25/08/2025
“No one will ever want him… He’s not a cute dog”
Something that sticks with me every time Ross gives me his cute puppy eyes, every time he flashes his pretty smile. Yes he’s a big goof, but I think he’s adorable.. and we won’t give up on finding someone that appreciates what a beautiful boy he is.
Ross has been in rescue kennels for years, where he arrived due to no fault of his own. A bull lurcher, spending the best years of his life behind bars.
Vicky Pattison, we can’t thank you enough for not only being our patron but for giving an incredible gift specially for Ross. A break from kennels, an escape, a little holiday: a taste of real life.
Paws & Stay - a travel company that focus on dog friendly holidays, found us “The Owl House”- a unique and beautiful woodland tree house nestled away in Shropshire.
On the first day, I picked Ross up from Birch Hill Dog Rescue and we had our first adventure; we climbed a near by hill - the lawley - and Ross lapped up the landscape and beautiful views. He was perfectly behaved, enjoyed the freedom of a long line and even let sheep surround us at one point (I was super careful 🤣)
After, we made our way to our home for the next couple of nights. We met the very welcoming host Kerry, who was so great with Ross, and enthusiastic about what we were doing.
We walked through a woodland, across a field and down a path until we reached our private, magical little treehouse. Our own piece of heaven, hidden away to enjoy each others company.
We had horses and a pig for neighbours, something Ross wasn’t too sure about to begin with, but over time did get better.
Initially I kept the long line on Ross for safety, as I was very aware he could possibly jump the fencing. I gave him plenty to enjoy and do though, like yummy lick-matts gifted by LickiMat, and some chews. It became obvious that he was very happy to stay by my side and I was able to have him off lead.
With this freedom we played in the paddock with toys that the hosts had left for dogs. We ventured in and out of trees and down to a stream, where Ross enjoyed a paddle and got the zoomies 😁
As night time came we relaxed in our new favourite place - a cosy outdoor bed with a log fire and candles. We drifted off here together listening to nothing but the birds and the wood crackling on the fire.
Bed time was all about the big comfy bed indoors though, where of course Ross lay with me. He didn’t make a single peep through the night and we both slept straight through.
Morning cuppa hits different when you have a homeless dog lay at your feet, gazing out the window watching the horses next door. We shared scrambled egg on toast (fresh eggs and a loaf left by Kerry!) before getting ready for another adventure.
Carding mill valley and the long mynd. After making the most of the space and freedom of the long mynd, meeting wild horses and Ross having a blast on the long line, I thought I’d see how Ross coped in a more busy environment. I did want to get him seen by potential families after all.
We made our way on the track, we passed many people, Ross was in and out of the stream and really enjoying himself, wasn’t put off by the rocky terrain.
Some dogs, Ross wasn’t fussed about. There were a couple he grumbled at, and one that he really wasn’t keen on. But I can tell which way he’s going to go by his body language, he just needs someone to acknowledge his communication and steer him to make good choices.
After finding the waterfall and nearly being back at the car, rain started to fall and we made our way “home”. We dried off next to the indoor log fire and had a nap before tea.
Ross is a shadow dog - or atleast he was for me - wherever I went, he went, including the toilet. He nearly tried to get into the shower with me🤣
I love this in a dog but a potential owner will have to take this on board. He may develop separation anxiety so steps for management early-on, boundaries and decent dog professional’s handy for any unwanted behaviour.. but most of all, understanding and patience.
I was able to enjoy the special outdoor bath, popped down a blanket for Ross to lay on and he was happily by my side the whole time.
The next day: our last day. We made the most of it by doing several adventures including visiting a castle, flounders folly & a countryside walk we found that followed a stream.
I delayed taking him back until I really needed to.
I get comments all the time such as “how can you take him back, I couldn’t take him back, it’s cruel he thought he had a home” and whilst i understand, i believe that despite how difficult it is watching him walk through the kennel gates - his tail was still wagging. He’s been there for years, and as much as id love to have him myself, I can’t take him home. This is the next best thing I can do.
I, on the other hand, was an absolute wreck and cried my eyes out all the way home.
So, Ross:
Perfect in the car - Great on a walk and longline - reactive to some dogs & can be strong - wants to be by your side - Will be grumpy sometimes if a stranger tries to approach and touch (he’s fine once he knows you) - not food or toy possessive - No toilet accident indoors. Would benefit from someone who will be spending plenty of time with him. No small kids or cats.
Ross deserves a real home.
Contact Birch Hill rescue on 01299 270406
Adopt form birchhilldogrescue.org.uk/adoption-form
Thank you Vicky 💖
Thank you patrons of The JD Foundation that support me to be able to do what I do. 🫶🏻
Patreon.com/thejdfoundation
Thank you Paws and stay for finding us the most perfect holiday.
& Thank you to Kerry, host of the Owl House
