As Pointers in Need moves into its 9th year, pointers have been rescued or rehomed, a look back at one of the first…
The journey started in November 2017, sitting at home, deliberating about whether to get another dog. I contacted several rescues, but because I was in a flat they were not prepared to rehome a dog to me.
I then found the site Pointers In Need, so I had a very nice conversation with Claire. I saw a photo of Hector. He was about 18 months old, in very poor condition, but I could see he would turn out to be a lovely dog. I asked Claire if I could have him and she kindly put things in motion.
Within the week I had passed my Home Check and was ready for Hector. By this time he had come over from Spain, and was in foster care in Felixstowe with Foster Dad, Malcolm. I live in Scotland! Luckily, Malcolm was shortly coming up to Scotland and he could bring Hector with him. Great!
When we met, Hector was very pleased to see me. He pressed himself against my legs for the whole time Malcolm and I talked. We set off for home. I introduced him to the Pug I was looking after. They got on really well and immediately started playing with a ball.
Hector settled in really quickly and took everything in his stride. He loved everybody and loved children. As long as he was getting attention too, he was happy.
A few weeks later when out for our usual walk in the fields, I decided to let Hector off the lead. Well, he went right into hunting mode and he knew what he was doing. I blew the whistle and to my amazement he came straight back. The training over the past few weeks had worked! The next day I let him off again and this time he decided he was going straight home because it was raining! Fortunately, we were very close to home. It was the one and only time this ever happened!
Hector was never nervous and took everything in his stride. He loved lying on top of me. He loved a tough and tumble on the floor, but was always very gentle. He’s not allowed on the furniture, and sleeps in his bed in the living room, or in the kitchen when I’m at work. He’s not a greedy dog, and has never stolen food from worktops. But any socks left lying around …. he’ll wait till you’re not looking, and have them!
As he’s got older, loud noises bother him more. He hates fireworks and will bark if he’s startled. He’s not keen on joggers in black or fluorescent jackets, and he has got more protective of me.
Seven years have passed, and Hector is still the same dog – slowing a bit but still playful and is always ready for walks. He is mostly off lead and he is very much on the go with his nose on the ground picking up all the scents. He has a nose for pheasants, partridges and hedgehogs. He is exceptional in flushing them out (and finding balls!). I take him up to the woods and leave him to run free …. his recall is really good. He is the dog of a lifetime.
Hector was five when things changed at home, and I considered another dog to keep him company when I was at work. I was catching up on Facebook one night in January 2019 and saw Henry – a UK bred b/w Pointer, two years of age. I got in touch with Claire again and, as he was a UK rehome, she kindly put me in contact with his current owners. I decided to adopt him and made the long journey from Scotland to Manchester to collect him.
I was offered a coffee: Henry was downstairs with the rest of the dogs. He was let out, and came at about 100 miles an hour into the room where I was sitting. When he saw me, he kicked off barking and reversed back to the door. He eventually settled down but was very apprehensive.
I had Hector with me, so I went out to the car and moved Hector into the back seat. Then went in for Henry. Well! Trying to get a lead on was another thing! I eventually managed it.
He was very anxious when I lifted him into the car. He curled up in the corner and we set sail back home. I stopped several times on the way home for the two dogs to toilet and have a drink . Henry would not come out of the car, and I had to lift him out and back in and he curled up every time. I knew then that he hadn’t seen much. When we got home, I introduced him to Hector. Henry didn’t like being with Hector! He was not happy. He growled and had a go at Hector. Then they settled down and slept the whole night . I don’t think Henry moved all night.
Henry was a nightmare when out with other dogs and was very unsure of strangers. He pulled like a train on the lead. He did not know how to interact with me or Hector. He lay curled up in the corner of his bed all the time and it took months before he started to accept us. I wondered what I had let myself in for!
But I persevered and it really has taken me five years of patience, plenty of affection and a lot of repetitive training to get him to relax and accept us. Henry loves to chase birds rather than hunt. He doesn’t like to play with a ball. But he has a fantastic recall and is always first to come.
I feed them both in the kitchen – if Hector is finished first, and goes over to Henry, who doesn’t take long to let him know to stay away. Henry has a chicken and grain allergy . His belly would go bright red, and his skin would be very itchy, so he is on grain and chicken free food. Henry is now happy to come and get affection and will slink up on top of you. He is always by my side when working away in the house, and is a pain when you go to the toilet! Henry is very vocal, and he likes to growl. But it’s not being aggressive, it is him being anxious. When he is lying in his bed, and Hector wants his place, Hector will use his paw and hit Henry’s head. Henry growls, and gets up to let Hector take his place, Henry now interacts and plays with Hector, which is quite comical. The two of them are full on and Henry is growling his head off all the time.
So that’s my story, sometimes challenging, always rewarding. Two Pointers, one orange and white, one black and white. With very different backgrounds and very different personalities. Thank you Claire and Pointers in Need.
Adopter Allan Allison