For the Love of Scout: Promises to a Small Dog - Softcover

Ison, Tracey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845849361 ISBN 13: 9781845849368

Publisher: Hubble & Hattie, 2017

Synopsis

Adopting a rescue dog can be a journey into the unknown, but adopting a rescue dog born with severe visual impairment was always going to be a challenge. The questions came thick and fast - would they, could they, should they? Scout entered the lives of Tracey and Paul and turned them upside down with his own brand of charismatic charm that melted not only their hearts, but the hearts of everyone he met. At first, it was definitely a case of the blind leading the blind, but with his indomitable spirit and a never-ending supply of enthusiasm, Scout was soon leading the way.

Discover how Scout's carers learned to build on the unconditional trust and devotion that came from this clumsy, flat-footed, loveable Lurcher.

And maybe - just maybe - this book will answer the real question. Who rescued who?

About this title

About the Author:

As a child, Tracey Ison's love for animals of all shapes and sizes was apparent to all who knew her. As a teenager she embarked on her dream career as a veterinary nurse, qualifying in 1989, and has been working in small animal practice ever since. Tracey's passion is her beloved dogs and her involvement with dog rescue, being both board member and trustee of a local dog rescue centre. Tracey writes from the heart about her life with her dogs, and draws on her many years of experience, both as a veterinary nurse and as a dog owner.

Review:

When Tracey and Paul Ison adopted Scout, they promised to keep him safe and provide a life free from the fear and loneliness he had previously known. This book is the true story of one dog who went from death row to front row. Found on the streets, the unwanted puppy, who was almost totally blind, faced euthanasia but was saved just in time. Tracey first met Scout at East Midlands Dog Rescue where she volunteered. As a veterinary use and animal lover, she was desperate to help Scout through the challenges he would face with his sight impairment. She instantly became smitten and decided to bring the Lurcher home to live with her, husband Paul, their two Whippets and two cats. This short book provides an understanding of how much these dogs can achieve when given the chance. From the trails of training to participating in dog shows (and winning!), and from holidaying with her dog brood to introducing a hyperactive new addition to the gang, Tracey's experience with a sight-impaired dog serves as hope and inspiration to others. Beautiful Scout, who was a finalist in Dogs Monthly's HiLife 'Best friends' Trophy 2016, is now a registered Pets As Therapy dog, and melting hearts wherever he goes! - Dogs Monthly. When you take on a dog from a puppy, you can work on training and socialisation skills to help reduce a happy, even tempered and well trained dog. However, taking on a rescue dog is another matter, and quite often you never know what experiences the dog has experienced before being rescued. For the love of Scout tells the amazing story of a very young dog who was found wandering the streets of Country Durham. It was obvious that Scout, who was originally named Baby Buttons, was not in good shape when he arrived East Midlands Dog Rescue. Scout was not only malnourished, infected with kennel cough and mange, it was though that he was partially sighted and perhaps deaf as well. With so many health issues, the future did not look good for Scout and his future hung in the balance. Who would be prepared to take on a dog with so many problems? Thankfully Scout was given hope, when Tracey Ison and her husband Paul came into Scout's life. From the moment Tracey brought Scout home, she made a promise to protect Scout from fear, loneliness and pain, and that's exactly what she did. Tracey's determination and drive is apparent throughout this heart-warming book and her hard work shows just what can be achieved with kindness, patience and understanding. It's quite remarkable that a dog who obviously suffered horrendously as a puppy could put those terrible memories aside and instead learn to love and enjoy a contented and happy life. Although this book does have a happy ending, be aware that it is a real rear jerker, but in a good way. It really highlights the special bond we have with our dogs, and how much trust they place in us. What Scout has achieved despite his troubled puppyhood is quite amazing, but there again so is his proud and devoted owner Tracey, who certainly kept her promise. - Pet Owners Association. This book I found fascinating from beginning to end. It recounts the experiences of Scout, a young, mainly Whippet like puppy, taken in by rescue to becoming a much loved family member with a family with already a couple of Whippets. The author meticulously guides the read through every detail of her first encounter with Scout which I found fascinating and will, I am sure, be of help to any reader experiencing difficulties with a recently acquired dog. 19 further short chapters follow, leading the reader through every aspect of Scout's life as a rescue dog and will, I am sure, be a source of interest to all who read it. - Trevor Turner. "For the Love of Scout: Promises to a Small Dog" i filled with many stories on how this charismatic little dog overcame every challenge thrown before him. He trained for and received his Pets As Therapy certification, among many other awards. Tracey's efforts in giving Scout the life he deserved to live will only highlight that so often, those we shun or put aside due to physical deformities, may teach us more about life that those who are perfect at birth. - Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hubble & Hattie
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1845849361
• ISBN 13: 9781845849368
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 112