Gwen - Happy Ending

This is our beautiful four and a half year old Cavalier Gwen. We adopted her in January 25 after reading her story on MT. When we collected her it was apparent that she had some behaviour problems but we decided to take a chance on her and give her a new home. We had recently lost our beloved Bichon and wanted to take on a rescue dog.

It has not been easy to fully address her issues. House training was no problem, a couple of puddles before she realised where the back door was. Gwen has obviously lived in a home and is used to household noises and she settled in immediately. Car travel, again, no problem, she jumps straight in and sits quietly with me in the back seat.

Going outside was a different matter. She was terrified of open spaces, roads and cars. Also has a passion for chasing birds. Any new experience caused her to yap incessantly. The good part though, once inside, she behaves perfectly. Great for going out for coffee or lunch to restaurants etc. 

We bought her a special harness a double lead and loads of training treats and began teaching her to walk outside. Retired with time on our hands we took on the challenge. Our patience has paid off. She is now good on the lead, loves walks, and is now on a retractable lead and comes to command. 

We have taken her on two holidays in Devon, and as we live only minutes from the coast, she goes to the beach every week. Roads and cars are still a work in progress, but improving weekly.

Gwen is the most loving little dog, she loves everyone, loves dogs and has made loads of doggy friends. She sleeps all night on the bed and follows us from room to room and has become very attached to the whole family. We are making great progress with separation anxiety, going out but never leaving her alone in the house.

She doesn't sleep in her crate, there's no room, it's full of her toys, she plays with them all. Her favourite is a ball that she found on her walk. She either plays with it by herself or will ask you to play with her, she already knew how to retrieve.

Our vet has discovered a low grade heart murmur and she has mild breathing issues due to her short nose but neither problem is serious enough for treatment.

Gwen makes us laugh every day, she is such a happy, soft natured dog. She is the sweetest little soul and we are so pleased that she is now part of our family. 

Thank you Many Tears.