Cheery's doggie

[Cheerypeabrain]

We hadn't had a dog since 2004, losing the last one was so awful we didn't think that we could cope with another...but when we retired we thought that it would be nice to rehome a rescue dog. We live near an RSPCA centre but they didn't have anything suitable. Whenever we saw one we liked they had invariably already been rehomed. There is a Dog's Trust centre in Loughborough and one morning I was browsing on their website when I saw a little black patterdale terrier...we rang and arranged to meet him.

He was 12 months old, so young enough to train (HAH!) small enough for me to manage and CUTE...he had problems..his previous owners could not manage him, also he had been left all day on his own so was quite anxious. We were told that he might not take to us, but as things turned out we all got along very well. We brought him home at the end of February.

It hasn't been easy, he barks a lot, can't be let off the lead..probably ever. Can't be left because he's very anxious...doesn't like anything on wheels, attacks the dyson and eats bees. BUT he is an absolute JOY we take him out three or four times every day so we're getting lots of exercise...he is my beloved's constant companion and we absolutely adore the little perisher.

[Cheerypeabrain]

oh...and his name is Django.

[Jilly]

Oh he's lovely Cheerypeabrain, such a good thing you're doing, giving him a loving home & I bet he repays it 100 times over. Love the name 

[Tig]

He looks so sweet Cheery, has he got you trained yet?

[Ladygardener]

Cheerypeabrain, he's adorable, it's great to hear of little animals being rehomed into somewhere they are loved and cared for.

[maggy]

He is absolutely gorgeous cheery and yes he will come back once you have learned how to the secret is a pocket full of dog treats and go absolutely over the top with praise when he does come, I think they recommend a very long trainer lead at first?? us we just let them off in a fenced area and shouted ourselves horse until they learned , it takes time and a lot of patience, which I know you have loads of.

I have just lost my little Teddy and at this time I cant even think of replacing him but who knows I do still have Tilly though and she is missing him terribly as well.

[Cheerypeabrain]

Oh Maggy...I'm so sorry to hear about Teddy. XXX

Django is testing his boundaries now he's settled in. He really does think that he rules the roost! I forgot how time consuming all the walking can be, our days revolve around the three walks. Jeff is an early riser so he takes him out for about 35-45 minutes between 0600 - 0700. Then I take him out for a fairly long walk (about an hour) at lunchtime..and he starts shouting to go out again for a quick 30 minute amble with Jeff or our son at around 1730. We would rather he just needed two walks but as he is a very energetic 18 month old he really needs the three...and it isn't doing us any harm. We realise that if he lives his expected 11-13 years we need to establish some ground rules. I'd like to get him OUT of the bedroom as I'm allergic to his fur but OH gives in to to his barking and whining...I'm hoovering every day but I'm still sneezing and coughing a lot (had him for 6 months now). Hopefully it will settle down like it did with our previous pets where I gradually became immune.

[maggy]

I have been smiling at his name cheery would you believe my brothers first grandchild born last year has the same name. he said i dont care what they called him he,s bloody gorgious .

[Cheerypeabrain]

His original name was Theo but we have a great nephew with that name so we had to change it. We thought that Django sounded close enough
so he wouldn't be confused. It suits him too.

[Cheerypeabrain]

We've had Django for 2 years now...he's cantankerous, noisy and adorable.

[Ladygardener]

His whiskers have really grown Cheerypeabrain,

[maggy]

Django is lovely can you let him off lead Cheerypeabrain, ? This little beggar we have recently got ! Well last summer is an escape artist , a neighbour brought him back last week and I hadn’t even missed him as I was wrapping birthday pressies.

[Cheerypeabrain]

We can't let him off the lead when we're out I'm afraid Maggy. He's too reactive and his recall is appalling. On the whole he's much more obedient than he used to be...but still stubborn and can dart off suddenly after a lorry or squirrel...so it would be too dangerous to let him off.

[maggy]

He is safer kept on the lead anyway Cheerypeabrain, when I take my two to the beach I can let Tilly have a wander but Toby no he would be off to chase anything that moves.

[Cheerypeabrain]

Initiating bark mode....3...2...barkbarkbarkbarkbarkbarkbark....

[Missredhead]

He's such a cute dog....

[Cheerypeabrain]

Thank you Missredhead, he has changed our lives so much.. quite a lot of it for the better.

[maggy]

We are trying to ignore Toby when stands in front of us barking he is very demanding and is trying to boss us about, there is a walking stick we took out of the van, it is still standing in a corner in the living room I pick it up and he runs off, he wants my dinner, or throw me this ! I’m not doing anything until he stops barking then I will throw it, it’s going to take a long time but he will stop in time I hope.

[Cheerypeabrain]

Well unfortunately Django was attacked AGAIN...three girls and their dad walking a pug cross...it just bowled over snarling (off the lead) as Jeff and Django were walking on another field...Jeff just picked our boy up so this little monster starts trying to jump u...snapping at Jeff's legs and trying to get to Django. The Dad turns up and Jeff quite calmly said " that dog should be on a lead"

The dad apologised, put his dog on its lead and told his daughters off ( young teenagers) as they were told not to let their dog off.

So today he's had 4 walks, Jeff's out with him atm...we think he has a tummy ache as he was crying last night then threw up...and has been crying tonight...I took him out at 6 and he kept chewing grass.

[Rosefriend]

I do have to say Cheerypeabrain, that it is one of the reasons that we/I never got another dog... there were a few times I was frightened to death and grabbed my dog etc... I know one shouldn't but it is natural to try to protect them...what happens, you get the dog attacking you at times!

[Cheerypeabrain]

More trauma...Django suddenly couldn't put his weight on his back leg when out with Jeff this afternoon. No sign of any injury but he was very trembly and hot...Jeff valiantly carried him all the way home and we took him to the emergency vet. Initially they thought it might be a viper bite so we had to hang around whilst a couple of vets poked and prodded and tested our boy. In the end they were satisfied that it was most likely a sprain. So he has been prescribed ibuprofen and rest...£145.....starting to perk up a bit now.

[Ladygardener]

How is he now Cheerypeabrain,

[Cheerypeabrain]

He's completely recovered now thank goodness. 3 days of ibuprofen and gentle walks. Thank you for asking

[Ladygardener]

Thank goodness indeed.

[maggy]

Just seen this , I hope he is careful while your away cheery, at least if he is on lead he wont hurt himself again charging off on his own. Its a good idea to open a Post Office account to put a little by each month to help with Vet bills ! I'm very good at giving others advise.

[Cheerypeabrain]

5 years old now and still a nutcase...but we love him.

[Jasmine]

Gorgeous doggie Cheery!

[maggy]

He is lovely and that goati beard is cheeky.