The doggy

Well, I met Clancy yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised. I was under the impression he was really decrepit and doddery. In fact, despite being neglected by his previous owner, he's very lively. I suspect he may be younger than 10. The RSPCA have had difficulty determining his age, because he was never exercised, and has lost muscle mass as a result. Also, he suffers from a dry eye condition that was left untreated for a long time, which has damaged his sight. Both these conditions could make him appear a lot older than he really is. I suspect he's more like 7-8, but I'm no expert.

I spent some time alone with him, and took him for a walk along a country trail. He loved it. Don't think he was impressed with my lack of lead skills, though - I kept tangling him up. I'd been given one of those rover leads, and found it hard to manage. Although his coordination seems a little bit off when he's just standing around, when he gets going, he really does get going! He does pull quite a bit on the lead, but I know how to deal with that. Plus he only weights eight kilos, so having him pull on the lead is a lot more tolerable than being dragged down the road by a fifty kilo Rottweiler.

I'm pleased that he can manage a fairly good walk. I'm a little bit concerned that he doesn't appear to be neutered, but he apparently has no interest in girl dogs. I forgot to ask about boy dogs! He's an incredibly happy little dog, considering he's had such a hard life. His tail doesn't stop wagging. Oh - and the good news is that Swansea Housing Association have granted me permission to keep him. So it's up to the RSPCA to decide now, whether they think I'm a fit doggy mummy or not! If so, Rhossili here we come...

I may adopt a dog!

I'm seriously thinking about adopting an elderly Cavalier King Charles from the local RSPCA animal shelter. Haven't made a decision yet, plus I need to get the landlord's permission. I'm going to meet the dog sometime soon. His name is Clancy, and you can see him here.

If I do adopt him, I know I probably won't have him very long, as his estimated age is 10-12. He's been at the kennels about three months, because most people are looking for a younger pet. I spoke to one of the people at the shelter, who knows him very well, and she said he came in as a cruelty case. The owner wasn't prosecuted, as he was elderly and unable to care for himself, yet alone a dog.

I need to have a good, long think about this, as it's a huge commitment. But he has a sweet face, and I've been told that he has a personality to match. Goodness knows how the cats would react, though!