Happy families

When Theresa and Jim Foley rehomed Jack from Blue Cross, they were looking forward to introducing him to their grandchildren - Molly, six, Archie, four, and Isabella, 18 months.

Unfortunately, the meetings did not go well.

Theresa explains: “As soon as he saw the children Jack wanted to jump up at them baring his teeth. We thought perhaps it would just be that once but he did it every time they met.

"We were so worried he would harm them we made the heartbreaking decision to give him back to Blue Cross. We were devastated.”

The couple had already bonded with Jack and were so upset they asked Blue Cross if there was anything that could be done to keep them together and the children safe.

Blue Cross behaviourists stepped in to help.

Ryan Neile, Blue Cross Senior Animal Behaviourist, said: “Theresa and Jim were desperate to keep Jack in their lives and we wanted to do all we could to make that happen.

"I watched Jack’s reaction when he saw the children and happily I could see that he was not being aggressive – he was just very excited to see them and his grimace was actually a grin.

"With some simple tips to make sure Jack was calm when he said hello to the children they were able to happily play together.”

Seven years on, and the Foley children have grown up with their grandparents' dog at the heart of the family.

Theresa said: “We are so happy we were able to keep Jack after all. He has now been with us for seven years and he means the world to us. We are so glad we sought help instead of letting him go.

"I can’t imagine life without him.”