This month’s Story so well demonstrates the joyousness of a Pointer. So many personality traits, from clown to therapist. All wrapped up in a blanket of devotion to their owners. And we absolutely love them for it. Sometimes they’re hard work, sometimes they’re exasperating. But every single adopter mentions the rewards these dogs bring.
Pashalista (now Hope) – a great Story ……
‘We spotted Hope in July 2021, after we lost Ruby, our 8 year old Boxer, very suddenly. Hugo, our Turkish, blind, English Pointer, needed another companion and we thought that as Hugo was so well behaved, we would get another pointer.
‘Almost 5 years ago today, Hope (Pashalista, as she was then called) arrived in Manchester at 3am. She literally came in like a cross between a wrecking ball and a circus act.
‘Clearly she had never walked on wooden flooring before and decided to tackle it on her 2 back legs only, at 100mph. We soon learned, everything was new to this girl. Petrified of the hoover, TV, hairdryer, mirrors and being left alone, she very quickly bonded with our resident, Hugo, and it soon became a love story.
She actually settled really quickly, after a few chewed trainers, shoes, carpet…. oh, and hot tub. We realised that she wasn’t going to be the walk in the park that Hugo was, and maybe it was blind dogs that we loved, not necessarily Pointers! Let’s just say, she led us a merry dance. Recall was non-existent, and if there are certain wildlife around, then she is never coming home. Prey drive was off the radar!
I’d say it took about 12 months for the stress to lessen a bit, but once it did, I realised that she just needed to belong, be loved and be allowed time to show us her true personality.
‘What came next was fun in huge quantities.
Oh, and tons of mud. She has a real penchant for mud baths – i don’t just mean a bit up the legs, I mean she full on rolls over in it and covers herself, she is alsoo a bit partial to rolling in fox poo !
‘In March 2025, Hope taught herself to swim. After flapping around in the River Ribble, trying to pursue ducks, she realised she could swim and she hasn’t stopped since. Everywhere she goes she swims, particularly if there are ducks to chase.
‘Unfortunately, Hope lost her brother Hugo in February this year and that hit her hard. She became very withdrawn and even lost her appetite, which was hugely worrying. There was nothing else for it but to find her a brother, so the search was on…… we found Hudson, drove all the way to Fordingbridge, and back, to collect him and she immediately decided she didn’t like him. Days, weeks and months passed and finally she started to accept him, now they are really good friends, but it took some perseverance.
‘Hope has been on more holidays and mini-breaks than I care to remember, she loves her getaways with mummy and daddy, exploring new parts of the world, but between all her adventures, she absolutely adores her cave bed and will happily stay in there most of the day, until food or walkies time !
‘I can honestly say, without Hope, I don’t know how I would have coped with the loss of Hugo, he was so very special. Hope sensed my grief and we grieved together. She is a very special girl.
‘5 years of chasing her through fields, bathing after most walks, cuddling her like a baby when its bonfire night, and loving her. Long may it continue. Rescue is not always easy, or straightforward, but it is so rewarding to see these babies develop into their true personality, in front of your eyes.
‘I feel truly honoured to have been entrusted with her care and really privileged to say she is mine (except when she is terrorising ducks or cyclists). Thank you Pointers In Need and Hope for 5 years of love, fun and memories.”
Adopted by Claire Pitchford
