Zhak from Cyprus

The first reflection of him haunts. Lying curled upon the earth behind fencing, capturing shade beneath a tree. The tree also acted as protection from the annoyance of fellow inmates. Staff brought him to see me and an abhorrent sense filled me as I saw his eyes pleading. They told me he hoped I had come for him. Factually, the rescue shelter had been his saviour. He was categorized an abused dog when he was brought in and given sanctuary. Together with kind understanding, they had repaired his battered body. I wondered what his mind felt.

The account of this Afghan Hound is appalling. As an approximate 4 month old puppy, having been found with his sister, he was previously taken to another rescue establishment. There the two were restored, and carefully as can be, re- homed to potentially redoubtable owners. This was not to be the case for either of the hounds. The new owners not only let them both down, they destroyed the trust of the re homing staff. The bitch was found wandering, and following several placements was permanently re-homed with us.

Zhak, as he became, was not so fortunate. We shall never know how he fended for himself in the months he was left to roam until captured. He once again was placed into rescue kennels, and eventually re-homed. Again problems ensued. He was returned to the shelter by his new owner who found she was unable to deliver the care demanded for a young hound.

Indulgent and firm dedicated Afghan owners will not give up on this breed. We found Cyprus was not going to be the place for Zhak. The allure of the breed attracts novices. Zhak was eye catching and fascinated the incorrect potential owner.

He was released from the shelter into the compassionate hands of Alison Muller, an ex Afghan owner in UK, and together with Susan Neal, to become his foster mother and myself, Zhak was nursed back into the hound he should be. His spirit and confidence restored. A miracle, as no one truly knows what agonies this dog went through whilst fending for himself. He had been sighted on one of the beaches and recorded as being in a pitiful condition. At Susan’s, he delightedly met up with his sister.

Three women together with a hound and his plight. None could provide, for varied reasons, the loving, everlasting home he begged. Decisions were made, and the Afghan Rescue co-ordinator in the U.K. was approached and every offer of help from the magnificent Shirley Carr was gratefully accepted. He needed to go where we hoped the breed was revered and understood. The Cypriot breeders of the dog were horrified at the predicament in which their puppy had fallen, offering to take him back into kennels. By now he had found the comfort of a home more acceptable than becoming a kennel dog. Rescue coordinator, Shirley put great deal of effort into finding the home which we thought right for Zhak. She assured us we were not queue jumping as some people preferred a younger dog. To minimise use of U.K. Rescue funds, fund raising in Cyprus raised the money for Zhak’s flight and incidentals together with all the compulsory requirements for U.K. entry. During the last nine months, Zhak has gained a multitude of friends in Cyprus, without whose input, he might not have been on the road to an better life in U.K.

At last, the call came. Nigel and Conrad in the U.K. were known to Shirley. They have a rescue bitch, Fizz. They had lost their old rescue boy one year ago and thought it time to try to fill the huge hole he had left in their hearts. Fizz needed a playmate. Zhak held his paw high. He was just the guy they were looking for.

Zhak’s flight left for the U.K. shores on a warm sunny morning. His three carers, Susan, Alison and I were grief stricken at the prospect of never seeing our boy again. Much telephoning and placating of nerves from Nigel and Conrad allayed our fears. None more so than Zhak, who stepped confidently every inch into his airfreight box, with a last hug from us. We tearfully watched the plane as it taxied along the runway, lifting its bulk with our precious cargo on board, destined to a ‘forever home.’

Communication at last came. He was safely delivered into Nigel and Conrad’s care at Heathrow Airport, London. . Reports were of the sheer joy they felt of having him. A very handsome boy, quick to make friends with them and Fizz. Following a good walk, a game, and dinner, Zhak slept peacefully on the couch. His temperament solid in new surroundings.

From a fallen idol to a fortunate re-homing, Zhak repaid the love and support he had been provided, especially from his foster Mum, Susan. There were times she could have given up on him. A sometimes naughty, mischievous, bright-eyed hound, he learned real love, and rewarded her by responding to that love, He now oozes self-assurance, and his rehabilitation by Susan and friends is proof that hounds do respond to care and affection.

We enjoy reports of his progress and new life, which are frequent.. Zhak will continue to take his new life in his elegant stride. So many people have contributed to his success story.. We salute the determined effort of Coordinator Shirley Carr, without whose understanding and kindness, Zhak and many other Afghans would be in jeopardy. All of us have done what we could with love, for the love of an Afghan.

Zhak is doing fine, driving us insane – how soon we forget what it’s like to have a ‘kid’ in the house. He loves to let everyone know he is in the garden, especially those 5 miles away. In his words, “ oh look a bird – let’s bark” , or “ I must be going deaf as I can’t hear my voice anymore – that’s because I am not barking!”

He is also a great talker, he tells you ( not barking ) that he needs a constitutional, is hungry or that he is in the hall and feels lonely. I am convinced he is in training for ‘That’s Life’ as the new talking dog.

Zhak is a very affectionate dog and needs constant reassurance from either us or from Fizz. He nudges, nips or whines at us, or with Fizz he steps on her, pokes her or chases her around the garden like a nutter. He loves to climb up onto the sofa and snuggle up, or he likes to climb onto the bed with that look in his eyes that beg to be cuddled.

Fizz and Zhak are getting on fairly well, although he must have been a shock for her. He loves to play with her and chase her around the house and garden. He can occasionally get a little rough and drags her by the ears or the back of her legs, but she gives as good as she gets. It all seems very playful.

Zhak loves his country walks and his new posh coat. He is a strong boy and pulls so hard we ought to strap on a sleigh!!! His fur is growing and I’m sure it won’t be long before he is looking more man Affi than boy Affi.

Any unauthorised public reproduction, copying or use will constitute an infringement of copyright.