We rifled through and read all the amazing stories sent through to us to find the most inspiring story. From cuddly puppies, to older dogs with bad habits, it was clear that everyone who entered their Preloved pooch story adores their four legged friend. Thank you EVERYONE who took the time to send in their story, we loved them! We will posting our favourite stories onto the blog in our ongoing PUPDATE feature, so keep your eyes peeled!
Now for the winner of our Pupdate competition! This story shows how special a bond between a dog and person can be, and how important this relationship can be when someone is feeling low and vulnerable. This story also demonstrates that owning a dog is not as easy as it first may sound, but if you are willing to make the time and put in the hard work, the rewards can be life changing. Here is Teresa’s story about her Preloved pooch, Kishka.
Teresa and Kishka
Her name is Kishka (Kusska), she is now a 6 year old Alaskan Malamute and was advertised when she was merely 2 (original Preloved image on the left). She didn’t have the best start in life, and unfortunately was very underweight, terrified of men and being alone – I couldn’t even go into the next room without her crying the house down. I had never owned a dog before and 4 years ago, the Alaskan Malamute was an unrecognised breed, I hadn’t even heard of one before!
Kishka and I bonded very quickly, and managing to get past all of her behavioral issues was extremely challenging – there were times I cried and thought I’d never get it right. I was a student at the time, and so I moved around a lot but I made sure Kishka went everywhere with me, I refused to give her up. One particular time when I was alone and feeling low, I sat on the step in my kitchen and cried, Kishka came over to me, put her paw on my lap and rested her head on me, she stayed there for an hour completely still. It was that moment I knew she was my best friend, my rock. She never judged me and was always so happy to see me.
A few years on, I managed to buy my first house and a new friend for Kishka, another Alaskan malamute. I make sure they have the best life I can possibly give them, and every now and again I look at Kishka and remember the scrawny terrified dog she was when I first got her. I remember walking the streets with her, being homeless with her and how she never stopped being so happy to be with me.
I thank you Preloved for I have found the most precious thing in my life. For all those wishing to welcome a dog into their home, whether it be a puppy or an elder dog, never give up, the rewards are so heartwarming! A dog is truly man’s best friend. The final photo is our family now, two malamutes and a cat. Kishka is the dog in the middle with the massive grin on her face, I’m so glad she will live out her days as happy as this.
Have you got a pet update you would like to share with us?
We love catching up with our members about their much loved animals found on Preloved. If you have a story you would like to share with us, we would love to hear from you! Simply click here to be taken onto an online form. The stories we find the most inspiring will be featured on our blog as a Pet Update!