In July 2025 our team rescued two dogs from a road where they had been left. One was a little hairy Terrier we named Lester, the other was a mixed breed pup of about 5 months we named Piggott. Lester was rehomed quickly. He was small, hairy and easy-going.
This is Piggotts story:-
It didn't take long to realise that Piggott had a few behavioural issues, nothing major, but they still needed work and the longer he stayed in kennels, the more the issues grew. He suffered from separation anxiety. He was somewhat reactive to certain dogs and the way they might approach him and he developed a habit of jumping on people, all for attention, he was mouthy and grabby and didn't want to listen. But there was also a sweet boy underneath all the anxiety and stress and we worked hard to bring that softer side of Piggott out but sometimes in a rescue/kennel situation that isn't easy. We then found a couple who we thought were a good match for Piggott and we really hoped it would work but, after 6 months, they returned him as they felt he needed more than they could offer.
It is never easy having a dog returned (thankfully very few are) but for a dog like Piggott, who had already struggled with kennel life, it can be soul destroying and we knew we had to find him a new home as soon as possible.
But first we had to try and "undo" Piggott and some of the habits he brought back with him and so the hard work began again.
Once we felt he was "somewhat" ready we reposted his story and we had an application come in from a lady called Brenda. After an initial chat we invited her up to meet him and on that day we sat and laid all Piggotts cards on the table (we always do but we really wanted to enforce them), his quirks, certain behaviours but also his big heart that just wanted to be give love.
Brenda had never had a dog like Piggott before but, oh my goodness, what this lady may have lacked in experience she most certainly made up for with her level of commitment, love and willingness to listen and learn. For over a week Brenda made the 2.5 hour round trip, every day, to come and get to know Piggott.
It started with chats in Pacos Den and short walks around our field, then walks up the roads and bog with some supervised training in our indoor area. Whatever was asked of Brenda, during that time, she willing gave it and more. Coming to the end of week 2, Brenda was now walking Piggott in our local forest, always listening and learning what to do. Until finally, at the end of May this year, Brenda formally adopted Piggott and brought him home. And, as she walked away to her car with Piggott by her side to head home, we all watched her with a respect that Brenda had earned by refusing to give up. What we didn't know was that during this time Brenda was fighting her own personal health battle which makes her dedication and commitment to Piggott even more amazing. We are delighted to hear from Brenda that her treatment worked and she was given the all clear last month (You Go Strong Lady and thank you for allowing us to share this).
But Brenda knew that her work was not over just because she was bringing Piggott, now Rocco, home. If anything, this was where she was going to have to dig really deep and commit even more of herself to face the world with Piggott by her side.
And once again Brenda has blown us away. She has invested so much time, routine, hard work, love and new things to Piggott/Roccos life. On the days it felt like they were taking 10 steps back, Brenda continued to push forward. Those days when Piggott/Rocco showed some of his old behaviours she sought help and followed the advice.
*They went mantrailing
*They went to obedience classes
*They slowed things down when needed and moved on when they could
*They took time to bond, to understood one another and when they made mistakes together, they fixed them together
Piggott is now quite the accomplished Agility Star in his back garden. He has even put in a successful half day at Doggie Day Care which isn't bad for a dog who last May could still be reactive. To say we are overjoyed at his progress would be an understatement. But, there's only one heroine in this story and that is Brenda.
A lady who committed on that first meet and greet that if she was going to do this it was going to be for always, who put her own battles away and took on Piggotts/Roccos battles instead. She won that battle too and we are so grateful and so proud of Brenda and her beloved boy Rocco and of Brendas family who supported her and Rocco all the way.
THIS is what Rescue is and Brenda you nailed it!
Brenda, you are the true definition of "commitment" "love" and "understanding" and we wish you and Rocco many, many years of togetherness.