When we had been in Bulgaria for about two months, we always knew we wanted a third dog. The other half had been on and on at me in the UK about getting one. I always refused saying that the strays in Bulgaria had a worse life than in the uk. And we needed to wait until we were there before we got one.

(Credit Pixabay)

When we moved over the other half was eagerly looking for getting another dog. I think part of the problem is our lab sam who we lost in 2011 was a big dog, and having terriers I think he missed a bigger dog as a companion.
I said that we needed to think carefully before we got a third because I did not want Paddy and Max to feel that they had to have a war over territory, should a new dog join the pack.
So I decided that a puppy might be a better option because it was less of a threat to them, including size wise.

Then word came through on facebook.

A man we knew had been feeding a mother and litter of puppies who were on the street and he was looking for homes for them.
Two of our friends had taken a female, the man had taken a male so we thought we would go off and have a look.

When we got there the man was feeding the puppies, the larger dog at the back was the mother, who would always wait for the puppies to be fed first. Phoenix is the white and Tan with his nose next to his hand learning the sit command.
I walked up to them and they all turned and faced me, which I did the normal awwwww I want all of them. To be welcomed by an echo of barking from all of them, lots of sniffing and being unsure.
We had taken Paddy and Max with us because we needed to know how they would be, to be honest they were not bothered they were more interested at the food he had.

The mother was so gentle and timid, I just wanted to hug her all the time, but I thought being we had two males it was not fair on her as they would fight over her.

Here are some pictures of the litter.

^ this one is ours.

We had eyed Phoenix as a choice but it was so hard to choose, I wanted to give all of them a home but I had to be realistic as I could not afford to keep and feed so many dogs.
They were all lovely and approachable, coming for a stroke and feeding from our hands.

So what we thought we would do was to help make a choice, they all went back to the street, and the first one to come through the gate would be the one we had. Deep down I really wanted it to be Phoenix. Then I saw the gate begin to open and a head popped through, sure enough it was him come to see if there was any more food.

He was ours from that moment.

We had a harness for him and a huge towel because he had to go on my knee. He was so quiet on the way home, he didnt want to look around he just lay really quiet and still.
The trip home was a good 40-50 minute drive, we were on the last leg of the journey and I could see he was bringing himself into a squat.
Never ever have we stopped so quick and got him out the car, he went to the side of the road and done his business he was terrified. I could have cried there and then at his face.
Oh and what came out of him, he must have been so hungry he was eating grass and what ever he could find, it was green and just awful.

I picked him back up and put him in the van and carried on with the Journey, fifteen minutes later he was car sick. (Great all over me.)
We finally got back to the house and I took him in and layed him down on a rug downstairs, he was so scared.

This photo is when we got him in the house, he was frightened. He would not move off the rug, he would not eat or drink. We just had to leave him and let him come to us.
I remember the night he was downstairs on his own, I wondered what he was doing whether he was sleeping or freaking out.
I hardly slept a wink that night, I was so tempted to go down to see him, but I did not want to make it worse. So I decided it was best to give him some peace and let him deal with the shock the best way he could.

The next day came and I awoke.

I went down stairs to make coffee he was still on the mat, and had not done a thing in the room. Not even done his business in it, I called him over he would not move so I took drastic action and picked him up and put him in the garden.

I took my coffee in the front and sat with him for a while. He seemed quite content lying there watching what was going on around him. He did not seem as nervous as the day before.
Then I thought it was a good idea to bring the other two down to see their new playmate.
At first, I thought he was not going to get on with them, he did not seem interested and was a bit nervous. I was going to seperate them but something just would not let me, so I stopped myself.

I am glad I did

Because what happened next.

Paddy and Max would not take no for an answer, and insisted on him going with them to wander the garden.

They went everywhere togther, and it was amazing to see Phoenix come out of his shell so quickly.

(Claiming the mound)

As the weeks went on they all became inseperable, Phoenix loves being with his new bro's and being part of the pack.

They always sleep close together, at night and keep a watchful eye on each other.

Now its January, Phoenix is a lot bigger now and his coat is beautiful he has lost all his puppy fluff. I look at him now while I write this post and I can see his deep appreciation in his eyes. He is eager to please and learns quick, he has no problem with sit, lie and high five commands.
He loves hugs and attention, and if you stop he paws for more. He is such a lovely affectionate dog, I am only sorry I could not get all his brothers and sisters and mother, but I feel like not only did I do my part but he is a real blessing in disguise to this household.

(Phoenix today)

Its hard to believe looking at him now he was this terrified puppy who needed lots of affection and support, now he is confident, funny, charming and intelligent.

I learned something.

I learned that taking in a stray can give you as much joy as a genuine pedigree. Eastern Europe has a huge stray problem. The governmental kennels are not equipped to deal with dogs, many die from malnutrition, and bad hygiene.
If you ever look for a dog, looks for a rescue, because these beautiful creatures never forget what you did for them, they will be a loyal companion to you and will never leave your side.

Thank you for reading my story.

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