Fabienne's magic touch - with a little help from Tineke

He arrived a little more than a week ago. A gorgeous Cocker mix. Beautiful to behold, but not to touch. He bit. He growled. He peed and poo-ed. Because he was terrified. Humans were the enemy, that was his experience. Kept chained up in a tiny space, shouted at, mistreated.  No wonder he defended himself. Far too early to think of adoption. So, what to do with this maelstrom of a snapping, biting beauty.

Fabienne's answer? Take him home with her into foster care. Make him her newest project. So brave to take this bitey fellow into a pack of dogs. So wise too. Nothing like a pack of other rescue dogs to teach correct behaviour. To knock off the rough edges. Nothing like a shedload of love and care to show the other side of the human race. The kind and loving side. Nothing to fear there.

In her diary, the day after his arrival, Fabienne said 'Nevado, we don't want to give up on you. But please don't bite.... everything will be fine. Tomorrow is a new day.'

Of course she didn't give up. And indeed tomorrow is another day. Now, after a week of love and care and a bit of instruction from Tineke, we have a completely different dog.

 Nevado on arrival at El Refugio - a picture of misery

Tineke teaches some manners

 Look! I can sit up!

 It's too hot - I want it windy

 Our sweet boy gets more confidence

 Learning how to play ...

... with my friends.