Caroline Eyles, 37, adopted Lady, a Corgi Chihuahua mix, from Romania nearly three years ago, and fostered Cody, a Labrador mix, Friday last week.
Both dogs had been placed on the country’s ‘kill list’, meaning they would have been put down if not rehomed within 14 days.
INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Labradors have been the most popular breed in the United States for the last 26 years.
‘That dog that you want to go and touch but you’re too scared to is now in my house and living a good life.
Grooming gang jailed for ‘systematic’ sexual abuse of Huddersfield schoolgirls‘When they handed him to me, I was carrying him and he put his head on my shoulder. It might sound romanticised, but he literally let out a sigh.’
Charity Pawprints to Freedom raised money for Cody to be brought to the UK, where he will now live with Caroline until he finds a new owner. He was subjected to random checks while entering the country and has already been examined and given a clean bill of health by Defra.
Caroline said: ‘Lady is literally the dream dog. But I can’t say go to Romania and you’ll get the dream dog.
Moment brave pensioner, 77, fights off mugger outside cashpoint‘There is an element of luck involved and I do think there is a balance to be had. You can’t just go around handing out dogs.
INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Former Michael Vick dogs, Sox and Hector, are certified therapy dogs. They now spend their days cheering up people at hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
‘It’s that age old thing; dogs are not just for Christmas. There needs to be an awareness and I do agree that sensible introductions need to apply. I would encourage people to be careful.
‘If you’re not experienced, you should seek guidance and do your homework. It’s a responsibility.’
A former street dog, she had also been living in a ‘high kill shelter’ and he was warned she would be unlikely to survive the winter.
Man denies raping stranger saying attacker 'could be his twin'He paid around £250 for her vaccinations, passport and transportation and she arrived from Transylvania about two months later. Steve, from Edinburgh, said Bunny had been ‘nervous and scared’ on arrival, but has since been the ‘sweetest, softest dog’ he has ever had. He continued: ‘We picked her up from a service station in Lancashire. She was healthy, well-looked after and well fed.
‘She had all the correct documents. She was amazing and very friendly and well behaved.
Plan for When You’re Not There. Make sure your pets are provided for during those long hours when you’re away. Dr. Becker suggests technological options. “DOGTV has stimulation and relaxation channels, and there are apps that control contraptions that talk to your pet, or dispense treats. Pheromone sprays can also reduce anxiety, creating that kumbaya atmosphere.” And, of course, daycare and dog walkers are a great way to enrich your pet’s day. “Know someone who wants exercise? Maybe they’ll walk your dog.”
‘We’ve had no behavioural issues. I have only heard her growl twice since I got her and she has never bitten anything.
'Pathetic' ham and cheese toastie cost £8.25 at Heathrow‘She is fully house-trained and has excellent recall skills off the leash – although she does hunt rabbits and squirrels!’
Steve, who also has dog Fanny, also notes that there can be ‘concerns’ with bringing dogs over from Romania, with three Daschund puppies becoming ill during the transit to the UK. He said: ‘They looked very young. These puppies were housed together and unfortunately caught Parvovirus.‘One died and the other two went through costly treatment to save them.
‘Bunny’s vaccinations were all fully up-to-date and checked by Defra, but I think these puppies were either not vaccinated or were vaccinated too young.’For more information about rehoming dogs from abroad, click here.