Success Stories

Gelbert’s Story

This is Gelbert's story. Gel a middle aged sheepdog who was chained on a short chain for over 2 years, never coming off, when he arrived at Freshfields Wales his eyes were dead, there was no expression in them at all and his condition was appalling. He had muscle wastage and was in pain from an old hip problem. He had been unable to work for some time so his reward for years of working for the farmer ended in this dreadful existence. That is until someone kind stepped in and arranged for him to be brought to the shelter. We watched him change from a subdued depressed animal to a dog who loved life and people, however although we showed him to several people wanting collies he did not seem to fit their idea of one(longcoated and pretty). Eventually visitors from Hampshire came to look fo a collie and fell in love with "our boy".

 We have just received an update from his new owners :-

"Hi Lesley, May and all at freshfields"   Well, Gelert is slowly settling in down in sunny Gosport. He has had his rabies jab (Gelbert will be living half the year in Spain), which made him a bit mopey for a few days. The others will have to be spread out, and then he can go to doggy school. Things are a bit different here from Wales! We have had a couple of oopsy's, so night time routine needs a little work, but generally Gelert is very good in the house. He prefers the garden, especially the long grass in the asparagus patch (prospects for asparagus tips next year not good!). Gelert also has a very dry coat and is scratching a lot. We are not sure if it is the change in climate or a bit of stress from new lifestyle or both. We have tried all the usual remedies (tea tree, oil etc) and will have to see vetinry if it doesn't improve by Monday. Generally Gelert seems happy if still a little insecure. He follows Tony around like a shadow. Tony calls him Eileen, because when you stroke him he likes to lean on you and indulge in a little snooze.  He goes for walks twice a day, to the beach or down by the creek where there is a large park with swans, seagulls and a boating lake, but mostly he goes for the sniffing not the scenery!  He still wonders where the sheep go to when they move off the screen on in Countryfile.
A few piccys to be going on with.   Regards and love from Gelert, Tony and Linda."