At Tia we take our responsibilities seriously. Whilst we’re known to get quite attached to the occasional human that walks through our doors it’s the hounds who are our customers, and we always step in to help them whenever asked.
Ann, a very frail widowed lady with no family locally, was being hospitalised after a serious fall. Many, many years back Ann and her late husband adopted Peggy, a pup from Tia, who had been abandoned after a road accident. Tia heard about Anne’s plight and straight away stepped in to make arrangements to help Peggy, just like we did 10 years previously. Joan picks up the story:
“Tia knew I loved the more mature dogs, and after the loss of my beloved hound 4 years ago, the inevitable call happened; ‘Have you space for an old lass for a few weeks?‘. ‘Yes of course‘, I said.
“I went to collect Peggy at her home and a very reluctant 3 legged greyhound saluki came to meet me. It took a while for Peggy to settle in her new environment but we were able to visit Ann in the hospital grounds. Every week we would go for a walk in the grounds, me pushing Ann in her wheelchair with Peggy on her knee!
As the months passed, it was obvious to both myself and Ann that this was turning into a permanent adoption… in more ways than one! Peggy was becoming an official canine member of our family and Ann was becoming the adopted grandmother figure of our family. As a qualified nurse, it became second nature for me to become involved in Anne’s care. Her friends became my friends. I’m so glad I answered the phone that day, but if you are ever asked ‘Have you space?‘, open your heart, you could be rewarded in more ways than you think.
“Ann and Peggy are both frail now but still enjoy regular visits as covid allows. The staff at Ann’s nursing home are great; they carried Peggy into the home whilst we watched through the window. Two old ladies together. It was a heartwarming sight and all thanks to Tia. Peggy is comfortable for now and on lots of medication”.
