Posie

Posie is a 3 year old Pocket Bully who’s story began in late October 2024 when she arrived at the Shelter after being found as a stray. From the moment she settled into her kennel, it was clear she had come from a difficult past. She barked and growled at anyone who approached, unsure of where she was or who she could trust. New people frightened her, sudden noises made her flinch, and she often hid herself away, hoping not to be noticed.

Posie’s Progress

Those first weeks were a slow and gentle process. Staff spent time simply being near her, allowing her to choose when she felt ready to interact. Even then, Posie only bonded with a handful of people. She wanted to trust, but she struggled to fully settle into the busy rhythm of Shelter life.

As time passed, little signs of her personality began to appear. She started to engage in play and showed a bright, excitable side, particularly when tennis balls were involved, though she did remain cautious. Alongside this progress, she received treatment for fur loss and skin issues that required months of medication, special baths and careful attention. Gradually her fur thickened, her skin healed and she began to look like a healthier, happier dog.

Posie’s Rehome

In August 2025, Posie met the truly lovely couple who would eventually become her family. During the first meeting, she was unsure, especially around the male member of the family, and barked and growled while she worked out whether she was safe. When they went off-site with a staff member later that day, she grew calm enough to accept gentle strokes from both of them. With patience and several carefully supported socialisation visits, Posie began to understand that this couple cared for her.

A wholesome update from home

By September she was ready to go on foster. In her new environment, surrounded by steady routines and gentle reassurance, Posie started to relax in a way she never quite managed in kennels. Her new family soon sent an update:

“She has been an absolute superstar. She is so much more relaxed around new people and shows much calmer behaviour in new surroundings.”

A few days later, another message arrived.

“She has absolutely stolen our hearts. We love her. My mum came round today and after a very brief warm up she was cuddling into her and doing those excited full body waggles she does.”

And then came a final, joyful update that showed just how far Posie had come.

“We went to Whitby for my Nana’s birthday. She handled it so well. She had no reactivity to dogs and she seemed relaxed with all the people walking around. She even managed to bag herself an ice cream. Then she slept in the car all the way home and all through the night.”

After 349 days in our care, Posie finally found the safety and love she had been waiting for.

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