Bluebell
The dog who still trusted people
Dogs, Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome
Mani’s 600-day journey home
When five-year-old Cockapoo Mani arrived at Bath Cats and Dogs Home in May 2023, he found the move from a home to kennels very difficult. He was fearful of unfamiliar people and could react by barking, lunging or nipping. Before the team could begin working on his behaviour, Mani needed time, routine and space to feel safe.
For the first few days, animal carer Kirsty simply sat quietly in his kennel, chatting to him and bringing his meals without asking him to interact. As walks had previously been stressful for Mani, he stayed on site, where he could enjoy off-lead exercise, games and enrichment in our paddocks.
Building trust at Mani’s pace
About a month later, the team tried moving Mani to a busier kennel block, where he would see more visitors and different carers. The change proved too much and his behaviour regressed, so we slowed things down again. Only a small number of trusted carers handled him for things such as putting on his harness, grooming and muzzle training, while other members of the team built relationships with him through games, agility and quiet companionship.
A few months later, one of Mani’s favourite carers moved to another kennel block and Mani moved with her. Although his surroundings changed, his routine and trusted carer remained familiar, and this time he coped well. It helped the team understand that changes in people were particularly difficult for Mani, something that would be important when finding him the right home.
Once Mani knew someone, there was plenty for them to discover. He formed a special bond with volunteer dog walker Rachel, enjoyed agility and games, mastered rollovers and even learned to play “bang, you’re dead”. His future family would need to accept, however, that busy places and unfamiliar people might always be difficult for him.
Finding the people who understood him
Mani received plenty of interest, but finding the right home took time. Then a family came forward with plenty of space, experience of animal behaviour and an understanding that they would need to build their relationship with Mani gradually. They visited him five times over a month. At the end of their fourth meeting, Mani leaned against them and accepted his first fuss.
After a year of rehabilitation followed by another seven months waiting for the right people, Mani was adopted in January 2025. He had spent 600 days in our care.
A later visit from our Behaviour team found Mani settled and doing well in his new home. Every rescued animal is different, and some need considerably more time and support than others. Our rehabilitation work, careful matching and ongoing adoption advice help give animals like Mani and their new families the best possible start.
