19/08/2024
KAI's Story.
What a cracking guy this cheeky chappy is! He is a German Shepherd cross Greyhound who came to FAITH about 5 years ago from Ireland. Kai was bred on a traveller site, whether by accident or design. He had to find shelter under one of the caravans (trailers) and as he grew leggy, he would bump his back as he crawled under or moved about on the hardstanding below. When he was fully grown, and for a short while, he was rescued by a family and was a lovely companion to a little girl. Sadly, small painful growths started to appear on him in several places. His new owners sort advice and were told they would ‘self-absorb’. However, they decided to give Kai up to an Irish Rescue, saying that he was too big and boisterous.
Poor Kai, luckily he was one of the dogs headed to FAITH. Apparently, these calcified lumps are thought to be caused through knocks and bumps in young dogs, and German Shepard's are particularly susceptible (it is also thought to be hereditary in the breed) They only occur in young dogs and will often be self-limiting, but Kai’s did not clear up, and the poor boy had so many. Despite his sore lumps he remained a happy boy. He was booked in for an operation to remove all his lumps and he left the vets looking like a patchwork toy dog, stitches everywhere except his face. He was so good at being treated, both by ourselves and the vets. He barely knew us, and yet he trusted us.
A few months passed and poor Kai still remained at FAITH. Potential new owners just passed him by. We think this was partly down to his size as he was tall and leggy. He looked like a German Shepherd in a Greyhound body, not really appealing to anyone favouring either breed. For GSD people, they liked his personality because he was very Shepherd like, but his looks are of a short-coated stretched Shepherd cross. For the relaxed Greyhound owner, he was neither Greyhound in body or mind. He is a midway dog, not even fitting into ‘Lurcher type.’ Although he has the heart of a lion and the speed of a cheetah (bit of an exaggeration) However, his mix means that he doesn’t suffer from hip issues. He could, if pushed, jump/climb over 7ft. One day we had The Army Canine Recruits here to look at two dogs for working, a Labrador and a GSD. Whilst here I asked them to try Kai out. Kai worked brilliantly and I was told he was the best dog that they had tested in a long time. They said they were going to speak with their bosses and try to convince them but didn’t think they would allow such a mix. Poor Kai, again he had the brain and ability but the wrong body shape.
Then finally he had a home, his look and friendly nature made him ideal for a Pub dog in Norwich. The home-checker reported back after every follow up check that he was doing really well and was a happy dog. Unfortunately, there was a change of circumstances, and we were later told by an ex-pub patron that Kai was being used as a guard dog, and was being taught to be aggressive. This apparently made his owner feel brave and safe. After checking out the information we took Kai back.
We spent months resocialising and rehabilitating Kai. He was then offered a home with a couple in a nearby village, close enough for support from FAITH. Kai’s life was great, the couple loved him, he was their family. All was well, until one day we were contacted by one of Kai’s owners. He said that he had been assaulted again by his partner and had left without Kai. Becky (FAITH Animal Welfare Officer) and I immediately left to check in on Kai. He was so happy to see us, the woman was unbelievably abusive and not well, but had not hurt Kai (apart from confusing the hell out of him) We needed to remove Kai from such an unstable situation. The police had been called by a neighbour, apparently they had been there before and were wary of Kai as he was protective of his unbalanced owner. They were surprised to see how sweet and loving he was when with is, and how friendly towards them, as they stroked him for the first time.
So poor Kai is in kennels again. With strong leadership, guidance and confidence, Kai is a fantastic dog. When he knows you, he gives wholeheartedly. When I am working outside in the Rescue, I sometimes (weather allowing) have Kai with me tied to my waist. He is as good as gold with all the people and animals we have contact with, and he just loves to be beside me.
I would love to give him a home, but I have a pack of un-homable rescue dogs, and I don’t really have enough time for him. Kai deserves more. Poor Kai, possibly half-way through his life. I am hoping and wishing the years ahead full of love, safety, structure and stability. Most of all a third time lucky, Forever Home.
Claire x
