The inspector placed a trembling little dog into my arms and explained that the vet suspected a brain defect, as she seemed unable to stand unsupported and shook violently all the time.
She had been kept by a breeder and, at seven months old, had experienced very little of the world. The last few days had been especially frightening for her: first taken in by a kind person, then to the vet, and finally, when her rescuer felt unable to cope with a dog that might be sickly for life, handed over to the inspector—and then to me. Yet, right away, she snuggled in, gave me a look of absolute trust, and licked my face.
Once inside the house, I gave her a treat and showed her the water bowl, and we explored the garden together. She ran around happily, leaping on and off the planters, and her trembling began to calm.
She was far too small for a Staffie of her age, weighing just seven kilos, and every new experience terrified her. I tried to help her feel safe as I gradually introduced her to new things. At the time, I was also fostering a tiny kitten. Snow quivered and averted her eyes as this one-kilo scrap of fur fearlessly inspected her.
Walks were difficult, as all she wanted was to return to the safety of the house. When she encountered her first dog—the lovely and gentle Franky, whom I borrowed from my neighbours for the occasion—she fled under the table and screamed. Franky looked at me in bewilderment but kindly kept his distance.
Still, over the following days, Snow improved enormously. She proved to be an affectionate little girl who loved nothing more than a cuddle. Although her trembles returned when we visited the vet, everything changed when we came back home.
She realised she was back in the same safe place she had been before. She raced around with a huge grin, periodically running to me for a quick snuggle before dashing off again to inspect everything. It was clear she understood that the turbulent times were behind her.
Even vet visits, as we sorted her vaccinations and microchip, no longer frightened her. Always eager for a cuddle, she soon became a firm favourite with the staff there.
She developed a great friendship with Franky, and the two discovered a mutual love for zooming in circles and engaging in playful puppy antics. Snow quickly gained confidence with other dogs, although she was always appropriately cautious with new ones. If she sensed a dog wasn’t interested in playing, she respected their space. I was amazed at how skilled she was at socialising, despite her lack of experience, and I felt so proud of her courage and growing trust.
She met friends and neighbours, grew to adore the kitten that had once terrified her, and truly began to thrive. Life was wonderful.
Now, she’s a fantastic little dog. She never grew much bigger, settling at eleven kilos, which suits her frame perfectly. Snow has plenty of friends, both canine and human, and hasn’t met one she doesn’t adore. One of her best friends, besides Franky, is a leggy young lurcher named Elvis. Snow is determined that one day she’ll be able to keep up with him as they race around the meadow. No matter how much fun she’s having with her doggy friends, though, she always comes back immediately when called—because she loves her people just as much.
