About A Boy

Here’s the story of a lonely dog that is transformed because he met a human named Susan.

With our one-year anniversary approaching I’d like to share my journey with Clifford The Wonder Dog.

I fell in love with Clifford the moment I saw his photos on the Dog Rescue Newcastle website. There he was, looking longingly through the glass of a sliding door, eyes begging to be allowed inside. With one look I knew he was meant to become my ‘new’ dog. 

Clifford was being surrendered by his current owner who just could not include him in her life anymore. His profile stated that he was currently an outdoor dog, 24/7 – that made me so angry. I am not sure of his story prior to the two or so years he spent with this person, but I suspect he has had multiple homes in his lifetime. His age is up for debate too – is he 10, 11 or 12? But that’s irrelevant to me.

I was looking for a dog in their senior years, so I could make their golden years full of love and comfort. I work at home, which was a major factor in my decision to adopt. My entire life has been filled with rescue animals so Clifford looked like the ideal choice.

Once all my checks came back approved, it was time to arrange a suitable time to meet, as there was some distance involved between our locations. The date was set for Saturday 17 Sept 2022. I was so excited, actually talking to his photos, telling him that I loved him already and was creating a nice home for him. He was an older fellow that needed an orthopaedic Barney bed – check. Some blankets, toys, quality food and harness for the car – check, check, check and check. I was so certain that I would not give him up after the trial period, I ordered a new collar and leash with his name and my phone number embroidered on them. 48 hours before the big day I received a call from Jenn at DRN – followed up with a call from his then owner to say that he’d injured his hind leg and it was likely nothing but he would be limping. Unperturbed, I wanted to proceed. 

Upon meeting Clifford he was nervous – of course he would be. He was skinny, at least 2-3 kgs lighter than the profile indicated. He was limping, unable to put any weight on his right hind leg. I’d stuffed lots of treats into my pockets, I got down to his level and started chatting very quietly to him, not forcing myself into his space at all, but just trying to let him know that everything would be fine. Jen from DRN informed me that I shouldn’t feel obligated to take Clifford given huis injury. The truth is, it only made me more determined to adopt him! I wanted to get him back on all four paws and into a truly loving environment. 

I seemed to notice poor Clifford was also scratching and gnawing at himself which Clifford’s owner at the time said “he always does when he’s nervous.” I highly doubted that - you could smell he had a yeast infection. Poor bugger. I asked the lady if she’d brought his favourite toys, to which she responded, “he doesn’t really like toys, not into them.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. By that point all I wanted to get him home and start helping him to heal and rebuild his life. 

Clifford made it apparent from the outset that did not like being handled and trust was going to be a major issue to work on. His nails were extremely long indicating that he was rarely, if ever, walked. He couldn’t stop scratching and chewing at himself, so it became a priority to fix this. First step, a bath. Not something he enjoyed the first time, he was a bit snappy and I suspect he was just not used to being handled. He made it clear blow drying was definitely not going to happen!

I organised a vet visit and got him a cytopoint injection. The vet said Clifford must’ve had this allergy/yeast infection for a very long time because he had worn down his front upper teeth to the gums from all the gnawing at himself. The cytopoint had an amazing result and within 32 hours the irritation that drove him to distraction was a thing of the past. 

DRN helped me arrange an appointment with Motto Farm vet where the lovely Dr Martin was able to examine his injured right hind leg. It took Martin all of 1 minute to advise me Cliffy had torn his ACL. DRN were amazing and told me not to worry they would help with all of this. In fact, they took care of the surgery costs because Clifford ‘came with the injury’.  Dr Martin and I coined Cliffy the Wonder Dog on that first visit, based on  the fact he will not succumb to sedatives. Clifford was given a dose that should have knocked two dogs out, but he refused to let go.

We set the date for his surgery, but I thought it would be best to push it out to give me and Clifford time to get to know one another, mostly to build trust as we had experienced a few growling and snapping episodes. However, I have experience with three previous rescues and knew that it takes patience and love to get though to them. I’d tell Clifford, “You do you mate and we will figure this all out.” Knowing full well he didn’t understand a word I was saying, but at least he’d get the feeling that he was safe. 

Clifford was getting about fine on his three legs and seemed quite content. He’d discovered that ‘netflix and chill’ on the sofa involved cuddles which he enjoyed – on his terms. Would you believe he was crazy excited with all his toys, enjoying home cooked meals and was so happy to not be relegated to outside. We couldn’t walk too much because of Cliffords leg, but he sure was enjoying life and the garden, and barking at the birds to go away.One day while chasing a bird,  Cliffy the Wonder Dog decided he could fly, but discovered he couldn’t: he didn’t get the bird, but he did manage to tear his left ACL.  With the second ACL now damaged, surgery was moved up to the first available date to have both hind legs done at once.  

My lovely boy had no idea what was in store…neither did I.

When I brought him home from the vet the day after his surgery he was extremely sore. My poor little soldier with two bandaged hind legs and a satellite dish around his head was very upset because he was in pain and so confused.  When we arrived home, I was all alone trying to figure out how to get Clifford out of the car without him biting me or injuring himself. Eventually we managed it, and while supporting his hind quarters I helped him to hop about in the front garden to do his business. I carried him inside and helped him into his luxuriously appointed bed within a very large crate. 

So began the worst five days possible for him and me. 

Despite giving him painkillers, trying to hand feed him and bringing him water he just didn’t want to know me. He cried and whimpered nonstop. I was trying to be strong and calm but I was crying too because of his distress and my inability to make anything better for him. I had read Banjo’s owner whose story on DRN’s website a while back, so I decided to grab a doona and my pillows to sleep on the hard floorboards alongside the crate, holding onto one of his front paws through the crate’s door and also stroking his head when he cried. On Saturday I could not coax him out of the crate to help him outside to relieve himself. He just snarled and snapped at me when I approached him. I didn’t take it personally, I knew his reaction was from a place of pain and fear. 

On Sunday morning I contacted my dog whisperer friend to help me because I was really worried Clifford would get a bladder infection from not peeing. Thank goodness – within three minutes of her arrival, Clifford was on the front lawn having a mega pee. We stayed outside for about 20 minutes, taking in the sunshine and getting Cliffy to use his legs. My friend showed me how to manage getting him in and out of the crate on my own without getting bitten.

It seemed from that moment things started to improve. He was still in pain and whimpering so I continued to sleep on the floor next to him. But, something must have clicked in his brain because he would put his paw out for my hand!

 After just two months our bond was starting to build.

We had our first Christmas together, his stocking was filled and under the tree loaded with more toys and treats. We also did our first road trip driving up to Armidale and back just after Christmas to meet up with some friends – he was an absolute angel. We’ve visited been visiting friends in Sydney where Clifford discovered the big smoke and ‘uppity city dogs with attitude’ (his words not mine)! He wants to say hello to everyone whose path we crossed on our morning walks around Crows Nest. It reminded me of the scene in Crocodile Dundee, when Dundee walks along the streets of Manhattan saying ‘G’day’ to everyone. Clifford was just like that.

In early April 2023 we had another surgery this time for an infection/abscess on his front right paw .. Clifford wasn’t not too happy about it. I told him that his toy budget for the next two years had just been used up after that bill. Another week or so of a satellite dish and no walkies for two weeks. Cliffy was not amused.

Fast forward to today. Early September and almost 12 months of bonding. 

Each day I think I couldn’t love him more if I tried -  only to be proved wrong the next. His one ear straight up, the other folded down, head cocked to one side look cracks me up every time. The absolute pure joy he has when searching for a specific toy in his bucket, dragging all his toys out and throwing them in the air, or in my lap or just sucking on them makes me laugh out loud. He loves snuggles and not only curls up next to me on the sofa, but also now insists that my bed is actually his. Every morning I tickle him, he wiggles and squiggles like mad, kicking his legs in the air with a big smile on his face, it’s become our daily ritual. If I’m in the garden he insists on keeping me company but does not offer to help with any digging (a good thing). 

Daily walkies are just the best thing ever for him (and me), I suspect these weren’t a very regular occurrence for him. He actually loves baths now, although he still hates the blow dryer.  Clifford will get a worried look if he thinks I’m going to shut him outside on the deck (as if!), which only happens when I step away from my desk to do pilates or yoga because if I don’t he insists on lying on top of me. 

Since April he appears to have had a couple of mini strokes which we are monitoring. 

To see his trust in me increase with each passing day fills me with happiness. While I have not forgotten nor stopped loving all the rescue dogs, cats and the horse that came before Clifford, he is now my focus and the center of my world.

Everyone at DRN, particularly Jenn, has been so supportive on my Clifford journey. I thank you all for allowing this amazing dog to become a part of my life. I have no idea how long we will have together but my mission every day is to help him live his best life and see him as happy and healthy as possible.