Before ....... After .....
Just about a year ago we were all in despair. Stefan, sweet and terrified Stefan, was lost. He'd only been in Holland for one day, was one of the most scared little dogs on the planet. On his very first walk he got frightened by another dog and managed somehow to slip his lead.
Annemie, his new owner was distraught. She looked everywhere. Her friends looked everywhere. The volunteers from ACE searched. Posters, radio - publicity of all kinds but no sign of Stefan. It was 20 degrees below. We feared the worst. As the days turned into weeks it didn't seem possible that this poor frightened little dog could possibly have survived.
But miracles happen. Clever little dog had found a barn, with warm straw. He ventured out to steal scraps. Various people spotted him and eventually a farmer called to say that he suspected that Stefan was hiding in his outbuildings. You can read the full story here. Stefan disappeared on 5th February last year. He was found on 23rd February. I will never forget that day. I came home, opened up my emails (as I did constantly, praying for news) and there - in the subject line - was the message 'Stefan is found'. I cried with relief. I really hadn't expected he would be found.
So now it's a year later. Annemie writes that when he first arrived he had no idea how to play. Now he adores playing with his ball and loves playing in the snow. They took him to the seaside - the waves scared him a bit but overall he was fine. He is great friend's with Annemie's mother's cat. He has improved in confidence, out of all recognition. He is bright, loving and loyal and 'totally awesome.' By her love and great patience, Annemie has brought sweet Stefan out of his frightened shell and has helped him be the happy, joyful dog he is today.
Playing in the snow, with his ball.
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