Flynn – Lincolnshire

Fabulous Flynn                        (Mali/GSD Cross)

This fabulous boy came to us quite some time ago. He was in a dreadful psychological state then. He was only an adolescent and was closely bonded to his litter brother. It was clear that neither of the boys had received much in the way of training or emotional support from humans. By then, they were living in a small flat, but originally their owners ran a pub. It seems likely that they had been acquired to roam the pub downstairs at night as guard dogs. I do not think they were seen as being of value otherwise.

Both dogs were completely untrained and unsocialised. Poor Flynn was further traumatised when his litter brother was adopted, and he was left alone in kennels. He shut down completely and was only lured back into the world thanks to cream cheese. His present foster carer lured him towards her by hand feeding him squirts of the beloved cheese and he gradually grew to trust her. Eventually, he made sufficient progress to go to live with her and her pack of dogs as a foster.

Of course, he was overwhelmed at first, but he adapted very quickly. He was given time to negotiate each new challenge and, by now, he is relaxed and very very happy. He particularly loves to be outside and enjoys both galloping free and more structured walks. This is what his foster carer says about him:

“Takes time to trust new humans but can be won over by food and tennis balls, responds better to calmer, people who respect his need to take things slowly without putting too many demands on him too early on. He has a tendency to snatch food at the moment, but he knows a hand touch and getting him to touch your hand before feeding treats makes him use his brain and slows down his snatching reflex to food - he is learning he can lick the treat out of your hand rather than snatch, he is patient now when his food bowl is put down. When Flynn trusts you, you will become his world and he will love being with you, working for you. He is not reactive around other dogs with food or toys and is now learning acceptable play with other dogs and is thriving in a home environment.”

Are you beguiled by Flynn's beauty? My, what a handsome boy he is. There will be ongoing work to do with this boy. Are you up for the challenge? This is what rescue is about - mending broken hearts.