My name is: Roxie
I came from: Cyprus
Now I live in: Tunbridge Wells, Kent
My favourite things are: Sunbathing, food, chasing small furries (squirrels and bunnies), lovely walks, zoomies, playing tug, playing football, tummy rubs and cuddles

Roxie’s story

I have always loved dogs but not had a dog of my own for years. Consequently to get my “fix” of dog love I have helped out friends and neighbours with their dogs for years.

During lockdown I decided to volunteer as a fosterer for Underdog International. I had a couple of FaceTime interviews and then waited for them to need me to take on a foster dog for them.

In December 2020 I drove with my husband to a service station in Kent to collect little Roxie (about 5 months old). She was utterly adorable, quite shy and nervous but really beautiful with the softest ears ever!! I think it was love at first sight and she leapt into my heart in the first seconds of our meeting.(Incidentally, the whole family fell in love with her on sight – not just me!!)

It didn’t seem to take very long for Roxie to come out of her shell. I think when she realised she was safe and loved there was no turning back.

Roxie was a lovely playful, adventurous puppy, with endless energy but also very clever. Toilet training took no time and other commands like sit, paw etc came very easily too. She has always been a great sleeper at night with no shocking early mornings (even as a puppy) so that was a huge bonus too.

It hasn’t ALL been plain sailing though. Adopting a “hound” type dog can be challenging, particularly when training them with recall. They are so intent on following their nose that their ears tend to switch off sometimes.

We trained Roxie using a long line and lots of treats (we got through quite a few long lines as she tended to bite through them to escape – if she was on a mission!) It has taken quite a long time (she is now 20 months old) but I think she has finally got the message about having a bit of fun following a scent - or an actual bunny or squirrel - but then coming home to breakfast and a comfy snuggle on the sofa. In a way it has been even more rewarding because we have had to put a lot of work into her recall training, but when it works it’s such a great feeling.

We also invested in a tracker for her so that if she did decide to abscond we would know where she was and be able to find her more easily. It just takes the anxiety out of walks – particularly in unfamiliar places.

She really is such a lovely natured dog, she loves people, other dogs and generally just loves life, and I wouldn’t be without her for anything.

Eve and all the team at Underdog International have been wonderful through the whole process. They were so reassuring and helpful when we first got Roxie and I felt I could call on them anytime, with any worries or concerns I had. They do such an amazing job.

Letting a rescue dog into your life/heart is one of the best things you could ever do. You love them, but they love you back MORE than you can ever imagine.

- Nina