Looking at the Rescue section on Agilitynet one day in November a couple of years ago, I came across Wiccaweys, a rescue centre that specialises in re-homing sheep dogs and border collies
(as well as any other dogs that find their way there).
I clicked onto their web site, and that was where I discovered Lizzie.
She was called Mia then. She was thought to be about 5 months old.
She had been rescued from extreme cruelty in Ireland.
Someone had mutilated her by cutting off part of her tail.
She had been strung up by her back legs, hanging upside down, dangling from a tree and had been beaten with sticks and branches by a group of youths. Luckily for her, a dog warden heard her screams and rescued her. Her story haunted me, particularly as she looked a little like one of my other dogs.
I couldn't get her out of my mind and my husband suggested that I ring Wiccaweys and make
enquiries. ( He told me later that he was quite sure that she would have been adopted by then!)
She was available!!
After many searching questions, the owner of Wiccaweys, Sarah Carey (incidentally a most appropriate
name for a rescue lady) suggested that she bring Mia down in a few days , and if we passed the home check, and we all liked one another, then she would leave her with us.
I wondered how my 4 dogs would react to another dog, but I needn't have worried.
They were impeccably behaved, especially Cassie, known to many as "killer."
I fell in love with Mia as soon as I saw her.
She was black and white with a sweet little furry terrier type face. She was quite small, and very frightened of the van she was travelling in. Sarah got her out and brought her round into the back garden and we introduced her to all the dogs one by one.
No problems !!
She really is a smashing little dog! Very bouncy and great fun.
Fortunately she seems to have forgotten about her grim past,and is flourishing.
She is enjoying her training classes, and is quick to learn.
She has fitted in really well here, and we wouldn't be without her for a minute!
Wiccaweys are looking for a property to rent where they hope to be able to carry on with their invaluable work, so if anyone knows of anything suitable then please do let them know!
Toni Slater.
