Archie
only wants to run
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Archie was confiscated by the Salzburg VET office and is a brown, eleven-year-old Australian Shepherd. What he has experienced or endured in the eleven years, we will not know. According to information, Archie was mainly kept indoors, contrary to his natural needs, and was completely overgreased.
When I met Archie for the first time on a walk with his fosterer at the farm, I felt sheer horror and my heart contracted: tiredly he looked at me, his body was not that of an active Australian Shepherd, but that of a severely overweight dog who could hardly stand on his feet because of this excess weight.
The goal of the carers is that Archie can walk more briskly again
In any case, Archie has to lose some weight. Of course, the diet has to be well thought out so as not to stress his metabolism and cardiovascular system. So at the usual feeding times in the dog's living room, there is always the "Fressi" for our Archie.
The first exits were only a few minutes long, because his untrained little legs would not have been able to carry his heavy body for a long time.
What he has learned to appreciate very much is being walked, groomed, petted and given a balanced diet. Archie now knows all the voices of his carers, and is happy when the door opens, because it could be that he is being walked.
Archie has fallen head over heels in love
Our dog Neema has become the great love in his life. We noticed very quickly that he likes her and that he feels more than comfortable and secure around her. So the two of them live together in a dog room and are happy and content all around.
Neema's hind legs are paralysed due to an accident and she walks around the yard with the help of a dog wheelchair - and not slowly. Full of joie de vivre, she proves day after day how well she can cope with her physical handicap.
Neema was already at Archie's side during the first walks. She always wanted to "step on the gas", but Archie could not keep up. So they walked a short distance together and then parted ways to let Neema indulge her desire to run. Archie was horrified every time his girlfriend turned off, stopped and looked after her as long as he could see her.
Archie is very motivated and is getting leaner and leaner
Very thoughtfully, the keepers increase Archie's possibilities to move better and better and more nimbly.
For a few days now, Archie has even started to walk slowly.
Three guesses who encourages him to do so: Neema, of course.
A dog will forgive you faster than any other human being.
- Charlotte Gray, writer
I think Archie is just leaving the past years behind and dedicating his life to his new home and the love of his life:
His Neema and his caring caretakers.
Archie is looking forward to your visit,
Sincerely,
Your Gisela
