Do you remember Flamenco? He is the little black dog who, along with two other adult dogs, was crammed into a small box that was tightly bound with rope and dumped at the gates of the Refugio. It was unimaginable that three fully grown dogs could survive that treatment. They were totally stressed and for some time so terrified that they crept under the cupboard and wouldn't come out.
Flamenco has been in the Netherlands for four months. His new, loving owner says it's a great success story. She writes ...
"Everything is going well with Flamenco. He is increasingly coming out of his shell and showing himself to be a very happy, happy dog. A happy, bouncy dog. It's very good to see. He listens perfectly. He likes to do well and to please. He can run loose really well. He's beginning to accept other people, more and more. He'll dare to go near and be stroked. He is great with the bike, the car, going camping and even in the canoe. It's no problem. He even sleeps with us in the tent and is very well behaved. Such a super dog. In the train he's still a bit scared, but that will get better in time.
Flamenco is also very, very affectionate. A real lap dog. At the moment he's still mostly focussed on me but hes accepting the people close to me more and more. But he's really MY dog. He stays close to me, walks behind me like a shadow when we go out - hahaha, it's very nice. He makes sure that he's comfortable with his surroundings - and that's so nice to see.
Of course there will be times when he'll relapse. It will take some time before this stops happening. Last weekend we were at the campside in the Ardennes and we met some people who had adopted a rescue who showed similar behaviour. This dog came from the streets before they adopted it. They told us that after a year or so the behaviour and the problems improved. So while I fear it might take a while, I haven't a problem with that. For now I take my dogs out to train separately and sometimes together. If we encounter other dogs I take care as we walk past the dog. It's going fine. I'm really curious about Flamenco's background.
I have found scars from some hefty bite wounds on his stomach. Is it possible that he too comes from the street? It would explain a lot of his behaviour. I am not bothered if this is the case. It makes me the more happy that he is now comfortable with me. Furthermore he's getting used to the cat. It's progressing well. In the meantime we no longer need to barricade the bedroom door, which can remain open under supervision. The cat is still a bit anxious, but Flamenco no longer makes a beeline for her, so that's getting better too.
Flamenco and Pluck have become a real team. It's wonderful to see how these two tag along behind the bunnies, or just lie down somewhere together; it's very sweet. In short, this is a success story !!
Flamenco is the black dog.
Pluck, behind. Flamenco infront. Waiting patiently with the bike.
Enjoying a ride together.
On our holidays!
Flamenco snuggling in the bag. Fluck snoozing on the mattress.
Firm friends.
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