Hamish’s story: A story of dedication and love

When Paul met Hamish, he’d been in our care for about a year, and he was really struggling to find a suitable home. Hamish is incredibly anxious and needed someone who was willing to patiently help him work on his confidence.

Paul remembers his first visits with Hamish:

‘When I first met him, I knew he had issues, but I didn’t really know what to expect. I was told that we were going to go for a walk, but not to make eye contact with him, not to touch him, and to let him decide.

I had to be really patient because obviously you want to touch the dog, but in the end it was definitely worth the effort and the wait.’

It took six visits before Hamish came up to Paul and showed a little affection. Paul left one of his t-shirts with him so that he could get used to the smell. And it worked! By the time he was ready to go home, Paul said, ‘I think he knew, because they brought him into the reception, he came straight up, and he was so excited!’

Hamish was still a little shy when he arrived at his new home

‘I did notice when he first came that he was quite introverted. He walked slightly warily all the time, and he had this bizarre phobia of birds. Now that’s all gone, and he’s a much calmer dog.’

Paul has been working with Hamish on his training and says he’s incredibly smart. They live out in the countryside and share enough trust that Hamish can be off-lead on most walks. ‘His recall’s perfect, he’ll come to me every time, even if there’s a deer or a hare.’

Hamish’s playful, affectionate character has started to shine through

‘When we’re out on a walk, he’ll come prancing up to me, jumping around and then run off. He’s just so full of life, which he wasn’t when I first got him. It’s a big difference.

He’s full of life, and he’s enjoying the life he’s got, and you know, he deserves it.’

Adopting an anxious shelter dog takes a lot of patience and perseverance, but it can be hugely rewarding.

‘I think he’s the most loyal dog in the world. He really is very loyal to me. He’s beautiful, I think he’s a lovely dog.’