I met Jess and Jake at the end of February. Jess had to be muzzled and kept on a short lead when I would visit the home. She would bark and lunge at me, she would stare me out. She made it very clear she didn’t want me around. I a lways had to remain calm, I didn’t talk to her, I didn’t make eye contact. I would just carry on the conversation with her owners and act like she wasn’t even there. 

It was arranged that I visit the home twice weekly, to get Jess used to me. It took patience and consistency. Jess, Jake, their owners and I would go for walks, spend time in the kitchen, the garden, the front room. I was letting myself into the home, calling out “Hi, it’s only me” the Irish accent standing out a mile! Jess was finally getting used to my presence. She would hear me before she saw me. We took it slow, we took it at her pace. The lead was loosened, then removed. Result! she didn’t lunge. Next, the muzzle was taken off. 

Fast forward to today and I am absolutely delighted to say that Jess doesn’t need a muzzle when around me, although she does need a muzzle when she’s out and about, she doesn’t need to be put on a short lead, she doesn’t bark at me, she doesn’t stare at me, she doesn’t lunge at me. In fact, she comes running to me for rubs and treats! This is what it’s all about… this is why I love what I do and why I love animals. It actually makes me quite emotional! It’s the best feeling in the world.