Bertie is a quite a character - full of affection but quite a thief! There have been several occasions in the home where Bertie has strolled past us with
sweets or other 'ill gotten gains' in his mouth, and he won't give them up easily! We have learnt to place food above 'Bertie level'!

Bertie is very affectionate but has an interesting habit of barking and running at Graham, (my husband) when it is bedtime! Sometimes Bertie succeeds in untying Graham's shoelaces and then he wanders back to his dog basket grumbling to himself!

Bertie Basset Hound

He really does like to 'rule the roost'!! We have spoken to a dog behaviourist and are working with Bertie on his behaviour, by being firm but kind with him, and re- establishing ourselves as 'Alphas' It is difficult sometimes as all of the family have to commit to the plan, but it does work and generally Bertie has settled well with us. He loves to 'roly poly' on the lounge floor, and he likes to lie next to Daisy with his chin on her back. He also loves the warmth of the sun.

It was quite by chance we saw Bertie on your website - we had been looking for a 'senior' Basset for a few months - since our other Basset Eric passed away in July '06. We are delighted to have him, (as we know the Basset breed well) and although he definitely is a challenge, we wouldn't be without him.

You all do a great job as volunteers for helping animals, and we applaud your tireless work to rescue them from difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. Once again, thank you for giving us the opportunity of Bertie and please carry on doing this vital and important work.

Kind regards,
Penny and Graham Hallworth

Small Animal Fostering

My name is Rebecca Parsons and I foster the small animals including hamsters, gerbils and mice, until they get new homes. I have done this for Animal Samaritans for about 5months and really enjoy doing so. I get to look after them all and so get to know their characters, however it is upsetting when they do go to new homes as I have to let them go. These are some of the small animals I have previously looked after.

Lisa,

Just thought I would let you know that my first week in my new home has gone really well. It's very warm, and the humans are very cuddly, I have been a very good girl and not had one single 'mishap' indoors. The food is pretty good - I especially enjoy stealing the cat food when I get a chance! My human took me to somewhere called the Ashdown Forest on Sunday - amazing place - the smells drove me mad! I have decided that the sofa is mine - although sometimes the pesky humans muscle in on my space!

I have one or two complaints though - I think my legs are an inch shorter than they were, because we are walking so much. They won't let me upstairs on the beds. The cat won't say hello - she keeps slinking past me giving me dirty looks - and she IS allowed on the beds! Why do I have to sleep alone at night downstairs (I refer back to the cat!)? Other than those few minor points I am really settling in.

The local park is nice, but my human doesn't seem to approve of me snarling at the big dogs, so I am not doing that so much, she wont stop me totally though, they annoy me with all their jumping and sniffing - bullies!  I hope you come round soon so I can say thank you for finding me my new home.

Sally Now Hettie