Belle's Story (Douri Donatella)
Donna came into rescue in June 2005 when she was 8 years old and was one of the dogs that was signed over for rehoming to the RSPCA immediately. Donna was sent with two other Sloughis to Ashley Heath Rescue Centre. However it became clear to staff that she was really not coping in kennels at all and her health was deteriorating. She was taken to Bath Cats and Dogs Home as they had more experience with the breed where she coped slightly better - although was clearly a very traumatised dog. She was so frightened of the world that she would fall to the floor if someone entered her kennel and had to be carried outdoors.
Then Donna's luck changed. In December 2005 she was spotted on a website by a couple who had already adopted an older greyhound (Beau) from GRWE and were looking for a companion for him. They thought Donna looked perfect and after one visit Donna went to live in Manchester. First thing to change about Donna was her name, she became Belle.
Belle was very shy and timid to start with and still had to be carried to go outside of the house. However it only took a couple of months, with a lot of love, kindness and patience from her new owners to encourage Belle that going out for a walk was actually something to be enjoyed. By February 2006 Belle was already off the lead and enjoying her walks very much with Beau.
Since her adoption, and inspired by Belle's love of the coast (her first time at the beach was at Formby and was the first time her owners really saw her playful nature), the family have moved to Cornwall. Although still quite timid around people she now has lots of gentle human visitors who bring their canine companions along and this certainly is helping her overcome her fears. She now loves to play with other dogs and already has a very good friend in a semi-feral farm dog in the area. He has already taught her the joys of beach life so she includes in her favourite pastimes - digging in the sand, climbing over rocks, paddling in the sea, rolling in fox poo (well we can't all be perfect!) and just generally having a good old explore!
Belle also loves going for trips in the car (so much so that the car has now been named 'The Belle Mobile').
Her favourite pastime of all is eating her dinner and then laying on the sofa (well she is a Sloughi after all). Laying on the sofa in fact for as long as possible (she does not like to be disturbed in the morning before 10/11 am!).
Cuddles on the sofa with her human family and Beau is her favourite of all, she has become an extremely affectionate dog and as you can see from the photos the haunted look in her eyes has now vanished.
Belle's new owners describe her as 'Brave, curious and divine' and despite the fact that she seems to have commandered the sofa they simply adore her. A very happy ending for this wonderful girl.
Belle is half sister to Sara and Effie , Aunt of George, and Great Aunt to Streaky and Twin
Belle has visitors - September 2008
(written by Caroline Mathews)
It has never been a very well kept secret. And although you shouldnt have 'favourites', Belle was always my absolute favourite of the Sloughis taken into rescue in 2005. That is not to say that I'm not extremely fond of all of the dogs of course, but Belle was the one that really got inside my heart in those early days. From everything that I'd heard about her, I knew offering her a home in the city here would not be good for her. She was such a traumatised dog and needed some peace and quiet to get herself together.
I was so delighted when I heard she'd finally found a home and even more delighted when her new owners got in touch a while later. We have become good friends over the last couple of years and every update on Belle's progress is eagerly awaited. We were invited down to stay and finally made it in September. I had no idea what to expect from Belle. I knew she'd always been shy of strangers and didnt like her routine upset. Imagine my delight when I saw this divine little Sloughi curled up on her sofa when I arrived, not phased in the slightest by visitors and quite happy to have a cuddle.
We also enjoyed some beautiful coastal walks and it made my heart sing to see this once terrified little dog, belting around on the beach, up and down the rocks, up through the surrounding valleys, furkling around in the undergrowth and behaving like she'd always been this way. She is an absolute credit to her owners and I'm so happy that this darling little dog found peace and happiness she so very much deserved. Here is a montage made for Belle, photos of her on our recent trip to visit her! We love you Belle, thank you for all the cuddles and making us all smile!
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