‘Blog’ About Nelson
As you will read below, Nelson is delighted to give you his own account of his promotion from kennel to sofa Dobe in recent weeks. He will now be permanently fostered by FOND ensuring his safety and care for life. As long as his relationship with Pam’s bitch Jenna remains amicable he will live in the house, sleep on the kitchen sofa, in the Tuffie Nest or in his crate with an open door, the choice is his! Plus he will enjoy companionship throughout the day, something which he thrives on … not forgetting endless beach walks and rabbit hunting on his beloved dunes.
We would like to thank everyone who has taken a special interest in Nelson and would particularly wish to thank our Kennel Sponsors who have helped to make it possible for FOND to care for him and the many other homeless Dobermanns who have passed through the kennel spaces at Lonmay.
We hope that dear Nelson might stand as a symbol of hope for the many Dobermanns in the UK living their lives in quiet despair as he once did. We hope he is testament to what can be achieved for our Dobermanns with YOUR SUPPORT.
Nelson weighed 27 kgs when he arrived at FOND – which for a large boned Dobermann was a good 10 kgs underweight – he now weighs a healthy 37 kgs. He had no muscle tone. Stressed and confused he was also full of worms with a dull coat. More worrying was his missing eye and the fact that his incisors had been filed down leading us to fear that he may have been used as bait in a dog fighting ring. This is speculation of course but it is a frightening possibility. The before and after photos show what a few months of care and stability have done for his physical and mental well-being. Thankfully not many of the Dobermanns who arrive at FOND have been abandoned but some of them have.
In spite of a clearly difficult past Nelson has taken on a role at Lonmay which has surprised us all. Over the last year it has emerged that a good few of his kennel friends, especially the bitches were looking to him for guidance and confidence around the kennel yard. He was a good friend and mentor to Chica, Chelsea, Lizzie, Madison, Keira and Pippin to name a few, helping them to settle and showing them the ropes. He was also a patient friend to our dear Rusty happy to let him curl up in bed next door so that Rusty could see him and feel safe.
The before and after photos show what a few months of care and stability have done for his wellbeing. Needless to say he always posed for the camera!
If you would like to continue to hear news of Nelson along with his friends who will continue to fill the kennel spaces at Lonmay please consider sponsoring a kennel. It is a fantastic way of ‘making a difference for a Dobermann’. Details of how to do so are on our – Sponsor a Kennel – page.
1st March, 2011
Nelson was picked up as a stray in Scotland some weeks ago having spent long and tedious days in a Pound kennel. Fortunately caring staff appreciated what a great temperament this dog has and approached FOND asking if we would could find him a forever home. Nelson has just moved to his foster home/kennel and is having a great time burning energy off in the garden, bounding through the wood and enjoying some Spring like weather.
A really lovely natured dog thought to be around 4 years old, he is vaccinated and micro-chipped. Nelson knows all of the basic commands like sit, down, go to bed, come, fetch and catch – he is a great catcher and loves his ball games. In fact Nelson adores all his toys and seems to have endless energy.
He travels well in the car and only minus so far appears to be that he does chew his blanket. This may well change once he is out of kennels. Well behaved and very clean in his house he also loves his grub. Nelson will need further lead training and responds well to a head collar type of lead. He also thoroughly enjoys being groomed.
Nelson is an athlete and jumps for fun as was discovered on a recent walk when he effortlessly leapt a 5 bar gate! Whoever applies must realise that this Dobe has already had more than one home, four that we know of including ourselves and he will need time to settle in to a calm and stable routine. Sadly we do not have Nelson’s full history so he cannot go to a family with toddlers. First impressions are that generally he appears relaxed with most other dogs and greets everyone like a long, lost friend.
Nelson deserves a lot better than life has provided for him to date.
8th March, 2011
Trip to the vet for general health check. Nelson weighed in at a mere 30.2 kilos, about 8-10 kilos lighter than normal for a dog of his height and bone. In addition to worming his vaccinations were brought up to date.
Later, Nelson attended Dog School – the local Council’s excellent Socialisation and Obedience class. There were 11 other dogs of all shapes and sizes in the class, most of them there preparing for their Bronze K.C. Good Citizen’s examination. Nelson who is always on his toes, popped out of the car, tail erect and marched into the hall as though he had been going there all his life. Ready to be everyone’s friend he behaved extremely well and was obviously thoroughly enjoying himself as his tail never stopped wagging!
Nor did he disgrace himself with some of the tasks and was ready to interact and respond to commands. A bold and confident dog he is extremely friendly and just loves going out in the car. He will make someone an excellent companion as he loves affection and is full of fun.
9th March, 2011
Wormed Nelson. Not only did Nelson expel a huge infestation of worms but suffered an upset stomach for some days so it was a huge mistake taking him to Dog School the following night! Enough information.
15th March, 2011
Big mistake – returned to Training Class thinking Nelson’s stomach was over the effects of his worming on 9th March. Alas it was not. Too much information.
18th March, 2011
Nelson – a delightful dog – full of fun – a gentleman but a mystery! How this dog ended up in a dog rescue on more than one occasion can only be put down to a feckless owner. FOND took him on three weeks ago as an 18 month old Dobermann or thereabouts and when the vet health checked him it was thought he could be nearer 4 or even 5 but ‘hey ho’ a micro-chip revealed that he was registered in June 2004. Not only did we receive a real surprise regarding his age but we discovered his name, however, this will only be divulged to his new owner and Friends of FOND in our twice yearly newsletter. It’s a secret! Needless to say it took some time before Nelson responded to his real name, but if you had been abandoned twice, used as a guard dog, failed miserably at the task, letting someone steal you who then abandoned you to stray again, maybe you would forget your name too!
This has to be the most athletic and energetic 6+ year old dobermann on the planet! Nelson adores walks free running on the beach, hunting for rabbits, travelling in the car or just curling up in the kitchen on a bed whilst you are working away. He never tries to climb on the furniture or put his paws on work surfaces. He has now attended 2 socialisation and obedience classes with up to 14 dogs in the class and has behaved very well indeed. An affectionate and companionable dog who deserves to have his loyalty and kindness reciprocated.
4th April, 2011
Nelson is now making two or three trips to one of the vast beaches we have along the Aberdeenshire coast. Sometimes we are on the sands and he paddles in the sea, sometimes he dashes about the dunes and other times we go to a rabbit infested area where with his one eye he is totally bemused by the amount of bunnies that dash about and disappear down into the warrens.
24th March, 2011
Everyone’s ringing up about Guinness – but what’s wrong with Nelson? Is it all in the name?
22nd March, 2011
Back to training classes. A very noisy bunch. As Nelson gains confidence he becomes cheekier and on this occasion decided to add some vocals to proceedings, needless to say the tail was still wagging and it’s like a whip. Ouch! This dog is not suited to low coffee tables with crockery or wine glasses, definitely an accident waiting to happen!
8th April, 2011
Another session at Dog Training. Next week is Examination Day, Nelson will be giving it a miss as he becomes so excited when the other dogs are doing recalls and the small ones are flying up the wooden floor like out of control floor mops yelping and yapping. Another worming, a weigh in and he is now 32.9 kilos which is pretty good because he is so energetic.
19th April, 2011
A red letter day for FOND Dobes a huge box of Easter Goodies in the form of treats, biscuits and chews arrived from an ardent supporter. Nelson was particularly responsive at Dog School with the selection of incentives on offer.
General News 30th April, 2011
In addition to masses of treats, there was a super LED light in the Easter gift box. Nelson now wears this out at night when he is off lead in the fields and lane. Despite being a very energetic dog now that he knows his routine and has bonded he is actually an extremely obedient dog with good recall. He is not the sort of dog you would let loose in the park because he is at a huge disadvantage only having one eye so is wary if rapidly or aggressively approached on the near side which is his blind side. However with our dogs who he meets the other side of gates or through the mesh of the exercise pen he is not in the least confrontational or aggressive. The problems unfortunately come from our spoilt and jealous bitch. When Nelson was introduced to Chica he behaved extremely kindly with her when they played loose together. On Tuesday 26th April he walked all around our local town with a group of 4 other dogs up-sides, on leads, not bothered by them or the general activity.
In the house his kitchen manners are impeccable – he does not cadge or steal and when you are sitting down he either goes and lies down on the dog bed or if allowed will curl up beside you for a cuddle. Nelson is a lovely dog who is being overlooked, but having said that we do want a special home for him, he is such a fun, happy character.
6th May, 2011
Nelson has gone to bed tonight with his paws crossed as there just might be someone who has that ‘special’ home we are seeking for him. This week has been a good one for him on Tuesday a double session at Dog School. First a very noisy class with a number of unruly, under socialised Collies and Spaniels. After that Nelson stayed on for the star pupils class as he is a bit of a teacher’s pet. A small class, Nelson, Findlay the Minature Poodle, Dash the GSD who knows it all and Digger one previously abused and mixed up rescue Collie whose path you do not cross. We had a walk about town. A really funny sight Nelson and Findlay walking along side by side. Back to the hall for retrieves, sits and stays and downs and stays and other exercises which Nelson performed pretty well and calmly. The weather was so good this week so he had a lovely bath one afternoon and stood like a rock. Coat now looks great. He has also enjoyed a couple of long walks on the beach and in the dunes. Here’s hoping it’s Nelson’s turn soon for his forever home.
20th June, 2011
In May, Nelson went off happily with a couple who spent two days staying with us becoming aquainted with this lovely Dobe. Nelson was so enthusiastic about having his own home standing in a very large garden that he took to telling any passers-by that it was his patch and became very protective. We knew that Nelson did not like bikes and one of those freak incidents occurred when a young cyclist came out of a side lane and nearly hit Alison and Nelson. Nelson reacted only as most dogs would by lunging forward and unfortunately caught the lad’s jacket. You have to remember this dog has suffered a horrendous injury having only one eye and scars on his body that only he knows the history of. This is a most loving and easy going Dobe under normal circumstances and he was in a tiny community on the north coast of Scotland. FOND decided it was in the best interests of this Dobe that he should return to kennels until a home is found where he cannot be put at risk. Nelson deserves a special home more than most. He was sadly returned as in the home you could not wish for an easier, better behaved dog. If you know of anyone who lives in a quiet spot with a good sized piece of ground and would like that special companion, his name is Nelson!
20th August, 2011
Well sadly Nelson is still with us but he has been doing a good job minding the young girls. He enjoyed long beach walks with young Tara before she moved to Ross-shire and more recently became quite fond of that little charmer Chelsea. As times goes on he is becoming more and more relaxed around other dogs and when a randy black labrador accosted him on the beach the other day making improper advances he merely raised his hackles and looked uncomfortable. He is travelling quietly on the opposite side of the dog guard in the Dobemobile to dogs like Ollie and Dante and has been walking with Arnold and Dante all on leads of course but no animosity shown by any of the boys. Hopefully that country home will come up for this lad before too late in the year.
8th November, 2011
Pam, my surrogate mum, has her hands full at present dealing with what seems to be a never ending stream of Dobes needing her attention, advice and sometimes an immediate move either up here at FOND HQ, or into one of our many foster homes around the country, therefore I have employed a private secretary to keep all of my fans out there in Cyber Space up to date with just exactly what I have been doing in my busy life. It has been so busy lately here at FOND HQ that it feels like my paws have not touched the ground for weeks, and as I have now been designated as ‘FOND’s inaugural long termer’ and a promotion to Senior Dobe Director, it is down to me to keep everything steaming along at a steady pace.
The most important event that has occurred over the last few weeks has been the commencement of building work on the conversion of the empty area of The Steadings into a purpose built kennel large enough to accommodate up to four Dobie residents if necessary. This was all due to one of my very generous benefactors digging into a slush fund set up in the name of her recently deceased Dobie girl named Kodi, and in honour of this incredible philanthropic act it has been agreed to dedicate this building as ‘KODI’s KABIN’ (please click on image for larger version). You will be glad to hear that I took on the onerous task of Chief Inspector of Kennelling and Project Manager to oversee the workmen and to make sure that every aspect of Dobermann comfort was taken into account when the plans were drawn up by the architect. I was also on site every day to supervise the construction and keep the coffee breaks to a minimum, unless of course there were chocolate biscuits on offer. The Kabin is now in full time operation providing a safe and secure environment for the desperate Dobes that need a place to rest their paws before setting off to a happier life with their new owners. I am promised an official opening ceremony at some time in the future once things have calmed down and we can draw breath again.
I have the feeling now that FOND are beginning to rely on my calming talents to steady and reassure the many different dogs that find their way over here, I try my best to introduce them to the routines and the day to day operations, the best areas for walking and the expected behavior that is requested of them if they are going to be invited into the lovely warm Lonmay kitchen of an evening. I wonder if I should draw up an expenses bill for services rendered?
Another one of my many jobs that I can add to my ever growing CV for any prospective adopters for me out there to peruse is a fashion model, as I have been strutting my stuff along the catwalk showing off a variety of tailor made Dog Coats donated for use of all FOND Dobermanns. My personal favourite was a bright blue fleecy little number, one that I can snuggle down into bed with overnight to keep the chill at bay, I’ve also got my eye on the heavy winter Natural Sheepskin one that is hanging up waiting for the snowy weather to make an appearance.
Much as I love being here at Lonmay, I know that it is not the ideal situation for me and I really ought to find that extra special country home, somewhere I can get my paws under the table and rest my head on my very own bed. Surely there is someone who would be prepared to take a big boy like me on, to make me their constant companion. I’m great at Dune racing and have enough energy to keep up with the best athletes of the dog world though I’m also not averse to spending ‘man time’ lazing on the sofa with a bottle of dog beer in front of the Footie.
Please don’t let the thought of me losing an eye put you off getting on that phone to FOND to offer me a home of my own, I’ll let you know that many famous one eyed people have been able to make their mark on this world, let me see; there’s Marshal Rooster Cogburn, Sammy Davis Jr, Leo Mckern, Gordon Banks, Horatio Nelson (my name sake) Hannibal and his elephants, Theodore Roosevelt, Eric Hosking, Peter Falk, Ry Cooder …
If you think you could offer me that quiet forever home with large grounds ideally close to wild beach or mountain scenery where I would be the only dog so that you can concentrate all your attention onto me, I would reciprocate with a huge fun loving, give anything a go once character that you could not fail to fall headfirst in love with.
11th December, 2011
Sir Nelson checking in again with the breaking news that construction work on Kodi’s Kabin has been completed and the first resident has moved his bed into the spanking new condominium – yes it’s me folks! Well did you believe for one minute that I would allow anyone else the privilege with which bedroom they would have?! Not only do I have a much larger floor area but my very own jump through hatch to a huge grassy securely fenced arena behind the Kabin free to use any time of the day or night as the need arises, though with the hurricane force winds here of late the two way flap has been temporarily closed down for the season to stop all the heat escaping from the convector heater and to minimize drafts.
The opening ceremony was duly celebrated with the unveiling of a beautiful handcrafted engraved Welsh slate plaque with the words Kodi’s Kabin now proudly standing at the entrance, with new doors due in this week, the official photographs will be appearing soon in our FOND Newsletter and on our web pages. Can I just say here that if it were not for the generosity of all the dear – kennel sponsors – then we here at FOND HQ would not be able to help the terrible never ending queue of Dobermanns that need to be re-homed at a moments notice from across the whole of Great Britain. We are full to capacity here, as well as Dobes in our over flow boarding Kennels just down the road, not to mention all those other sorry lads and lasses in the various foster homes up and down the country. This is really an awful sign of these austere times with the tightening of the purse strings, it is always the pets of the family that have to bear the brunt and be the first thing that gets disposed of, you hope to a reputable rescue centre like FOND but all too often they are just thrown out on to the streets to fend for themselves as best they can.
I must thank my lucky stars that I was offered a long term space here, supervising all the comings and goings, as you may well be aware from the recent updates on the website, I have lost yet another one of my live in girlfriends, dear sweet Pippen has moved to pastures new in Lincolnshire, I wish her well in her new Dobie paradise from all accounts. However, hot on her heels has appeared Lizzy Lizard as we like to call her because of the weird set of her ears. A Dobie girl after my own heart who likes nothing better than to curl up next to me in KODI’S KABIN at night or lounge on the dog sofas in Pam’s kitchen of an evening listening to the latest episode of ‘Coronation Street’.
I’m afraid my bespoke tailor is not best pleased with me at the moment as I have taken a liking to chewing through the chest band of my lovely warm blue fleecy coat. Twice she has had to mend the strap and twice I’ve chewed through it, therefore she has now given to me another handmade style of outdoor wear more in keeping with the inclement weather of late; a lovely black padded number with robust strapping that I don’t put my teeth through (or not yet at least).
We FOND Dobies; there are 3 rescue mutts, my good self and two house Dobes so six in total were treated to an early Christmas present when a FOND volunteer turned up on the doorstep with a huge box of Christmas presents, together with our very own Christmas Door Wreath decorated with edible gravy bones. A photo session was duly called and the resultant pictures will appear very son as either cards or here as illustrations to the generosity of all my mates out there who have only my best interests at heart.
Now, will that Wreath last the season I wonder? Those bones look mighty tempting and the smell of that gravy is driving me crazy, the only problem it’s just out of reach on the door, but rest assured I will devise a cunning plan sooner or later.
Well Christmas is just around the corner, my very first one here with FOND, a time of merriment and celebrations I hear with lots of pressies and a sip or two of the amber nectar and no doubt a proper dogs dinner of a feast coming our way in the form of roast Turkey with all the trimmings. Only the best is good enough for us needy souls, but let’s not forget those poor abandoned Dobes walking the streets or suffering in some hidden places, please remember them less fortunate than I when wrapping up your festive offerings and maybe send a rescue Dobe a gift or two.
So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone out there, enjoy the festive season and hug your precious Dobies they give so much in return for all the love and care that you can bestow upon them.
Here’s to 2011, the commencement of FOND and welcome to 2012 and all that is to come.
Sir Nelson Bailes signing off …
February, 2012
It is now almost a year since Nelson came into our care and it therefore seems fitting that this update should reflect the past twelve months and all that we have come to know and love about this unique and rather marvellous Dobermann.
For those new to our website or to his regular Log updates, 7 year old Nelson arrived at FOND in March 2011 stressed and in poor condition with no history other than that he had been picked up stray on two occasions ending up in a pound in central Scotland. He has also suffered the loss of an eye at some point in his life, sadly we have been unable to find out when or why.
In spite of his hardships and a life we can only guess at, what continues to amaze and delight us, and indeed everyone who meets him, is his extraordinarily happy and upbeat demeanour. Nelson refuses to see himself as one of life’s victims, is everyone’s best friend and has the most infectious, carefree attitude to life.
Every morning, rain or shine he bounces out of his kennel, having pre-selected a toy (usually his Wubba) from his toy bucket when he hears footsteps approaching. Nelson has won himself many friends in and around Lonmay with his easy charm and huge personality. This is a dog who will plonk himself at your feet, fling his head back and say ‘you are my new best friend’ before you have had time to take your coat off! He is on the whole extremely obedient, travels like a dream, is a joy in the home and makes everyone feel as if the sun has come out. So why have we been unable to rehome him?
We don’t really have an answer to that although realistically, his tremendous nature and charm aside, we have to say that he does need an experienced, sensible , quiet, rural home.
For a dog who will be 8 years old this spring Nelson is showing no signs of slowing down – his favourite pastime is flying around the sand dunes on his vast, empty beaches hunting for rabbits whilst always keeping his eye on where you are. That said he also loves pottering around the garden keen to help!
As deeply fond of him as we are we recognise that no Dobermann as companionable as Nelson can be expected to thrive long term in a kennel environment. As much attention, exercise and company as we are able to give him it does not come close to being someone’s special dog. And we know that is what he craves and deserves.
Nelson is a ‘once met never forgotten’ Dobermann perhaps even a once in a lifetime Dobermann but his home has to be the right one. He is a special dog requiring special handling. If you are an experienced dog owner with a remote location, no young children or sheep and are prepared for a best friend with the heart of a lion please get in touch.
Nelson’s Final Log April 2012
Hello loyal followers out there in cyberspace. As you may have read elsewhere on the FOND website, my circumstances have recently changed due to my cunning plan set in motion over a year ago now and as a result this will be my final log entry. I understand that some may be disappointed by this news but no worries you have not seen or heard the last of me! I shall be involved with everything that is happening at FOND HQ, so still having the exclusive use of Sue my own private secretary here comes the final Log.
As you know, I first appeared on the FOND scene way back in March 2011, arriving on Pam’s doorstep from a council run dog pound, with my hankie tied to a stick over my shoulder, a label round my neck with the words ‘Please look after this Dobe’ scrawled in pencil, a strange name, a history of several dubious homes, only one eye and an uncertain age. On the good side I had bags of energy, was a friendly fellow with a love of car travel, food and a zest for life that could not be dented by my colourful past. After an initial few weeks of becoming acclimatized to the FOND regime, attending the local dog school classes where I made myself noticed bouncing and barking at everyone, especially hairy dogs and one false start of a possible home I began to realize that maybe I was already in my Dobie paradise here at Lonmay and thereby formulated my cunning plan to keep my paws firmly under the table. One major problem came in the form of Miss Jenna Hall, the matriarchal resident Dobie girl. No way was she prepared to share her home with any other dog never mind Dobermann other than her own dear Arnold. I contented myself by becoming involved with everything that happened within the FOND organization and waited for her attitude to soften and came to know a few nice girls along the way.
I kept busy over the next few months helping the builder with the construction of ‘Kodi’s Kabin’ and enjoying a snack and a game and after the offical opening became its first occupant! I became FOND’s ardent promoter, putting my paw to any task that was asked of me from top fashion model, to photo journalism and minding the new arrivals. All the while efforts to charm the minxie Jenna for her acceptance seemed in vain as she continued to fly at me every time she saw me and only had eyes for Arnold.
Then quite suddenly our world turned upside-down, poor old Arnold was taken away from us after a sudden and short illness. We were shocked by his loss, none more so than Jenna who was bereft. I could tell she was grieving without her lifelong companion and so after an appropriate time I was allowed to accompany her on car rides and walks in the dunes.
With this quiet approach my efforts have not gone to waste, Jenna has now accepted me into the home. I have free access into the kitchen/living area and eat, drink and sleep inside the house. It’s great! Pam and John have agreed to foster me permanently and I am no longer a Dobe needing a home. This afternoon it was lashing rain and guess what Jenna and I were lying in front of the log burner in the sitting room together. I’ve arrived!
Would you believe it now things are really looking up! Just when I have accomplished total acceptance within the FOND household I have possibly found romance through the internet with a beautiful Dobie named Susan! Susan sent me a Christmas card enclosing her photo and now, get this she has offered me a home in her 7 bedroom mansion if things don’t work out with Jens. She’s cute so I’m going to ask her to become my pen pal. Two Dobergirls in my life can’t be bad so you haven’t heard the last of me within these pages if I can persuade Susan to engage in an exchange of our adventures from time to time.
Now to end on a naughty note, those of a sensitive nature please look away, this will hopefully bring tears to the eyes as it certainly did to my one when Sue brought the following anecdote to my attention. Laughed!!!… I nearly wet myself! And they say I am not good with furries!
Take a look yourself … Nelson signing off.
To Wash A Cat
- 1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl …
- 2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.
- 3. In one smooth movement put the cat in the toilet and close the lid. You may need to stand on the lid.
- 4. At this point the cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this!
- 5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a ‘Power-Wash’ and ‘Rinse’.
- 6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.
- 7. Stand well back, behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift the lid.
- 8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.
- 9. Both the toilet and the cat will be sparkling clean!!
