Remember Stefan - our miracle dog?

 

 

It really was a miracle. 


Already scared and traumatised by life, little Stefan had flown to Holland to a new and loving home with Annemie. But on his very first day a big dog frightened him and, terrified, our little Stefan ran away. It was in the depths of winter, his own curly coat had had to be shaved off because it was all matted, so he had no protection from the freezing weather. It was minus 14. He was in a strange country. 

                                

Annemie with her friends and with many volunteers from A.C.E. did everything possible to find him. There were search parties, there were posters, there were appeals for news. The days passed. Then a week. Then two weeks. Hope was fading. Three weeks were gone. Surely it was too late. We prayed. But we were all afraid. And then it happened. I came home one day, over three weeks after the little fellow disappeared to find an email in my inbox. It was from Ineke.  And in the subject line it simply said 'Stefan is found'. I cried. Everyone cried - with relief, with happiness, with joy. 


Now here's some great news, from his loving owner Annemie, who never gave up on her Stefan. He's  is doing very well, she tells us. He's recovered his health. And although he's still very frightened of people, he's a real sweetheart when he knows you.  He's beginning to play with his ball and other toys. He'll stay at home quite happily and when she comes home they go to the park. He's a completely different dog. He only barks when he is asleep. Next week she's taking him to the dog groomer for the first time, and she's curious to see how it will go.  Stefan still has a long way to go, but Annemie is sure it will be OK.


Patience is a virtue, she says, and Annamie certainly has patience in spades. And a lot of energy, but as she says if you want something badly enough, you'll win through.  And Stefan will be fine now, thanks to her love and devotion.  Just look at the pictures below. The first one is of Stefan on his first day - just see the difference.




Greetings and hugs from  Stefan and from Annemie.


                                         
                                            Stefan in February - a frightened little dog


                                         

                                         Three months and a lot of love later- just look!

                                         

                                             In the park with his devoted Annemie

   Learning to play