the sounds of the environment around her.

As Angel’s time in her new home has progressed, she started to enjoy giving cuddles, enjoys car rides and even a short holiday. Her anxiety has reduced, and she is able to meet other dogs and has become less anxious around strangers.

"Last weekend we went away for a few days again, to Westward Ho!, and again Angel amazed us. She walked miles, went on the beach where she stood with us just observing everything with the wind blowing in her fur.

She has truly amazed us even this last couple of weeks in how she has come on."

We’re pleased to hear that she is being spoilt in her new home and brings much happiness and light to their family. As her name suggests, she is quite the angel.