Jimmy and Charlie are brothers.
The life style of their previous owners meant that they were unable to continue to look after them so they came to live with me in January 2007..
They are best friends, they can flop down on each other and often sleep together all tangled up with no complaints from either brother.
When I first met them I would have described them as depressed, very subdued indoors, ears hanging low and the younger brother, Jimmy, was so anxious he hardly left Charlie’s side. Charlie came with a history of severe epilepsy.
Both had been urinating and defecating indoors. Charlie would escape whenever he had an opportunity. When they were taken out they pulled on the lead and had no manners at all.
Jimmy still does worry a lot. If he is left with too much space when I go out he very likely will have wee’d somewhere. He does sometimes still hesitate to come when called and will go onto his back. He is just overwh Charlie we think has suffered brain damage as a result of his previous fits. He takes longer to learn and seems to forget quickly. He has had only one fit while he has been with me and although he continues on his epilepsy medication I feel that he is less stressed and that must contribute to the stability of his condition.
They are now very settled. They are the most handsome dogs in the village, sitting on the driveway, looking very regal. Gentle giants! Their ears muscles are stronger and they have lost the depressed look. Both are more confident and can join in activities separate from each other without getting stressed and anxious.
They have learned to walk outside on the lead and to trust my leadership and this has resulted in freedom to run on the fields and heath and woods, returning to my side when called. |
