Many of you will remember Rhama, the little staffie girl found wandering on a bog road outside Ballinasloe, severely underweight, her little body covered in painful mange and her paws scalded from standing in her own faeces and urine. Thankfully, she was seen and we collected her.
Despite all she had been through, despite the neglect and obvious cruelty, Rhama, although exhausted, arrived in true staffie style with a wag in her tail and willing to cover us in kisses. Through treatment, medicated baths and good food, Rhama soon started to blossom and what lay underneath the tired, broken spirited girl was a playful, fun, cheeky girl and we watched, in delight, as she started to embrace her new life.
Enter Michelle, Derek and family. Michelle is no stranger to us here at GalwaySPCA as she has fostered for us before. When she put in an application for a new family member after the loss of her own dog we knew Rhama was the perfect fit. A meet and greet was arranged and it went exactly as we thought it would with Rhama embracing Michelle, her hubby Derek, their two young children (staffies are not called the Nanny dogs without reason). A few days later and Rhama was on the back seat and heading off to start a whole new life in Co Mayo.
Now known as Gracie we get regular and beautiful updates from Michelle telling us just how amazing Gracie is. It hasn't been all plain sailing as Gracie isn't as welcoming to over boisterious dogs invading her space and needs to be introduced slowly to any new dog but Michelle, being a responsible owner, has been working on that and Gracie does wear a muzzle when out in public/busy places and has been introduced to friends dogs and now loves her morning walks with them once the local beach. She is definitely one of the family and has a fierce love for her Mum, Dad and two human siblings.
Taking on a rescue dog with no known history can often involve working through any issues that may arise in those early months which is why we ask potential adopters to understand the full commitment when doing so. There is nothing better than watching your commitment work and to watch your rescue dog start to blossom under your care.
We are truly grateful to Michelle and her family for giving Rhama, now Gracie her chance to blossom and we wish you all many more happy years and adventures together.
