Bertie Blog
Review One
J Pearson January 2011
Dear Nij,
I don't know if you remember us, but nine years ago we contacted you for help in training two collie/lab brothers, Pip and Joe. Our big trouble was that they chased sheep, and in the end we found another home for Joe (we still see him, he's doing well) and concentrated on training Pip.
In the last year I've so much appreciated your help all that time ago, because Pip has become diabetic and, sadly, went blind and had to have his eyes removed. Because of his training and because he trusts us we've managed to help him re-configure his world without sight. He is hugely enthusiastic about his walks and generally goes off the lead, even up Welsh mountains. Yesterday I turned round to find him at the top of a six-foot near vertical bank trying to sniff out something or other. He's had to learn some new commands - including 'careful!' - and he's had to learn to 'interpret' rough ground with his paws as well as his brain. It's so lovely to see him with so much confidence and still enjoying life in spite of everything that has happened to him.
Unfortunately his diabetes isn't stable and every now and then he gets really ill. But I heard our vet saying to a new partner today how good Pip was and that they can do anything with him. Other vets have said the same, and I know he gets really caring treatment when he needs it.
So I just wanted to say a very big thank you to you and Jo for your help in training Pip nine years ago, because it's meant that he can still live a full and near-normal life now. It's made me realise how important it is to give a dog the best training you can manage, because you never know what will turn up.
Best wishes
Dear Nij,
I don't know if you remember us, but nine years ago we contacted you for help in training two collie/lab brothers, Pip and Joe. Our big trouble was that they chased sheep, and in the end we found another home for Joe (we still see him, he's doing well) and concentrated on training Pip.
In the last year I've so much appreciated your help all that time ago, because Pip has become diabetic and, sadly, went blind and had to have his eyes removed. Because of his training and because he trusts us we've managed to help him re-configure his world without sight. He is hugely enthusiastic about his walks and generally goes off the lead, even up Welsh mountains. Yesterday I turned round to find him at the top of a six-foot near vertical bank trying to sniff out something or other. He's had to learn some new commands - including 'careful!' - and he's had to learn to 'interpret' rough ground with his paws as well as his brain. It's so lovely to see him with so much confidence and still enjoying life in spite of everything that has happened to him.
Unfortunately his diabetes isn't stable and every now and then he gets really ill. But I heard our vet saying to a new partner today how good Pip was and that they can do anything with him. Other vets have said the same, and I know he gets really caring treatment when he needs it.
So I just wanted to say a very big thank you to you and Jo for your help in training Pip nine years ago, because it's meant that he can still live a full and near-normal life now. It's made me realise how important it is to give a dog the best training you can manage, because you never know what will turn up.
Best wishes
