RIVER AND BRACKEN
In September 2020 Debbie MJ wrote:
"What a difference a year makes.
Last July we sadly had a to say a final goodbye to our lad River, our first IWS, who was rehomed to us via the IWSA when he was one year old. We had a very steep learning curve with this amazing, though completely bonkers boy; sleepless nights, emergency vet bills and many new grey hairs were the norm. But we didn't regret a minute. He brought us such joy, loyalty and laughter and we are forever thankful for the wonderful 10 years we spent with him.
After River's death, we knew that life would not be complete without another IWS but we had no intention of rushing into adding another one to our family. But when I saw last August that the IWSA surprisingly had a number of dogs needing new homes in the space of a few weeks, I knew that I had to investigate.
The black hole left by an IWS is a chasm.
Very sadly due to the owner's illness, a dog and bitch from the same home were needing new homes. It must be a heart-wrenching decision to have to rehome a dog and one that I imagine is never taken easily.
Following numerous phone conversations with the wonderful rescue co-ordinator, Lois, we decided to rehome an 18-month-old lad. Fast forward a year, and I can honestly say that we are so very thankful that this amazing boy has come into our lives.
Bracken has the most amazing loving nature, hugely loyal but still with that spark of IWS mischief and selective hearing that I had grown to love with River.
It has been a roller coaster of a year, as with any new dog, but I think a little more so with an older dog in a new home. But the positives outweigh any negatives by a mile. We still have a long way to go with training but the bond we have developed is really helping.
I suppose I am writing this to try to convey what wonderful companions older dogs can be. They are certainly not an easier option than getting a puppy (definitely not a walk in the park!) but personally I think the rewards seeing an older dog learn to trust and love a new family are amazing.
I am so very thankful for the amazing work of Chris Attwood (who helped us with River) and Lois Ferrans (who helped us with Bracken), together with the support and help of the IWS community and for the love and care of the breeders and previous owners of both of our lads.
River and Bracken have been such a huge part of our lives and I cannot imagine life without an IWS in it."
If you could offer a permanent home or be able accept an IWS to foster for a while, or if you'd like to help in any other way the IWSA's Rescue & Welfare Coordinator (Lois Ferrans) would love to hear from you. Please download and complete the NEW OWNER ADOPTION FORM (available here in WORD Format or in PDF Format) and send this BY POST - her address is on the Form - to Lois to register your interest. On receipt, Lois will make contact to discuss the process with you. Her contact details are as follows:-
Lois Ferrans - IWSA Rescue & Welfare Coordinator
Tel: 07796 072304
Email: loisandtrader@btinternet.com