13-09-24 Nitch arrived to us from a breeder back in December 2023 as an absolutely terrified, almost feral little girl. Her fear of humans was so strong she would do absolutely anything she could to avoid being picked up, or even touched. It’s been a very slow and long road with her and it’s taken a lot of work and consistency here at the rescue, but she is now finally realising that human hands can be kind.
She will still run away if you go towards her, but now when she knows you she enjoys a little fuss under her ears when you sit in the back of her kennel with her. She’s also a lot better at being picked up and doesn’t put up a fight anymore, as long as she is familiar with you and you go slow and gently with her. She’s still uncomfortable with being held, but this is something that will probably take a very long time for her to get used to. She will allow us to do things such as brush her and trim the hair around her eyes, but she will let you know when she’s... Read More

13-09-24 Nitch arrived to us from a breeder back in December 2023 as an absolutely terrified, almost feral little girl. Her fear of humans was so strong she would do absolutely anything she could to avoid being picked up, or even touched. It’s been a very slow and long road with her and it’s taken a lot of work and consistency here at the rescue, but she is now finally realising that human hands can be kind.
She will still run away if you go towards her, but now when she knows you she enjoys a little fuss under her ears when you sit in the back of her kennel with her. She’s also a lot better at being picked up and doesn’t put up a fight anymore, as long as she is familiar with you and you go slow and gently with her. She’s still uncomfortable with being held, but this is something that will probably take a very long time for her to get used to. She will allow us to do things such as brush her and trim the hair around her eyes, but she will let you know when she’s had enough!
Nitch will need a home with people who have experience with ex-breeding or very scared dogs, and have all the time and patience in the world to give to her. She may never become a normal dog, but they’ll have to accept this and love her for who she is anyway. The home will need to be adult only with no visiting children, and she’ll need at least 1 resident dog to teach her everything she needs to know about home life. She can be a little bossy sometimes, so a resident dog a bit larger than she is, or a male, would be a better match for her.
Even though her progress has been slow at the rescue, she is finally getting somewhere, so this gives us hope that in the right home she will blossom. There probably won’t be any miracles overnight or any quick fixes, but please believe us when we say the journey will be so worthwhile. She just needs to be given a chance. 

12-10-24 UPDATE

I’ve been working with Nitch for almost the whole time she’s been at the rescue so I think it’s safe to say we both know each other pretty well now. So, please believe me when I say this girl NEEDS a chance at home life. Even though she has progressed a lot at the rescue, I know she still has so much potential and I really do think she’ll let it all out once she bonds with her new humans. Getting to spend 1 on 1 time with someone in a calm and quiet home environment is going to be so beneficial for her and I’m just waiting for the day that can happen.
Since she arrived last year she has hit so many milestones and I’m incredibly proud of her. She’s learning that human hands can be kind and she doesn’t need to get so defensive anymore, she’s had a bath, she’s had a full groom without any sedation, and she’s also learning to walk on a harness. I’ve taken my time with all of these things because I didn’t want to push her and I think this has definitely been the best way to go with her. She does still have her panic moments and a lot of things are still scary to her, but when I look at how far she’s come, I think she’s done so well.
When she does get home I would recommend her adopters leave her alone for a little while just so she can fully explore without any pressure. The more they get to know her, the more they’ll know when she’s ready to tackle new things. It will all be about trial and error and learning to read her body language to determine what she’s happy or unhappy with. It will take time, I know that, but I do really think she will learn to love life in the right home. So please, please, please … don’t keep her waiting too much longer!!

15-11-24 UPDATE 
Nitch has reached her biggest milestone yet over the past couple of weeks and I’ve never been so proud of anything in my life. It’s taken up until now, but we’ve finally ventured outside of the rescue on her harness and she’s been doing SO well!!!! She’s still not 100% confident, but she stops and has lots of sniffs, her tail is not tucked, and she’s still happy enough to take treats from me
. I know it’s taken a long time to get to this stage, but I truly believe that we have to go at their pace and there’s no point in rushing them because it’s just too scary for them. I think because I’ve taken things day by day and not pushed her too far, she’s been relatively relaxed and not had any panics, which is all I could wish for.
This week marks a whole year that Nitch has been at the rescue and my heart just breaks for her. When will it be her time? She’s seen so many kennel friends come and go and it’s not fair. I REALLY wish her special home finds her very soon. 

Please read our information on ADOPTING EX-BREEDING DOGS before you apply.