This little tri-colour girl came to me 7 years ago with the name Jasmine. She had been rescued by a couple in Northumberland who had gone to look at her litter brother and on seeing the conditions they were living in could not leave her behind, so ended up with both dogs.
The treatment they had received at the hands of humans had turned Jasmine into a rather aggressive little bitch and the couple could not cope with her as she was biting at every opportunity. Collie Rescue became involved, but could not re-home her due to her behaviour so were looking at having her put to sleep. Being a committee member and having just lost my blue merle bitch, Gemma, I asked if I could take her to see how she was before making the final decision as I believe that with the right treatment and training, any dog can be turned round. Yes, she bit, but not hard, more like a “collie nip”, she did not understand that brushing and grooming was part of everyday life and each time I attempted this, she went for either me or the brush !!
A lot of days and treats later, we managed to groom her through. This dog was not a Jasmine, more like a Jazz, so Jazz she became. She settled within the house and garden and was very good with my other collie, Oliver, but would attack anyone that came to the house if not put on a house lead first and taking her out was a nightmare to start with, she would attack anything that moved, human or dog – attack was the best form of defence according to Jazz and she lived by this rule, even to this day she is “on alert” when out. Seven years later and Jazz is still with us. She still has her problems, but these are all easily controlled and within the family you could not wish to meet a better natured girl, but outside she still wants to attack anything that moves, humans, dogs, cats, carrier bags blowing in the wind, you name it, if it moves she will have it. She is always kept on an extender, for her own safety as well as others, but she leads a good life which she enjoys to the full, even enjoying the indignities of being groomed and having her ears, eyes and teeth cleaned. She has not attempted to bite me for years and we have a very loving understanding of each other now.
Jazz attended training classes and once she got to know the other dogs there quite enjoyed this and passed Bronze, Silver and Gold Kennel Club Good Citizens Certificates which I was over the moon about. Jazz was diagnosed with pancreatitis a year after we had her, which is now controlled with a low fat veterinary diet. She cannot have “treats” any more, only her own special food which we use as treats. She really is a sweetheart, but I very often wonder what would have happened to her if I had not decided to give her a chance.
Annette Rebmann
