On 30 October 2022 Thalgo, a Griffon Korthals of 11 ½ years, joined us in our home. He came from the refuge in Tarbes. Unfortunately, not much was known about Thalgo’s past. Introducing him to my other 6 dogs didn’t cause any problems, and everyone stayed calm, although there was some ‘distance’. The introduction to Lármás, my 14-year-old Vizsla boy, and Copain, the 10-year-old boy from the refuge in Isle sur la Sorgue, went especially well, without any discord. This has always stayed like that. In the house everything went well, even though it became clear that Thalgo wasn’t fond of me raising my voice to make something clear, or forbid him to do something. But we had to get to know each other and that, understandably, takes time. If I now forbid him something I say it in a joking voice. In his frustration he would sometime lash out at me – never to hurt me, but to warn me off. I guess it was his past becoming visible in his actions. He is great with me now and good with the pack here, but I’m still cautious with strangers as I can see his approach changes. I walked him on a long lead and I still do as I’m afraid that I will lose him. All in all, things have gone very well. Now, from a detached dog, Thalgo has become my big fan and he, in turn, has taken his place in my heart. We get on very well together, and I do have to mention Kees (formerly Kiss) joined us in April 2024. Kees is 3 months younger than Thalgo, also a male, and a cross between a Newfoundland and a Bernese Mountain dog. He came to me through the refuge in Isle sur la Sorgue, after losing his long-term owner and, from the very first moment, he was great friends with Thalgo. It’s so heartwarming to see. They always lie together, with their heads close together. One thing remains a little difficult and that is that Thalgo barks when I’m not with him. I haven’t been able to change that and I don’t think I will at his age. So I take him with me as often as I can, although, in summer that is, of course, much more difficult because of the heat. So then he has to stay with the other dogs! In the beginning there were vet expenses and it was so nice that LADA took care of them. But for their assistance, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to give Thalgo a home. Luckily now – touch wood – everything is calm. I have never regretted taking Thalgo, and I think he’s happy too. We’re buddies!
If you are of a ‘certain age’, or, indeed someone who is young, where you feel that taking on a puppy/kitten, or a young dog/cat, is not really going to work for you, and you have space in your heart or, more importantly, on your sofa, to offer one, or more, oldies the chance a good life in their remaining years, then please get in touch https://lesamisdesanimaux.com/animals/ . Remember, there is no adoption fee for a lifetime foster, and all vets fees, other than annual vaccinations, and parasitical medication, are covered by Les Amis des Animaux.
