An update on Ralph will appear once he's had time to settle into his new home.
Jane - July 2018
Floyd was surrendered to the rescue by his owner due behavioural issues and was initially rehomed by the rescue in April 2017 but sadly this didn't work out and so he was lovingly rehomed a second time but the rescue by Jane and her family in the East Midlands.
Charles - June 2018
Stanley was surrendered to the rescue by his owner due to behavioural issues and was initially rehomed in October 2017 but sadly this didn't work out and so he was loving rehomed a second time by the rescue to Charles in the East Midlands.
Bernie - May 2018
Jack was surrendered to the rescue by someone who had saved him from living in a cage behind a pub and was lovingly rehomed by Bernie in the Republic of Ireland.
Maureen - May 2018
Barkley was surrendered to the rescue by his owner due to a change in their personal circumstances and was lovingly rehomed by Maureen.
Valarie - May 2018
Sancha came into rescue after her owner sadly passed away and was lovingly rehomed by Valarie in the South of England.
Stuart - May 2018
Cassie was surrendered to the rescue by her owner for behavioural reasons and was rehomed by Stuart in the North West of England.
Gerard - April 2018
Tara was surrendered to the rescue by her owner for behavioural reasons and was initially rehomed in January 2018 however sadly this rehoming didn't work out and so was lovingly rehomed again by the rescue to Gerard and family in Northern Ireland.
Kellie - April 2018
Murray came to the rescue after being found as a stray and was lovingly rehomed by Kellie in the South of England.
Olivia - April 2018(Update October 2018)
It's 6 months since Terry the Kerry adopted us and here's a quick update on how he's getting on. We've spent the time getting to know him and building up his confidence. He's terrified of small kids, open water, going through partly opened doors, hides food and occasionally cowers as if he thinks we are going to hit him....but has seriously reacted to other dogs, will dive head first into a ditch without a second thought, gets very stressed when being groomed, growls when he doesn't get his way and his fear of kids can turn into aggression. The muzzle is his best friend. However we're making great progress. When he came to us he didn't wag his tail...now he batters it off the back of the couch when he sees us in the morning. He LOVES going in the car, toast and collapsing onto your lap for cuddles. He's still a complete lovebug and waves his paw in the air to get pets. He puts his paws on my husband's shoulders to lick his head.. .and does a really thorough job of it! He's been on his holidays with family and on lots of daytrips around the country. He welcomes us in as if he hasn't seen us for a fortnight - even if we've only her gone for 15mins, follows us around like a silver shadow and 'tells' us about his day! Overall, he's doing fantastically well. He's settled in and is the most handsome boy for miles! We couldn't have come this far without the unconditional support of the KBTR team and are eternally grateful. Thank you x Love Olivia, Colin and Terry.
Corinne - February 2018
Blue was surrendered to the rescue by his owner due to change in their personal circumstances and was lovingly rehomed by Corrine in South Wales.
Kevin - February 2018
Indie was originally surrendered to the rescue by her owner due to a change in their personal circumstances and was rehomed in October 2017 but unfortunately this didn't work out and so she was lovingly rehomed by the rescue for a second time by Kevin in South East England
Rachel - February 2018
Lucan was surrendered to the rescue by his owner due to a change in their personal circumstances and was lovingly rehomed by Rachel in the Republic of Ireland.
Jan - February 2018
My introduction to the Kerry Blue Rescue team was the result of losing my beautiful Kerry ‘Blue’ who died from cancer aged 12. Heartbroken, I found comfort looking at Kerry Blue sites on the web and came across the KB Rescue. I was so saddened to see how many Kerry’s were in need of loving homes and wanted to help. Although I had lost Blue I still had my female Kerry (Bridie) and needed to be very careful about introducing her to another dog. Blue had been wonderful with children and people but was incredibly dog aggressive and so when contacting the rescue I explained that as much as we would happily take on a rescue he/she would have to be dog friendly. This was quite an ASK! Nevertheless within the space of a couple of weeks the rescue were looking for a home for a 9yr old KBT who, from the information available, was a gentle soul and dog friendly. My heart melted when I saw his photo and so we arranged a meet and greet, even though this meant travelling to Liverpool from Devon between Christmas and New Year. We new there was a chance things might not work out but on meeting Paygon the deal was sealed! He and Bridie were fine together, albeit a bit indifferent and as for us we just felt he was perfect. At 9 yrs old it was a bit of a risk and he did come with a few health issues but with the support of the Rescue Team these were quickly resolved. From that time on we haven’t looked back, Paygon is a complete joy, so loving and gentle we adore him and he has more than helped to heal the painful loss of losing Blue. A year on and I still miss my old boy but I can’t express the joy Paygon has brought to our lives, he may be 10 now but he is still a bundle of fun and don’t let anyone tell you “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” because it simply isn’t true! Contacting the Rescue was the best decision I made and I would say to anyone thinking of taking an older dog, “go for it” because your life will be the fuller for it.
Patricia - February 2018
We were introduced to 3 and half year old Brim one snowy February day this year after several phone calls between myself, Mark and Brim's previous owner to assess our suitability to take him on.
We didn't know at the time if we would be keeping him but needn't have worried because it was love at first sight on both sides and Brim settled in our family easily from that day. We are retired and live by the sea so could provide lots of company and exercise for him. However it soon became apparent that he did not like being left alone at all and he certainly didn't like other dogs of any kind!
A bit of research and talking to other Kerry owners at KBTR revealed that this is quite a common trait in Kerry Blues who like to put up for boss and need to be given quite strict boundaries to live and work within. We have worked at this with Brim since we got him and it is paying dividends now. He is still not fond of other dogs but tolerates them sharing his pavement, or the vets waiting room which makes life much easier! He can also now be left......preferably by a window, for a couple of hours without having dissolved into a puddle when we get back.
Progress indeed after only 6 months I think. Despite these hiccups he is a gorgeous boy! He is like a puppy with my grandchildren aged 7 and 9. He's always ready to play and will lick them very thoroughly and for ages much to their amusement. He loves all people, whether he knows them or not, and believes everyone owes him a cuddle.
To sum up, although we both had experience with dogs we hadn't had a Kerry Blue before. It definitely hasn't been easy and there were times when I did wonder if we'd done the wrong thing. I'm so glad we persevered. We now have a funny, lovable, although still wilful dog! They are a breed apart but they spoil you for anything else. They are so loyal, loving and protective. I would recommend adopting a Kerry Blue to anyone as long as they are aware that it may well be a battle at times but it will be worth it and you won't be alone with KBTR to support you.
Mike - January 2018
Tara was surrendered to the rescue by her owner for behavioural reasons and was lovingly rehomed by Mike in Northern Ireland.
Jennifer - December 2017
Paddy was surrendered to the rescue by his owner due to a change in their personal circumstances and was lovingly rehomed by Jennifer.
Charles - December 2017
Ardie was surrendered to the rescue by his owner for behavioural reasons and was lovingly rehomed by Charles in the South of England.
Anne - December 2017
Blue was surrendered to the rescue by his owner due to a change in their personal circumstances and was lovingly rehomed by Anne.
Gary - November 2017
Here’s something about Deacon and I (May 2018) Having gone through a few changes in life I decided it was time to bring a dog into my life, I’m very much a dog person as I’m entirely allergic to cats. I’d never specifically considered a Kerry Blue however I did want a dog that perhaps wouldn’t be the easiest rescue or one that perhaps would be left behind at rescues. I had my eye on a few local rescues including Animal Rescue Cumbria also known as the Wainwright Centre. I had the time to devote to a dog, I had the experience but no specific breed in mind. When looking I noticed one dog in particular kept catching my eye on the site, he’d been around whilst other were being rescued and found homes. Deacon seemed a bit lost and there weren’t many photos. Early in November I emailed the centre and enquired and before I knew it we had arranged a meet. Deacon was quite aloof, he didn’t really pay me much attention but he was friendly and energetic and had big brown eyes. That was it. After a few forms and a home check I was informed Deacon was ready to be collected. It had been a while since there had been a dog in the house and I started making up a shopping list, it grew daily until it was time to collect Deacon. The last time I had a dog was when I was with my wife (although now separated); funnily enough we met through internet dating (my wife, not the dog) and this felt kind of a similar experience. Luckily we’re still on good terms so Angela also being a dog person agreed to accompany me to collect Deacon. It was a quick and easy handover; I had a lead, collar and harness prepared, off we went and straight into the car, he seemed excited, but not as much as I was. Driving back up to the Scottish Borders with a brief stop at Pets At Home was a nice journey and it was obvious that Deacon travelled well. Despite all the evidence stating that Kerry’s can be aloof, Deacon was anything but. Other than his main nickname of “Deeks”, his other nickname of “SnugglePug” was aptly assigned. It's hard to believe it’s been six months, the time has flown and it’s as if I’ve had Deeks forever. Although not intentional he does now have two homes. My parents who are also “dog people” have adopted Deeks as their own however since there are times my work takes me away, Deeks enjoys time with his new Grandparents who spoil and fuss over him like a newborn baby. Whilst I’m very aware that Deeks is a dog, I sometimes wonder that my mother thinks he’s a human child; she plans his weekly menu, brushes his teeth, records his bowel movements (seriously), bathes his eyes when they get gritty, keeps an eye on his general health, and spoils him crazy. Steak day is supposed to be once a week but I suspect it’s far more along with the lamb heart stews, beef sausages and roast chicken that he gets almost daily along with his vegetables and roast beef treats as well as his proper dog food, Harringtons of course. It's fascinating how intelligent he shows himself to be; you know he’s my dog as I’m the one he always comes to and wants to be with. He has a playful relationship with my dad, his morning dentastick is left waiting until my dad comes into the room at which point Deeks will play a game of “bet you can’t take my dentastick away from me” upon which there will be a game of tug of war and much friendly growling and barking. Deeks seems to think that my dad speaks “dog” fluently as he communicates with my dad through all sorts of strange barks and growls. He knows my mum will baby him and therefore looks to be picked up and cradled and generally treated like an infant, but he knows he’ll be groomed, tickled and treated for hours if we let him. With me, he’s a dog, but you couldn’t find a closer relationship. He’s never been left alone. I have a work room, a work area in my living room and the couch at the tv; Deeks has a bed in all three areas so no matter where I am in the house, he’s always with me. Of course at bedtime he sleeps next to me in bed; we have a routine where he brings teddy to bed, gets a good scratch before settling down to sleep. I usually wake up with Deeks standing over me, willing me to wake up and get him out for his morning walk. At my parents he has “Hedgie”, a giant hedgehog toy that he takes everywhere in the house including to bed. At my house, he’s up early ready to get out. At my parents he likes a long lie in. At my house we stay up late and watch a late movie together. At my parents come 9pm he’s impatient to get to bed. Since Deeks doesn’t mix well with other animals we tend to avoid taking him where other dog walkers might be. So his morning walk is usually up the Langholm hill, a steep hill out of the village which brings you out on top of Langholm moor. However his favourite walk is Hermitage Castle. We park near the community hall and walk a few miles to Hermitage Castle and beyond into the Hermitage Valley. It’s his favourite walk as he’s off the lead the entire time, the only thing we come across is the odd car passing or sheep in the fields whom he eyes up suspiciously. His vocabulary is growing including the Italian that my mum teaches him. His recall has improved drastically however a neighbours very elderly cat seems to enjoy ambushing Deeks when you least expect it; obviously it’s just to get a reaction but the cat realises that I will not let him go so he just seeks to wind him up. I always get that look that says “one of these days I’m going to get that cat”. Deeks is a huge television fan and loves to get comfy in front of the tv, even getting a little annoyed when you switch it off; but of course the minute an animal appears on television, Deeks makes it clear that they should in no way attempt to step out of the television and into HIS house. He's happy, contented and we couldn’t ever imagine life without him. We plan on getting him his pet passport to take him on one of our driving trips to Europe; we have a few trips planned including a camping trip to the West Coast near Mallaig as well as 10 days on the West Highland Way later this year when it’s a bit cooler. He’s sitting with me now as I type this with one eye on the television, it’s almost time for our last walk of the evening and he hasn’t forgotten for one second that there is that last slice of roast beef in the fridge. He has a fantastic wardrobe, top notch health care, best of food, what can I say……….it’s a dogs life! Gary Adams
Tricia - November 2017
Charlie was surrendered to the rescue by his owner due to a change in their personal circumstances and was lovingly rehomed by Tricia and her family in Scotland.
Deborah - October 2017
We met Blue with our elder Kerry Odo and Blue was growling but we knew it wasn't nasty so we bought him to his forever home.
He is doing so well acting like a dog playing with toys and rough and tumbles with Daddy. He loves his long walks at the park and the beach always with his bodyguard Odo. We still keep him on a lead when out but he is getting so much better around other dogs.
Blue is very much a mummy's boy and he can be clumsy but considering he can only see from 1 eye and had god knows what start in life he had (He was found as a stray in London) he is amazing. Everyone loves him he's a charmer for sure.
I would like to say a massive thank you for letting Blue bear come to us he's an absolute star.
Sharon - October 2017
Indie was surrendered to the rescue by her owner for behavioural reasons and was lovingly rehomed by Sharon.
Our 2017/18 Annual Reports
The 30th September 2018 saw the end of the Kerry Blue Terrier Rescues first financial period.
Right from the outset we felt that it is important to be transparent on how the Rescue is operated and funded and so it gives us great pleasure to share with you our first annual reports.
If anyone has any questions or queries regarding the reports then please contact one of rescue team members below.