|
|
|
|
Success Stories
We have many success stories at Derby RSPCA. We often receive letters from people who have adopted one of our animals and are full of joy at how well and happy their pet is in it's loving new home. We hope to put some of these stories on our new website shortly.
If you have adopted a pet from us and would like to share your story with other people, please send the details along with a photograph (landscape rather than portrait if possible) to info@rspcaderby.org.uk and mark it "For Attention of the Website Editor:Animal Success Story"
Coco - Adopted 1998
 In 1998 Emma Gibbons and Matthew Martin rehomed a British Black called Coco from you. Since then she's moved all over the country with us and lived an amazing, loving life. On Thursday she died of old age at the great age of 16. She brought immeasurable love and joy into our lives and we were lucky to know her, let alone be given the privilege to care for her for so many years. She was happy and active until the day she died. Thanks to you and thanks to us she found safety and happiness in her life.
We'll never forget her. I've attached a photo of her doing what she did best - covering all our possessions with black fur :)
Matthew
Dexter (formally Rhyce) - Rehomed September 2011
 we adopted Dexter in September. He came to us a very nervous pup but is growing up to be a fun and loyal member of our family, he is extremely clever and can always bring a smile to everyones faces.He has recently undergone a pretty serious operation but he still carried on in his own brave way and always with a wag in his tail.We just wanted to say hi! to everyone at Derby RSPCA and to thank them all for giving us Dexter. x x x x
Sammy (on the right) - adopted August 2011
 We adopted Sammy, our black springer/collie cross in August this year. He has settled in brilliantly and has made a great playmate for Ben, who we adopted from the RSPCA at the beginning of the year. They enjoy nothing more than to race around the garden and despite his smaller size, Sammy usually ends up pinning Ben to the floor! Sam has been a great influence on Ben and they now go to the park every day for a run off the lead and to play fetch until it gets dark. Sammy loves nothing more than a trip out in the car and to visit our family and friends, who all adore him due to his sweet nature. We just wanted to thank the RSPCA for rescuing Sammy and for looking after him, he is a great addition to our family. Love Faye and Mark(and Mac, Ben, Sammy and Jasper - the cat)
Bobbie - September 2011
 This is a letter from a gentleman who adopted a dog from us years ago - sadly she is no longer with us - it brought a tear to our eyes.
"I first visited the RSPCA in Derby back in February 1998. I had never owned a dog, but was keen to own one, and it was important to me that I should adopt an unwanted dog, rather than buy one. I spotted Bobbie - actually known as Steffi by the Derby RSPCA staff - and decided to adopt her straight away. She had a really cute little face, and she looked like she was wearing short white socks on her front legs! The RSPCA conducted a home visit and a week later I went to Abbey Street to collect her. My father asked me if I wanted him to accompany me, but I reassured him that I'd be fine. What a mistake! Steffi - now Bobbie - decided she didn't want to travel to Ilkeston in the back of the car, despite my best persuasive efforts, and I actually drove home with her around my neck...literally, like a scarf! She'd so obviously never been loved or given much attention and was making the most of me.By the way, the name change came about because she was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross - Steffi the Staffie - but I wanted a slightly less feminine name for her, so Bobbie. Bobbie was, for the next 13 years, an absolute dream dog. She knew every inch of Shipley Park and the Nutbrook Trail, and for every mile I walked, she'd do three! She was a perfect friend, never ill (says a lot for x-breeds) - and apart from one hairy moment early in her life, never ran off. She'd only been with me for a few months when she disappeared as I was out walking on the Nutbrook Trail. For at least 2 hours I searched and searched, shouting and whistling. In the end, I gave up and went home...to find Bobbie sitting on the front door step looking slightly mournful. She had to be put to sleep earlier this year - she was getting slower, she was less agile, and was going off her food. I didn't want to watch her deteriorate further and she was put to sleep peacefully.The dog has earned the moniker of 'Man's Best Friend' - and Bobbie was the best friend anyone could have wished for - ever-faithful, always funny, always energetic and loving, a lovely, lovely pet. I would always encourage potential dog owners to adopt - Bobbie was 6 months old and had been rejected three times when I adopted her. She wasn't a problem dog, she just needed a bit of discipline and plenty of love and attention. My abiding memory of her? Whenever I saw her outdoors, in the dog's natural environment, she never, ever ceased to make me smile as she pricked her ears up, sniffed, and bounded through the grass, always behaving like a puppy. Happy times."
Scamp now Bettsie - September 2011
  Hi To ALL at Abbey St. As you know we have had Bettsie (Scamp) for some weeks now. She has settled in really well and is already BEST mates with Cassie. She has brought us lots of joy with her lovely personality and playful ways. Thanks to all involved with our adoption, many many thanks. xxx
FIFI now RUBY - June 2011
 Ruby (on the left) is settling in really well. There were a few teething problems with our other dog Jasper but on the whole they get along great. We'll make sure we give her a good home!
DEC - May 2011
 We adopted Dec in March this year after he was found as a stray and handed in to Derby RSPCA by one of the local vets. It was obvious straight away that he was a fairly storng minded individual but with a soft centre and we had no doubt that this was the cat for us. He settled in straight away - no enticing out of the box was required. The cat box door was opened and a ginger and white streak hurtled upstairs to investigate his new surroundings. A nice tasty piece of freshly cooked chicken pretty much sealed the deal and Dec had officially arrived.
He now has regularly filled food and water bowls at various points in the house, a cat scratching post (courtesy of Derby RSPCA shop) which he adores but which is now definitely worse for wear. He eats like a horse but seems to run it all off as he is very active.
We decided to let him out gradually. He has now graduated to his own cat flap and is currently spending lots of time in our garden and the ones adjoining. We get a purring furry bundle on our bed every morning for his dose of fuss and cuddles.
All thanks to the staff and vets associated with RSPCA Derby because without them and their help and care for Dec when he needed it we wouldn't be in this happy situation now!
DEXTER - May 2011
 We had wanted to adopt a dog for a few years but had put if off for one reason or another. Then, one day we were looking on the RSPCA website and saw Dexter. We instantly thought he would be an ideal and likely addition to our household so we took a drive over to the Centre to meet him and loved him immediately.
We have had Dexter now for five weeks and couldn't imagine life without him. We decided to keep his name as it really suits him and he answers to it (now and again). Dexter has settled in really well. He enjoys his walks by Sandiacre canal both morning and evening and makes sure we take him for long walks in the country at weekends. So far he's been to Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. He's discovered the joys of paddling in water, but doesn't like to swim out too far and he always welcomes the warm bath he gets when we get home.
Dexter loves his toys, especially one that we bought from the RSPCA Derby shop and has two favourite cuddly toys that he has to take to bed (although the caterpillar's legs didn't last long). He has started going to obedience classes which he seems to enjoy and is responding well. So far he has learned how to sit, lay, stand and return on command (so long as it's for the specific sausage he likes). He is a loving cuddly dog who likes nothing better than to curl up on your knee and go to sleep. He gets on well with everyone, and everyone loves him. We are very lucky to have been able to adopt Dexter. This is Dexter asleep in the car on the way back from a long walk! Thank you for looking after him so well and allowing us to adopt such a lovely dog.
KELLOGGS now VINCENT - May 2011
 Thought we'd send you some pictures of Vincent (formerly Kellogs) who has been with us for just a year now. He has settled in really well. He is best of friends with our other cats Claude and Coco and Benny, the ex-feral, tolerates him.
He is a gentle cat who enjoys the quiet life. He's usually to be found lounging around the garden. He loves the sun and does not seem to want to wander off too far - only over the neighbour's fence to find a better sun spot on their shed roof. He always seems to be in clinking distance from the cat bowls! Which reminds me, he is currently on a diet. Although he has no teeth he can eat for England. We were told that due to previous dental problems he might need regular steroid injections for mouth ulcers, but fortunately he has not had any problems at all. We can't imagine him not being part of the family now.
GARFIELD now THOMAS O'MALLEY - May 2011
 I knew I had to have Garfield the moment I saw his picture on the website. At the time he was poorly and I had to wait a couple of weeks before the vet signed him off and I could give him a cuddle. When the door to his pen was opened he immediately came to me and started purring and was soon rolling on his back to have his tummy tickled. It was one of the best sales pitches I have ever seen.
He is now looking very beautiful. He is brushed every day so his coat is looking fabulous. He is spoilt rotten but then a cat who goes through the trauma of being found on the street poorly and taken into care deserves to be. He purrs all day, even when he's asleep and has his own armchair in the living room to relax in. He does, however, have his nose stuck in the conservatory door sometimes and I think he's very much looking forward to investigating the outdoors sooner rather than later.
He has brought so much pleasure to our house and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending an adult cat for adoption. What you see is what you get... and more if you're lucky. I would choose one over a kitten everytime.
BEN - April 2011
 We adopted Ben (white and brown German wirehaired pointer) in February after he was abandoned by his owner in the RSPCA reception. Ben is a lively and inquisitive dog and the first few days after his arrival were very chaotic as he explored every aspect of his new home. Ben has now settled in really well and is starting to calm down and mature. He gets on brilliantly with our older rescue dog, Mac, and has even started to help Mac overcome some of his anxieties! The two are good friends and don't like to be away from each other! Ben has also made friends with our cat and the three of them can often be caught snoozing in the sunshine in the garden. We are really looking forward to the summer when Ben and Mac will be joining us on holiday, along with other family members and their dogs. A big thank you to the RSPCA for caring for Ben whilst he was with you!
POPPY formerly ICICLE - April 2011
  A lot has happened to Poppy in the last 4 months - from deaths door to ships cat, from eating like a mouse to eating like a horse, from RSPCA pod to free reign of house, garden, and holidays afloat.
Poppy is a very loving cat with lots of character and comical antics, but also likes her own space as well as a cuddle. She is filling a gap in our lives left by our previous cat who died in 2010 at the age of 21. It is lovely to be a participant in the learning curve of a young 2 year old cat, the entertainment is un-measurable.
We first saw Poppy in mid December 2010, and instantly fell in love with her, and were looking forward to having her at home for Christmas, where we could spend some time settling her in over the holiday. Unfortunately, a couple of days after our visit she became very ill, but with the commitment and dedication of the Derby RSPCA team she and a number of other sick casts were brought back to good health, and we were finally able to bring her to her new home in early January. She in now fully engaged in enjoying life and grooming her slaves.
Everyday is an adventure for Poppy, every open draw, cupboard, nook & cranny has to be investigated. The daily routine (we all know how cats love a schedule) involves checking the taps for any drips which taste much better than the water bowl contents, as well as chasing ping-pong balls all over the house (loosing a few on the way). All of which has to be done on a full tummy, so many trips to the food bowl are also required, as well as numerous cat naps to re-charge the energy levels. Poppy also loves being in the garden were she has be-friended (or so she thinks) a Robin who is currently nesting in trees, but little does she know, he is only teasing so that she doesn’t get too close to the nest. As soon as Poppy appears so does the Robin and the two are engaged in what looks like a game of tag around the garden, the bell on her collar always tells the Robin where she is so she is very un-likely to catch him. Finally to bed … where will that be tonight? bathroom, bedroom, dinning room the choice is endless, but the kitchen is always the first stop for a bite of supper before slipping into the land of nod. Poppy’s next adventure will be in the summer when she goes on holiday and will become the ships' cat aboard a narrow boat. She has already been aboard a couple of times, and investigated the confines of a canal boat, all seems to bode well for waterways cruising!
BOOSH formerly STAR - April 2011
 We adopted Star, now Boosh on February 17th. So far, she has learnt how to sit, lie, down, come and stay. As you can see she loves joining in with cuddles and although she is very energetic and loves playing on the park with other dogs she becomes pathetically floppy at night-time and needs to be carried to her bed! We all love her very much.
HATTIE formely CHERISH - March 2011
 We aopted Cherish, now Hattie in March. I have enclosed a photo of her and her new best friend Millie to show how she is getting on! She is a fantastic dog and is learning very well to sit and has been out to the park every day. She is a very happy dog and slowly getting used to the many stairs ther are in this house! I'm hoping to get her into socialisation classes soon after she's seen the vet!
Thank you all for your support with Hattie, she is a fantastic dog and very much loved!
CASPIAN formerly SATURN - March 2011
 Caspian (previously Saturn) has settled in very well and has already become a much-loved member of the family. He loves to play and has several toys; catnip mice a 'jungle feather' that he loves to chase around after. His favourite thing to play with though are balls made out of silver foil, which he will happily chase around for hours.
He eats very well and loves Whiskas pouches in jelly (all varieties, he isn't fussy!!) He is also partial to cooked chicken and the occasional bit of fish. He is very curious and has always got his nose into something. At the moment he likes to sit on top of the Sunday papers and tear bits of the newspaper off with his teeth. My husband finds this quite annoying, especially if he hasn't yet read the paper! He loves climbing and getting into wardrobes. Many times I've had to entice him out of the back of the wardrobe to make sure he doesn't get shut in! Most importantly though, he is a very affectionate and loving cat and at night will come into my arms for a cuddle and likes to be carried upstairs to bed (he sleeps on our bed). In the morning when my alarm goes off, he will come and sit on the pillow next to my head and purr loudly. We are all so glad that we adopted him and have been able to give him a good home after his unfortunate start. We couldn't imagine being without him.
CUSTARD, JELLYBEAN & GIZMO - March 2011
  This is an update from the family who adopted 3 kittens from us earlier this year. "We have Custard (formerly Christmas), Gizmo (formerly Snowflake) and Jellybean (formerly Snowball), we got Custard and Gizmo from you just before xmas, unfortunately Jellybean had already been adopted by another family and we were absolutely heartbroken that we could not have her since it meant splitting her up from her sister (Gizmo)....In February I was randomly checking your website when I saw Snowy on the adoption page and I was sure that it was our Gizmo's sister but we thought she looked too old so we agreed to come down to the centre at the weekend when we were free. When we arrived it was obvious that she was her sister but she already had a reserve on her.
So we asked if the staff remembered Gizmo and they did and were happy that we wanted to reunite the sisters, so we put on a 2nd reserve. On the Monday we were over the moon to get the call saying we could collect her the following weekend after her spaying.... There was a bit of hissing and unsureness when we first reintroduced them but the sisters now happily sleep in kitten piles and play together all the time.
Custard is an absolute cuddle tart and will come to you and demand fuss whenever she is near you and especially when she comes back in from her explorations of the nearby fields.
Gizmo is still very timid though she tends to run away instead of hissing at you now, occasionally she will come for a sniff of the humans before running away but she does now play with the others which is very cute to watch, she has not yet ventured outside but will sniff at the open door and window before running and hiding at the top of the stairs.
Jellybean is a bundle of fluffy fun who we are sure is half ferret due to her antics and the way she bounces about arched like a ferret.
We are hoping to add a fourth cat to our family and we will keep visiting the centre to see who is there and if they want to join our mad family"
ARROW now OSCAR (March 2011)
  This is one of our boxer/staffy/mastiff pups in his new home - obviously having a very hard life! What more can you say really.....
His new owners say he has settled in very well and put on 1.3kg in a week. He really enjoys his walks and is very good with other dogs, people, children and bikes. Wherever he goes people just love him and give him lots of fuss - well there's a surprise! He has made lots of friends at his local coffee shop and they have treats and water ready for him after his walk in the park - mum has a nice relaxing latte. Oscar has started puppy training classes and has done well for a beginner. He can sit when told, gives you his paw when asked and he tries hard with stay , sometimes he gets this and other times it's just far too much fun to run off with the other dogs. He waits at the door for you to go through first and he is working hard on the down command but has a way to go with this one yet. Sounds like a cracking puppy to us and we are sure his new family will have many joyous times with him.
BLOSSOM (March 2011)
  This is Blossom, looking very well and rested in her new home! She was with us quite a while before she found her forever home. Her new owners say she is very affectionate, friendly and chatty and quite bossy when it comes to feeding times. The wound she had for so long has healed up thanks to cream and advice from our vets and they couldn't imagine life without her now! "We'd like to thank Derby RSPCA for letting us adopt her and for taking good care of her. You all do such amazing work! Next time we have some extra cash, we're hoping to adopt another cat." We're sure Blossom will enjoy having a new playmate in the future!
|
|