“I am just another Joe Bloggs who lives in Shetland. I was driving from the country into Lerwick to do my shopping one January morning and passed a poor, sad, scruffy dog peering at me through a fence. Such sad eyes, I just could not forget that wee face. On the homeward journey I parked my car, got the piece of meat I had bought, climbed over the fence and started to look for my sad friend. No luck. The following day it was snowing so I just had to go back and have another look, dragging my husband, the meat, a blanket and a box. We hunted all over and still no sign of my friend. Unwillingly we went home.
I have never forgotten his soaking wet wee face. Would you believe it, weeks after, I opened the Shetland Times and there was my dog, with a name, Tess and her full story. What a relief! Now I have discovered your web-site and there, again, is Tess. How fantastic everyone has been, so generous with their time and money. Thank goodness there is still good in this world, I lose heart sometimes. You have given so much patience and time with Tess she looks a different and very happy dog, and at last I can sleep at night in peace knowing she was saved and living the life of Riley. Sincere thanks to everyone involved. ” (Hazel from Shetland)
Dogs continue to amaze us with their resilience against the odds, just as much as the people who take in such dogs and rehabilitate them.
From September 2009 to February 2009 Tess, a small Shetland Sheepdog bitch, lived as a stray in a remote area overlooking Lerwick on the Shetland Isles. Temperatures fell to minus 15 during that long, hard winter. Despite the best efforts of dog wardens and locals who sent out frequent search parties, no one could catch this frightened dog. Eventually the extreme cold forced her down from the hills and she was caught in a dog trap. Border Collie Rescue, a North Yorkshire-based charity, offered to take her in and rehabilitate her. Numerous people in Shetland and elsewhere gave their time and money to find, relocate and help Tess.
Watch the video of her rescue and rehabilitation here.
Find out more about Tess’s recent progress, and how you can support Border Collie Rescue’s valuable work, at www.bordercollierescue.org.
Above: Tess working on her rehabilitation with a BCR volunteer.
(Published with permission of Border Collie Rescue, Reg Charity 1128983. All rights reserved.)
Tess was adopted by myself in early June. She continues to do well, grows in confidence daily and loves life! She has a great character, very endearing, loyal, cheeky, intelligent and determined. She so deserves a second chance. She still visits BCR regularly as I volunteer there. Nicki and Mike did such a good job putting her on the right track for a new life.
Hi Denise
Thanks for the update on Tess, we are so pleased to hear she has found a good home. You mention that she is intelligent and determined – she certainly showed this during her lengthy winter exile.
Pats & hugs to Tess from us!