John Dennis, who lives by himself in Booker, decided to rescue a dog after losing another pet in June and missing the companionship of having a furry friend on-hand.
When he spotted Maggs, a two-year-old Jack Russell recently found wandering around London and homed at the Dog’s Trust in Harefield, the 77-year-old felt an immediate kinship, but assumed she wouldn’t be up for the competitive events he’d taken his old dog too and braced himself for the training difficulties and fearful behaviour often associated with rescue breeds.
The last month-and-a-half has exceeded all his expectations, however, with Maggs not only easily embedding into John’s life – content to fit walks around his shifts at Asda and errands in the community – but proving to be a natural dog show contestant, brimming with the friendliness and obedience smiled on by judges on the local circuit.
She won a rosette for Best Rescue at the Beaconsfield Country Fayre at the end of August, coming fourth out of over 40 dogs in the overall rankings, and – evidently on a winning streak – also took home the judge’s choice prize in Henley last Saturday, nabbing the title of Dog the Judge Would Like to Take Home.
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Despite her rough start in life, John said the two-year-old completely bucks the terrier trend of yappiness and mischief, with all attempts to house-train, walk to heel and socialise her so far an overwhelming success.
He added: “Maggs was found roaming the streets of London after giving birth and they never found out where the puppies were. She hadn’t been there long when I visited, but we connected right away.
“I don’t keep her in a cage or anything. As soon as I took her home, she was straight into her bed and very well-behaved. There’s been no loud barking either and no trouble getting her on a lead, although she is always very happy to see people when we’re out – she’s very friendly.
“I haven’t got kids or a partner, so it’s lovely to have her coming everywhere with me. We’re always on the bus together and the drivers are beginning to recognise her.
“I am proud, but the best thing is that we’ve really bonded, even over just a few weeks.”
John said he wants to encourage prospective owners not to shy away from rescue dogs for fear that they’ll be difficult or flighty – and empower them to consider trying their luck for a rosette or two at their local Crufts equivalent.
“Even after they’ve got a dog, it’s easy for people to think they’re not good enough for these shows. It would be nice if this gave them some hope.”
