After losing my soul dog, a miniature Dachshund called Monty, in October 2024, following a year-long battle with IMTP and pancreatitis, I swore I’d never get another dog.
Before Monty passed, I’d already signed up to be a foster with DMT, but when they first called me about Mario, I simply wasn’t ready and had to say no. Two weeks later, they called again. Mario was running out of options, he’d been returned by his first adopter, and his time with the behaviourist was coming to an end. Knowing I could at least offer him a safe, warm place to land, I said yes and drove to Birmingham the following Saturday to pick him up.
My husband and I were adamant we were just fostering… but as the weeks passed, this little angel had us completely wrapped around his tiny paws, and now we’re wrapping his presents ahead of our first Christmas together.
Adopting these dogs is no easy feat. We’ve worked with three trainers to help with Mario’s reactive behaviour, and there have been a couple of little bites along the way. But we always knew he just needed patience, consistency, and reassurance after who knows what he’s been through in his little life.
Today, he is a completely different dog. He loves to give a paw and will absolutely whack you with it if you dare stop giving him attention. He’s the sweetest little soul who lives for cuddles and tummy tickles on the sofa, adores his walks, and has a very serious love for toys, treats… and cucumber sticks.
After swearing I’d never have another dog, Mario has brought warmth back into our home and filled the hole in our hearts. We didn’t rescue him, he rescued us .
Please consider fostering or adopting with DMT DRSG. Sometimes all it takes is one safe place for a life to change.