Rescue

3rd February  Unfortunately as Ridgebacks become more popular the need for people to give a caring permanent second home increases. This week we make a plea for more unfortunate animals.
Jake   is a 7 year old male who is looking for a quiet home and not too much exercise so he may fit in well with more mature owners. He appears to have had an accident which has damaged his hind leg and although recovered now he is not one that requires long walks, company and T.L.C. are top of his wish list!! If you can help ring Janice Ellis on 01889 508295      
Storm and Simba are litter brothers (1 liver nose,1 black nose) looking for a home together as they become stressed when separated. For more information see update 25th Jan. If you are interested please contact the Welfare Trust on 020 748 50691
Another pair looking to find a home together are:   
Amber and Hero  They are 14 months old and are typical adolescent Ridgebacks. Their temperament is good and they are used to children, both are neutered. Once again the number to ring is 020 748 50691. 
If you feel that you could give a dog or bitch a good home but  non of the above fit the bill, then I'm sure Janice, Barry or Carol would welcome a call to discuss other Ridgebacks waiting for a loving home.

25th January  I'm delighted to say that Maddy has a new home. Barry and Carol who organise The Rhodesian Ridgeback Welfare Trust had heard that she was becoming depressed in kennels and so decided to take her into their home until a suitable home could be found. She has settled so well with their own dogs that she will now remain with them!! Another happy ending, however unwanted Ridgebacks are a growing problem. Whilst telling me the good news about Maddy Barry also told me about 2 litter brothers (they are neutered)  aged 28 months  who have been handed over to a Rescue Kennel and are now looking for a permanent home together, they fret when separated. They are good with children, having lived with them and are fine with visitors. They are inclined to chase cats and rabbits, not unusual in Ridgebacks, that said they do not appear  to have any major problems. If you can help with re-homing these boys please ring Barry or Carol on 020 748 20053.

17th January  10 days ago I wrote about Maddy. We now know that she is 6 years old and having spent some time in a rescue kennel near Walsall she is now even more in need of caring ,permanent home. Her carers say she has a lovely temperament and she is good with other dogs. She is a girl with a lot of love to offer the right family, COULD YOU BE THAT FAMILY? if so, please ring Barry or Carol on 020 7482 0053 or contact the Kennels direct on 01922 621014. If you think that Maddy is not the  girl for you but would like to consider other Ridgebacks in need of re-homing the number to call is 020 7482 0053 or Janice Ellis on 01889 508295.

6th January  Another call for help from the Rhodesian Ridgeback Welfare Trust. Can anyone give a home to a bitch called Maddy thought to be between 6 and 9 years old.  Her owner has died and she is in kennels at Walsall (West Midlands). She seems a little wary, wouldn't you be in the circumstances!? and will need time, patience and a lot of T.L.C. If you think you could have the right home waiting for her or indeed if you know someone who might have, then please ring Jenny (at the kennels) on 01922 621014 or Barry Davies (R.R.W.T) on 020 748 20053

5th January  A happy update on Chad. She has settled in very well with her new 4 legged friend Ziggy and the Perham family.  She's had several manicures, a change of diet and apart from occasional raids on the waste bin! she spends most of her time pursuing her favourite hobby, sleeping. As you can see from the picture below Ziggy is only too pleased to curl up with her

12th December  Today I received a 'phone call from Mark Perham in Redruth, he owns Ziggy, a son of Megan and Dodge. They read Chad's story and after several 'phone calls, to myself and Chads owner they decided to think things over for a couple of days, always wise when taking on such a commitment. I am pleased to say that I got an e-mail on Friday to say that Chad was "going home" to Cornwall on Sunday. Apparently it was "love at first sight" (2 legged and 4 legged) and the 2 dogs travelled home together without incident. Hopefully this happy ending will go on for a long time and will include lots of leisurely walks on  beautiful Cornish beaches.....to be continued!  This rescue tale has had a happy ending, however there are many Ridgebacks looking for a new home. Their circumstances vary and some aren't as lucky as Chad, they have been looking for new families for a while. If you think you can offer a Ridgeback a second chance contact Janice Ellis on 01889 508295 or Carol and Barry Davies on 020 748 20053 they'd appreciate a call.

5th December  Today we went to visit Chad a Ridgeback girl of 9/10 years old. Her age is unknown, as is her breeding because she was rescued in Israel by her present owners. She was one of 40 Ridgebacks re-homed from one kennel!! The dogs were placed in a hurry without thought and Chad unfortunately was homed with a man who subsequently ill treated her. She was then adopted by her present owners and travelled with them from Israel when they came to live in the U.K. She has been through a lot in her life including 3 homes and quarantine and now finds herself in need of a new home again. Her family are devastated at having to make this decision but their young son aged 2 has developed chronic asthma and the condition is aggravated by Chad and her Retriever friend. She is obviously a much loved family pet, good with other dogs and gentle with children. She is not a particularly active girl and is quite happy to while away the day in a warm sunny spot, a typical middle-aged Ridgeback really. We had hoped to give her a home ourselves but feel that she is a little too close in age to our own girl  Megan (aged 8). Could you find a place on your hearth and in your heart for Chad? If so please contact Midland and Northern Rescue ...Mrs. Janice Ellis on 01889 508295

Unfortunately all too often Ridgebacks need new homes.  The reasons for parting with a dog are varied.  They range from tragic - the death of an owner - to ridiculous "he's too big".  (He's a Ridgeback how big did you think he'd be?!) and all points between.

Having lost our beloved Ellie.  After much discussion we decided we had room for 'an oldie'.  Ask anyone (well, most people) about old Ridgebacks - they are something special.  They're stubborn, bloody-minded, clever, manipulative but they capture your heart.  We talked to Janice Ellis (Midland & Northern Rescue Co-Ordinator) and she mentioned an 'old girl' whose 83 year old owner had died.  We drove down to the Midlands to see her.  Shula had lived with her owner in a large house with extensive grounds.  A quiet existence, no other animals, no children.  After talking to Janice we decided we had to give her a chance, at 13 years old she needed little and had given so much.  We brought her home on a warm Sunday afternoon.  She settled remarkably well.  Our other dogs saw her as no threat and accepted her well.  She was very tolerant with the children - who remarked how like Ellie she was (perhaps that's why we were so taken with her!)  Having observed her on the Sunday evening and during the following day we decided she was in some discomfort.  After consulting our vet it was decided to examine her the next day.  He too was concerned and upon further investigation she was diagnosed as having a massive tumour on her spleen and liver.  She was put to sleep on the Wednesday to save her further suffering.  We thank God we brought her home, although we only had her 4 days she had that ability that most Ridgebacks have - they get under your skin and capture your heart.

Having read about Shula and Dee.  Do you have room in your home and heart for a 'rescue Ridgeback'.  Perhaps even an 'old one'.  Everyone involved with Ridgeback rescue/welfare works tirelessly towards matching suitable dogs in long term homes  To this end you must be honest to yourselves and others (especially the dog) about your ability to cope with a dog with a problem - this could save the dog from being re-homed a 2nd or 3rd time.  

Although you may not be able to offer a dog a new home, if you feel you can help in any way - transport - home checks - donations, please contact breed Club Secretaries -  Rhodesian Ridgeback Clubs.