Runner Up in the Defa's Prize Award - This is Todd's story by Janie Walker 

Firstly, I would like to say that all rescue dogs, in my opinion deserve an award, as I own seven rescues I suppose I am slightly biased, but they - like all dogs are as individual as we are, and to me are like a puzzle which you have to use your brain to find the answer.  This in some instances is very difficult and time consuming but the rewards are indescribable.

I recognise that some people cringe when they hear the phrase "rescue dog", and think "Oh God Problems", which in a lot of cases is very true, but I personally find that a challenge and achieve satisfaction by every little improvement.

Todd was and is a challenge, always will be because the damage was done and will always be in his memory bank. He was bought as a pup by a woman who had a daughter and had obviously received a lot of love and a normal environment.  Unfortunately the woman died suddenly and the husband was devastated and obviously found it hard to deal with and the last thing he could do was look after a young collie dog.  So, he left Todd in the flat for six weeks - he fed him daily then would shut the door on him and leave the house.

Fortunately, someone suggested a local rescue, and his journey began, he had six owners because his response to anything new, or that he doesn’t understand is to show his teeth, which is frightening and extremely risky if you do not know what you are doing.  I am not trying to say that I am an expert, hardly, still learning every day but I can appreciate that it is not a "normal family dog" to display this type of behaviour and certainly should be supervised at all times.  He eventually was rescued by a friend of mine who already had two dogs and was looking for another, she took him home and I met him for the first time on our weekly meeting for a walk together, she did say that he had been growling at her but that she hoped he would work out.  A week later she had telephoned to say that she would need to rehome him as he was frightening her, why, I don't know I said I would take him for a week or so and then find a home for him.  Well needless to say he is still here two years later, and will remain so.  He, in my opinion is a brilliant dog.

The first time I took him to our obedience club he growled at everyone and every other dog, ignoring that, and with the help of all the trainers at our club continued to re-educate him, or to introduce fun and lots of tlc, he loved it, he blossomed and tries so hard to be good. Within 12 months he passed his Good Citizen Bronze Award, and to top that won the GCBA Final at our championship show, which took us to Crufts in 2007 - we didn't win but he was brilliant, he was so well behaved it was unbelievable, he did his best, but his mum was all butterflies.  I trained him at agility and he took to it, like obedience like a duck to water, he is not the fastest dog, never will be, but he is so consistent and dependable that he has gained a place in nearly every class that he has run and taken his mum and brothers and sisters to Grade 3, which believe me is such an achievement. Todd has also gained his Pre-Beg with Ex.

We have qualified for the DARL finals but, because of the distance it is extremely unlikely that we shall attend but I am so glad when people or clubs promote "Rescue Dogs" and although we still have our "Bad Moments" - drinking out the toilet bowl (no water was left) growling at people who pat me without asking, (cheek)  lying down and refusing to move when anyone tries to take me away from my mum (unless they have tasty treats) trying to bite the vets(I would if my mum didn’t put my muzzle on) jumping up and biting the handle when any door is closed on me (i had six weeks of that) but the "Good Moments" well outweigh the bad, and he just goes from strength to strength. He really is a "good dog" and I feel quite honoured that he is mine. Being a red and white collie he is named Red Devil at Burnhouse, his eyes shine bright red in the dark or when he is agitated, but when he has one of his epileptic fits, or when he needs a cuddle his eyes just tell you.  He is a dog in a million, like all of my dogs - you just have to say "do you want a sweetie” and he is putty in your hands.

Big pat on the back to all at DARL
Janie & Todd xxxxxx