Teddy has loving home in sight

WHEN the Irish economy was plunged into one of the deepest recessions Europe has seen for years, it was not only businesses and families who felt the pain. Both in the north and south of Ireland large numbers of dogs have been abandoned by owners who can no longer afford to care for them.

But many have been rescued by charities and organisations determined to give them the chance of a happy life.

Teddy, a 17-month-old blind border collie, was one of the lucky ones. He was adopted by Isobel Johnson, of Hall Green in Wakefield, from Pups Needing Homes – a not-for-profit organisation based in East Sussex.

Mrs Johnson, 41, said: “Pups Needing Homes are bringing dogs over from Ireland because they have such a dreadful stray problem over there – it seems to be much worse than here.

“I used to be a volunteer dog walker for the Dogs Trust which has recently set up a centre in Northern Ireland. There is a real problem over there and when I heard about Teddy also being blind I knew I had to help.”

And Teddy is proving he is one determined underdog. Despite his lack of sight, Teddy hopes to show he can give Crufts contestants a run for their money when it comes to agility courses.

Mrs Johnson said: “Teddy was born with a genetic defect which meant his eyesight didn’t develop properly. When we first brought him home we deliberately moved our furniture around to try and improve his other senses. We taught him words such as left, right, jump and over which he learnt quickly.”

After completing a behaviour course with specialist trainers at Mypetstop in Tingley, near Wakefield, 17-month-old Teddy is now embarking on a seven-week agility course with obstacles similar to that used on dog show Crufts.

Mrs Johnson said: “He loves the tunnels, the longer they are the better for Teddy. He also loves to jump and go through the A-frame. I think there would be a limit to the height of the jumps Teddy will be able to do because of his eyes so I’m not sure he will ever get to Crufts. But I would take him as far as he is happy to go. If anything is ever too much for him I would stop but there’s no holding him back at the moment.”

Mrs Johnson and her husband Kahn, 38, have a passion for helping less fortunate animals. As well as Teddy they have 15-year-old Pip, a deaf springer spaniel-border collie cross, a blind cat called Chuckie and another cat called Stumpy Jack who only has half a tail.

Mrs Johnson said: “These animals find it difficult to find homes. I find it quite a challenge learning how to improve the quality of their lives and adapt things so that they still find life interesting.

“But it is so rewarding, especially with dogs like Teddy who are so full of life.”

* More information: www.pupsneedinghomes.co.uk or www.dogstrust.org.uk