Tinkerbell

Imagine, at 14 years of age, losing everything you've ever known while simultaneously discovering everything you never knew was there... it's a traumatic and somewhat mind-bending thought!

This was litte Tinkerbell's experience and it hasn't been easy for her, though luckily she had the support and care of an amazing, dedicated foster family to help her cope.

Tinkerbell has been owned by one person and lived on one property all her life. She very very rarely left the property - a vet came to see her when she needed treatment and a groomer came to the property for her regular clips.
Tinkerbell absolutely in no way has been mistreated or poorely cared for - in fact, she was much loved and her family tried not to stress her out by taking her places.

But sadly, her owner was no longer able to keep her due to her own ill health (the owner's health, not Tink's!)
The rest of her family said that Tinkerbell should be put to sleep as no one would want an old dog, but luckily that was avoided and she came into SAFE's care.

The shock of losing her home and family - the only ones she had ever known - were hard on Tink to begin with. Her first day in her new home, Tinkerbell wouldn't settle. She paced the house relentlessly for hours. No one could go near her and she wouldn't approach them. Her foster family were very worried, as she didn't eat or drink anything for a solid 24 hours.

Fortunately, Tink's foster family were kind, understanding and patient. They built up a rapport with her and helped her feel safe and settled.

Tinkerbell needs a new forever home that is as wonderful as her foster home has been.
She recently had a vet check and vaccination and the vet who examined her believes that she could easily live another 3 or 4 years! We definitely want to find a family who can have and love her for the rest of her days.

She is an extremely sweet girl who still has quite a lot of energy and life left in her. She has her 'mad minute' occasionally and loves to play.
Tinkerbell will be best suited to a quiet home with fairly calm and sensible people. She is not a dog who copes well with lots of noise, activity and fast movements so she won't be happy in a home with small children or really busy people who zoom around the place. If you have a fairly relaxed lifestyle and want a loving little companion, you'll be perfect for Tinkerbell.

It is important to note that Tink does NOT like to be picked up and cuddled. She is very loyal and loves your company - in foster care she follows her foster mum around the house from room to room, sleeps in a basket beside her foster parents' bed and hates to be left outside alone.
So she will be constantly by your side, but she values her personal space and may growl if she feels that you are getting too in her face or over-whelming her.

Tinkerbell's foster mum says that she has the cutest little squeak when she wants you to share some food with her, but that she will sit patiently beside you any time you are eating or preparing her food. She'll happily sit in a lounge chair or couch if you let her.

Finally, Tinkerbell is terrific with other small dogs and we believe she is fine with larger dogs too. She would be quite happy to have the company of a canine buddy in her new home.
She has not been tested with cats, but we feel that she would be okay with a dog-friendly cat.

Tinkerbell has no known major health problems - her hearing and vision aren't what they once were and she gets a little stiff in her back, but these things are all expected in a senior dog like her. Tink has had a number of teeth removed in the past, but the ones that remain are in good condition.

If you have read all the way through and feel that you have the perfect home for Tinkerbell, we would love to hear from you!