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Reggie our Recovered Casualty

Reggie's Blog

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This is Reggie's blog and video story.  Watch and read his story, in his own words.  From a road traffic accident victim to Exmoor explorer; Reggie has proven how resilient animals can be with the right care.  His story starts at the bottom of this page.

Reggie's escapades in Cornwall 2011

View Reggie's escapades in 2011 on vimeo!

Congratulations Forest Green Rovers

As a local celebrity, I sometimes get asked to open supermarkets and various events.  No such luck on Saturday the 14th April; I had to sneak in to watch Rovers beat Darlington 2 - 0 at home in the penultimate match of the season.  Getting out was a bit hairy but once I put my foot down (well all four of them) there is no stopping me.  Anyway, congratulations to Rovers for a turnaround season.  Like me, they have ended up significantly better a year on.

Next year it's the first team for me.

Olympic Rejection Leads to New Fundraising Idea

I am completely devastated because my application to join the Olympic team has been refused.  Apparently, I need a National Insurance Number (whatever one of those is) before being considered.  They also pointed out that they don’t hold Curling at the summer games because it is a winter sport.  And they said I was too short and couldn’t “curl” myself down the ice.  In short, my Olympic fundraising idea is off and I need to think of something else that will help raise big bucks for the branch.

I was thinking of doing a Hadrian’s Wall Trek but the thought of trekking for 25 miles is just too far for my little legs; although the scenery is supposed to be stunning and it would be a fine backdrop for a photograph of me.  Then I though, how about the London Marathon but apparently it is even further and you are supposed to run the whole way…  There must be something I could do.  Maybe I will have another nap and something will come to me.  It’s got to be worth a try.

Then it came to me. There I was, fast asleep, dreaming of sausages, dreaming of running faster than my Lurcher friend, Bailey, when I was woken up by loud applause.  Not for me (for a change) but for some fashion show on the telly.  I sat there and watched for a few minutes before I realised what was missing.  Forget Vivienne Westwood, Sarah Burton, Jasper Conran, Roland Mouret, Giles Deacon, Matthew Williamson, Margaret Howell, David Koma, Holly Fulton and Betty Jackson – where is the good looking dog?  The dresses looked OK but imagine how much better they would look next to me.  I bet I could get paid millions.  Time to write a few emails with accompanying photographs of yours truly…  In the meantime, if you want to help me raise funds for the Branch, get your credit card out and click on the icon below.

Winter Update

Winter is a funny old time of year.  First there’s Christmas; lazy days of turkey, sausages and a warm fire to sleep next to.  There are lots of visitors too but they tend to be a bit noisy and it is hard to get to sleep with so much going on.  Then the next thing you know it turns really cold and white stuff appears on the ground.  If you aren’t careful you can end up on your back with your paws in the air, it is so slippery.  Me, I take it steady and look forward to getting back indoors by the fire.

More turkey please, mum?  A sausage would go down nicely too.  And a biscuit or two...

Can we go home now?  I've done what I needed to do...

Anyway, now that spring is in the air, I have decided that I have become a bit lax on fundraising.  When you think how much the RSPCA spent putting me together and getting me fit and healthy, I think I owe them something.  So I have decided to enter the Olympics this summer and win a sponsored gold for England and the South Cotswolds Branch.

I have decided I am not fast enough for the 100 metres and the hurdles look a bit high for my short legs.  The hammer is just too darn heavy and I am not keen on swimming. So I have settled on Curling.  It should be a piece of cake to slide down the ice and sit in a circle at the other end.  I have a bit of an advantage over lumps of granite because I can use my claws to slow down and can lean from side to side as necessary.  Now where did I put my application form?

PS – If you want to help me raise funds, get your credit card out and click on the icon below.

November Update

As the winter has drawn in, I have been contemplating life, the universe and everything. And then it struck me, winter is cold and horrible and not a good time to be a homeless animal.  So I thought a bit more and it occurred to me that animals are missing a trick but I don't know how to crack the problem; maybe you have the right contacts and can help.

So my proposition is that one of the big TV companies runs a telethon on behalf of animal charities.  What do you think?  I support Pudsey Bear and all he stands for, so why can't a big name celebrity take on something like this?  After all, when it comes to sharing cruelty and neglect, animals must come top of the list in terms of numbers.

If you think you can help let the branch know.  If you want to do something more immediate then click the donate button (top right) of the screen and donate now.

Me and my girl watching Pudsey do his stuff.

Late Summer Update

Well, well, well, would you credit the weather we have been having of late?  The good news is that I took advantage of the really hot weather at the end of September to develop my new passion – I have discovered being a beach bum.  Now you might think it is great just hanging out in a pair of shorts, a tee shirt and flip flops.  Me, I go as nature intended – no clothes at all.  Anyway, we shot off to Padstow for a long hot sunny week – fantastic, especially now that I have developed the muscles in my damaged leg and I am nearly as fast as I used to be.  So I took the opportunity to practice my sprinting over the course of the week.  I think you will agree that with all the exercise, sunshine and fresh air I look even better than normal.  I loved the Camel Trail but was very disappointed with the wild life - not a humped creature to be found.

In one of the photo’s you can see my new girlfriend; ladies please do not be jealous, I am sure I can cope with more than one at a time – just form an orderly queue...

5 miles & no camel...

PS - The route we used to get to Padstow was A419, M5, A30, A395, A39, A389 & B3276 - why do I know these things?  Little dog, big brain?  I must be blessed.

August 2011 Update

Some of you were lucky enough to see me on the RSPCA stand at the South Cerney steam fair over the 5th, 6th & 7^th August.  I have also had a trip to the Malvern hills (picture below) and to Ducklington, near Witney in Oxfordshire (A40 then A415) see the photo of me with Mickey Mouse.  I also went as guest of honour to the Welland Steam Rally held in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, mid-way between Upton-Upon-Severn and Malvern (M5, A4104, B4208) 29^th, 30^th & 31^st July.  Two beauties in one place – it was stunning.

Anyway, at South Cerney we had some lovely pin badges donated to help raise funds to support my recovery - “In memory of Jim with thanks from Claire, Karen and Mark”.  And a thank you from me; without such support where would I be?  There is a picture of the RSPCA stand at the show – the only problem is that I am not in the picture; so it is a bit dull.

All in all, I have had a great time but, perhaps, the best news is that I have been “officially” adopted.  I have told the wonderful people at the RSPCA that I will continue to update my blog from time to time but they must appreciate I have to fit it in with my hectic lifestyle.  The sun is shining and I feel another nap coming on…

Me atop the Malvern Hills (another great backdrop for a star) and enjoying a well earned rest at Ducklington...  Mickey couldn't keep his eyes open.

Me (looking good) in a Bakers van at Welland

Fundraising at South Cerney.  I would like to thank everyone that bought and donated.  If you want to make a secure on-line donation here and now, please click the banner below.

Out and About with Reggie

First of all, have you seen the video of me?  I mean, I spend all this time writing my blog and, let's be fair, it isn't easy for a dog to use a keyboard...

Anyway, on to even more important things - me.  The second half of the June and the start of July has been extremely busy for me and I am more handsome as a consequence.

As promised, I made a celebrity visit to the RSPCA shop in Cirencester (2 Market Street for the uninitiated) and met some lovely people.  They all enjoyed themselves enormously and I let them adore and touch me.  I think they went home feeling better for having met me.

Me at the shop.  I don't think browsing really works for me, it makes my brain hurt trying to work out what all these things are for.

Can you spot the good looking one?

The shop looks good too.  One of my fosterer carers was telling me that they had it refurbished at the beginning of the year - a bit like me.  The amount of gear they had in there is quite bewildering to a little man like me, as you can see from the pictures above.  I also had time to meet little Tiffany (Yorkshire Terrier and shop regular) and she gave me some good tips; not that I can share them with you as we dogs like to keep our secrets.

Our recovering hero goes large

In one of the stunning pictures of me at Berkeley Castle, below, you can see how good I look these days and the beautiful castle had real competition with me in the vicinity.  My coat is luxurious and my brown eyes are fabulous; just what any girl wants.  The castle, on the other hand, is a mere fantastic sight.

Anyway, I have been caravanning at Berkley Castle (A38 and B4066), Lechlade (A417) and Wanborough, near Swindon (just off the A419).  What a globe trotter I have become.  However, I did have a bit of a turn, while caravanning at Berkeley Castle, when I zoomed in to my bed for a bit of a nap and caught myself funny on my, so called, "good" leg; this resulted in another trip to see the vet and the administration of some mighty painkillers.  I must admit that I felt a bit woozy for a time, especially when my foster carers decided to take me everywhere in a pushchair.  Not a good look for a handsome boy like me.  Thank goodness there weren't any girls to be seen.  Honestly, I would have died.

I have also been doing some more swimming but the girls decided I needed a new look.  I can't say I care for it myself and I do look a bit of a weirdo with a pair of tights on my head.  Whatever next?  Will they be training me as a cat burglar; do they get I am a dog?  Anyway, enjoy the pictures and, if you think the RSPCA has done a good job on me, why not send in a donation?

Check me out. Me checking out the competion in the magnificence stakes.

Yeah, I do look good; very good...

Not a good look.

When I saw the sign, I felt a tingle of expectation...

My Early June Explorations…

Well I have been on my travels again.  This time I went to Barnsley.  Mind you I thought it was in Yorkshire but it took no time to get there.  Still I now know where the B4425 goes.  My road sense is improving all the time.  Anyway, we went to the Cotswold Canine Hydrotherapy Centre where I met Clare and Kate.  Lovely ladies I thought but then they introduced me to "hydrotherapy".  It is definitely a bath and it's not even October when I normally get a bit muddy.  Still it has at least loosened me up a bit and I can now cock both legs.  Ambidextrous widdling is now my forte - watch out trees and anyone who stays still for too long.  Here are some pictures of me in a rather big bath and, if that wasn't enough, being showered afterwards.

Another update:

What is going on?  They did it to me again yesterday.  Down the 419 to Cirencester, around the bypass and then down the B4425, through Barnsley then turn left.  A dog shouldn't know such things!  I have a horrible feeling that this is going to be a regular feature of my life.  When they said we would be having more adventures this month, I didn't think they meant more baths.  A dog shouldn't be or smell so clean.  It is horrible.  I must find a muddy path to run down, preferably with a puddle or three - that will show them I mean business…  If only I can find some rabbit droppings too.

May 2011 update from Reggie

It has been an eventful month in my world and a happy one at that.  I have been whisked off to exotic locations like Cambridge (just off the A38) and Castle Combe racetrack (just off theM4) to experience the joys of caravanning.  I am not entirely certain that it fits with my debonair style but it is a bit of a laugh when the weather is nice.  I had a ride in a nice old (bread delivery) van; personally, I wanted a ride in the butchers van but when you aren't too quick on your pins your choices are limited.

The really good news is that the steelwork has been removed from my leg and I am starting to look a lot better.  I haven't quite got the hang of using all four legs and am being threatened with swimming lessons if I don't buck up my ideas.  Hydrotherapy they call it.  I call it an unnecessary bath.  I will let you know how I get on.  Her are some pictures of my adventures and me relaxing without the steelwork.  Its a dogs life.

April 2011 update from Reggie

The weather has been quite extraordinary; a bit like me...  I have been taking advantage of the glorious weather to relax, eat good food and work on my health.  As you can see from the pictures below, my leg and pelvis are improving although I still can't use my badly fractured leg properly and, I must admit, the steelwork is still a bit of a problem.

I went to the bingo and raffle evening, organised by Scott & Pat from the Cirencester shop.  It was a lovely evening and lots of people came to admire me.  Even better, everyone who attended raised over £400, which helps provide for local animal welfare.  Where would I be without such generosity?

My foster home is working out nicely, particularly with all the cuddles, brushing and attention they lavish on me but, then again, I am so gorgeous.  They love taking me for a walk.  I think they like to be seen in public with a top glamour puss and head turner.  Just wait until my leg heals and my coat grows...  Enough of my prattling; enjoy my latest pictures, below, and I will give you an update in a few weeks.

March 2011 update from Reggie

Thanks to the loving care of my friends at the RSPCA, I am feeling so much better, says Reggie who went on to talk about his recovery...  When I went under that car, I thought it was all over and couldn't believe it when I woke up in the vets.  They had obviously done a lot of work around my back end and I couldn't believe the steelwork sticking out of my leg.  It all felt really sore, I felt quite woozy and I couldn't stand up.

Some nice people came to see me and I could see that all they wanted to do was cuddle me.  I wasn't having any of that because I felt so poorly.  Anyway, after a few days they came and picked me up to take me to my new foster home.  To be fair to them, they had done a reasonable job of preparing for me with lots of cushions, fresh bedding and good food.  They aren't bad at the cuddling game either.

I suppose I had better talk about my progress so far.  After a lovely trip to Minchinhampton on Sunday to meet lots of RSPCA volunteers, I started to feel a lot perkier.  Sometimes, I can put my leg to the ground although it is still too sore for me to put much weight on it.  I am told that it will be more than two months before the steel work comes off my leg.  I have to say the stitches were a bit of a temptation and I couldn't resist tidying them up with my lovely sharp teeth.  They look very neat now with nothing showing at all and it saves a trip to the vets to get them removed.  I hope my coat has started to come back by the time the steel work comes off, as I want to make a good impression on the local girls...  This is me now, what do you think?

Background

Reggie came into the protection of the RSPCA South Cotswolds Branch after an appeal by a neighbouring dog warden for an animal charity to take on the care of this little man.  Reggie, an 18 month old Border Terrier cross, had sustained some very severe injuries after being involved in a road traffic accident.  One of his little back legs is broken in four places, his pelvis is broken on both sides and he has some very bad bruising.    Despite being in terrible pain and very confused about what has happened to him this little dog has constantly wagged his tail throughout his ordeal.  Reggie has been put back together again and is being loved and cared for by one of our wonderful foster homes.  Every day he is making progress and as he starts to feel more comfortable he loves having a little wander around the garden and sitting out in the sunshine; in time we are hopeful that he will make a full recovery from his injuries.

Can you help Reggie?

There are several ways you can help support Reggie:

• by making a one off donation; click the banner below to make a secure on-line donation now
• sponsoring him with a regular small monthly donation or
• simply by supporting our wonderful shops in Cirencester, Stroud and Nailsworth.

For information on helping Reggie by making a personal one off donation please contact June at our office on 01453 755 857.

We cannot help animals like Reggie without your support!

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