Gutted...

We really enjoyed our time with Ben, but it became very clear early on that his fear of people would be his downfall in his life with us, but still we persevered with him. Ben has a wonderful temperament, with not a nasty bone in his body.

We had a few glimmers of hope with him, but these were always in the early hours (and I mean early - 2am), when he had us up for his toilet duties! I suppose it was so quiet with no other people around to frighten him.

We have never known a dog wag his tail so fast & bend his body in excitement too see you & then in the same breath wont come when you call him! That was very disheartening for us.

We are gutted that it hasn't worked, but are happy that he will find his true calling as a Working Collie!

As a final note we would like to thank John & Deb for keeping their end of the deal and being so understanding when we returned Ben to them.

Ben's update week two...

Some Border Collies are born to be working dogs, others are born to be pets - at first I didn't know why I was born, being inside for 9 months wasn't much fun, but then I moved farms to live with John, Deb & lots of other dogs - this is where I learnt by basic commands.

But, for the last 2 weeks I have lived with Carl & Janet - this is where I found my true calling & I feel much better now I know exactly what type of Border Collie I want to be. I don't want lovely long walks in the country or on the beach chasing balls, sticks or frisbees, being spoilt & sleeping near the warm fire & having gravy bones for my supper.

No, I want to be a working Border. I don't really like being around lots of people as this feels very weird & I don't enjoy it, I want to herd sheep - as this is what I was born to do!

So I have moved back in with John & Deb - Let the training begin.

Week 1...

I have definitely found "my spot" in the awning - I feel safe there, and I can also walk in and out of it without feeling as scared as last week. I'm still not sure about the caravan yet & have to be carried inside at bedtime - but I do get very excited about coming out in the mornings!

I think that I am quite clever as I can slip my harness when I'm tied up during the day, but I'm not that scared anymore that I have to hide at the back of the 5 foot thick beech hedge at the back of my garden.

Yesterday I spotted someone walking down the lane behind the hedge , so I ran along it's perimeter & tried to bark - but only a small grumble came out. I wanted to ward off other dogs off my patch as I quite like living here with no other dogs - as I get all the attention.

Last week I had a trip to the vets, for my injections & frontline, and I had to be carried into the consultants room - she said I was very brave, although I have to go back in 2 weeks for my booster!

I really do not like the car and get very scared when the side door opens and closes. Mum says that I will have to eat my food near the car so that I get used to it - I'm not looking forward to that either!

I'm still not sure if my name is 'Ben' or 'Good Boy'!!!

... Update to follow at week 2!

Our new Arrival

Ben's the Name - Being a confident Border Collie is my aim!

I am 1 year old & until 3 months ago I was in a shed all day because my owner was very ill & couldn't walk me. Then I moved onto a lovely farm with loads of new friends there, which was just great, my new owners were really friendly & taught me my basic commands. But, yesterday I came to my new family. I think I will be very happy here!

Last night I had to be carried into the awning, but soon found 'my spot' - near the fire in front of the TV. I'm not really sure what a TV is but I enjoyed watching Emmerdale - I think it should be called Emmerdale Farm!!!

I did a little heel work outside too, but at bedtime I had to be carried into the caravan as-well, but it was so quiet, with no other dogs around, I slept all night & never moved.

This morning I ate all my breakfast (which really should have been last nights tea!) & even had a drink too - although I'm not quite sure what toast is yet! I'm still not sure about the awning, but I managed to do a 'belly crawl' in there on my own, straight onto my bed near the fire - I think I am going to enjoy living here with my new family xxx