Page 14 - DoggieRescue E-Magazine September 2019

14 SEPTEMBER 2019 DOGGIERESCUE.COM MAGAZINE

• IN FOCUS WHERE ARE THEY NOW featuring ex DR doggie REX

Background: Rex is a gorgeous Schnauzer cross, cute and a bit scruffy, and to look at him so very adoptable. But
Rex was a very long term dog at DoggieRescue’s shelter. He had been adopted three times previously, and then
returned, due to his behaviour which when overstimulated became fearful. It was obvious that Rex needed a very
special person and so he waited. Time passed and while Rex was happy living at the shelter he needed and
deserved a home of his own. One of our former kennel hands Sai had always had a special place in her heart for
Rex and when she was finally in a position to adopt offered Rex a home with her in Melbourne.
“ MY BOY REX ”

Written by Sai, his mum

It's been 3 months since bringing Rex home and I
can honestly say that it has been a big journey
already. He settled into home life instantly despite
being at the shelter for so long. Inside he is so well
behaved and it always surprises me how quiet he
is, just like a cat. The only time he gets upset is if
the neighbours are visible or he can hear them,
but with training I'm sure he will eventually learn
that there's nothing to worry about.

Rex loves his walks and I take him to the park to
play ball. This has been a bit tricky to manage in
winter as there is not enough daylight but the days
are getting longer again and I'm looking forward to
taking him out for longer. We have our good days
and bad days while on walks.

Sometimes he doesn't mind passers by and other times he
reacts. I have found he's more reactive when there's less
visibility and if the weather is especially windy. I generally
avoid busy streets and groups of people but a few weeks
ago I took him down our street of shops on a quiet weekend
and he did so amazingly well, not a single incident.

Earlier on, I went on a forest walk with my work colleague. He
suggested bringing Rex as it was a dog friendly place. I was
apprehensive at first but knew if I keep a good distance and
stay behind Rex would just love the outdoors. Anyway after
about half an hour of exploring my colleague gave Rex a few
treats and it was like a switch had flipped. Or maybe it didn't
flip but he just got more comfortable with my colleague's
presence and voice. He didn't growl and on the way back to
our cars Rex was walking happily ahead, even allowing my
colleague and I to be at level with each other on the path.