Page 23 - Assisi Paw Prints issue 95

As we were leaving for France for a couple of weeks, we crate area from the very first night without a peep. We like
put the situation out of our minds but out of the blue, we to think she finally knew she was home!
got a call from Assisi to say that the other families hadn’t
been a suitable match and we were now first on the list for Since coming home Roxy has gained weight and has
her. We were in disbelief and so excited. taken to playing at day care with other dogs like a duck
to water. However, she does still experience some fear
We headed straight to Assisi to take her on our first official reactivity around new dogs when on the lead during walks.
walk and start our visiting process with her. The staff This is something that we have had to factor into her
at Assisi were so helpful and approachable about the walk environments, but we have worked hard on positive
adoption process. They were very honest with us about reinforcement and she has made some really significant
some difficulties Roxy might face, whilst still being really progress. She comes everywhere with us and is the most
supportive. They really do work so hard to find the best loving and silly boxer you could ever come across - we
possible families for every animal in their care. really can’t believe our luck that we get to call her our dog!

We knew that Roxy had some separation anxiety issues We would be lying if we said that it wasn’t a challenge to
and could be very nervous around new dogs. We had adopt a dog that has had a hard time and developed some
already done extensive breed research, so we knew this undesirable behaviours. However, I can’t express enough
was relatively common in the boxer breed. We talked it how it is one of the most rewarding things we have ever
through and decided there was nothing that Roxy would done. Seeing Roxy develop from an anxious and super
need from us that we wouldn’t want to provide. skinny dog in distress into a chunky little diva who rules the
house is an absolute privilege. Breed research and a very
Coupled with the fact that we both had fallen madly in love objective look at your home circumstances we think are the
with her at our visits, it was a no brainer - she HAD to come main keys to a successful adoption story - opening your
with us. heart to your furry soulmate is the easy part!!

On 1 August 2019 we brought her home with us and Naturally when Gareth and I got married in September
worked together to get her comfortable and establish a 2021, Roxy had to make a guest appearance! It wouldn’t
routine as quickly as possible. Roxy had struggled to sleep have been our wedding without having her there to steal
alone in her previous homes, but she slept in her special some of the limelight!

Would you like to help? Give, Support or Volunteer - visit www.assisi-ni.org 23