Darcy's story

Any pet would feel anxious after losing their family and being brought to an unfamiliar place.

For chihuahua cross Darcy, it has been a long journey to build the trust she needs to manage her anxiety.

Black and tan chihuahua Darcy gazes out into the distance while sitting in a grassy paddock — Anxious Darcy needed plenty of care and attention

Found in the road by a pub and brought to the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Southampton, Darcy was immediately given the care and attention she needed.

Darcy was able to stay with our team and move into a foster home, rather than being taken to local authority stray kennels, as her anxiety meant the ordeal would have been incredibly stressful.

Black and tan chihuahua Darcy gets cuddles from a Blue Cross team member — Little Darcy was gradually able to regain her confidence with Blue Cross support

“Darcy was brought to us at 5pm one day as she’d been found running around in the road and it was obvious how sensitive she is,” explains Kirsty Smith, Admissions Coordinator at Blue Cross Southampton.

Separation anxiety wasn’t Darcy’s only issue, as the pet also had fleas, which needed treatment to make her more comfortable.

Black and tan chihuahua Darcy gallops through a grassy paddock — Darcy came on leaps and bounds during her time with Blue Cross

The black and tan 18-month-old chihuahua’s microchip was only registered with her breeder, so it wasn’t possible to track down her family.

But in the three months after Darcy was handed into Blue Cross, she came on leaps and bounds.

Black and tan chihuahua Darcy is cuddled by her new owner while wearing a grey and red fleece coat — Darcy has a loving new home

The team worked with Darcy to build her trust and help her feel more comfortable and confident with other pets and people.

Darcy also spent time in a foster home, where she could start to overcome her anxieties.

“Once she knows you, she is super friendly and very affectionate too,” adds Kirsty.

After spending a total of 114 days with Blue Cross, Darcy found a loving forever home in West Yorkshire where she can relax and make the most of life.

“Darcy has bonded very well with our family,” explains Tracey Wright, who adopted Darcy along with her husband John.

“She is settling into her new surroundings and we are lucky that we have many public footpaths which Darcy enjoys, especially all the different routes we take her.

“Darcy is doing really well passing people when we are out walking, although it will be a little while before she is comfortable meeting other dogs on our walks.”