The Bull Terrier Club
Although the majority of respected Breeders of Bull Terriers breed their pups as a hobby, they know that they are 'Guardians of the Breed', so usually take their role very seriously. Breeders also (usually) agree to take the responsibility of the dogs that they breed throughout the whole life of their, and are always on hand to give owners advice and, in the worst-case scenario, would take the dog back and try to rehome it, should they need to. It is an unfortunate fact though that some Bull Terriers are being bred under less than-ideal circumstances and some of those dogs may fall upon hard times during their lives. A scheme to rescue unwanted Bull Terriers, those in distress or those finding that they need a new home, was founded over forty years ago. It was one of the first schemes of its kind in the world, and this awesome responsibility was almost immediately accepted by The Bull Terrier Club as their own Welfare Scheme. Many years later this then went on to become a registered charity under its present title 'The Bull Terrier Club (UK) Welfare Trust'. It is self-explanatory that the purpose of The BTC Welfare Trust is there to rescue and re-house unwanted Bull Terriers. However, what is perhaps not so obvious is that the mandate of The Welfare Trust includes advising and educating owners, and prospective owners of the Breed. This also means that there is usually someone to hand that has a wealth of knowledge and experience of the breed, who is more than willing to help and advise people when help is needed or when there is an emergency. So how is The BTC Welfare Trust funded? Much of the income that we raise derives from donations made by members of the public, by members of The Bull Terrier Club itself, or via those who adopt the animals that have been in our care. The Welfare Trust is also very fortunate that other Bull Terrier Clubs throughout the Country kindly donate monies to us, which is often raised via raffles, stall receipts, or auctions that Clubs host. In some cases, money is raised through special events being held in the charity’s honour. And, of course, private donations are always very much welcomed!
So, who runs the Trust? Well, it is run independently of The Bull Terrier Club itself, however, there are carefully chosen Trustees appointed by The Bull Terrier Club. Decisions of whatever nature are then made by this board of Trustees and are governed by the Charity Commission itself. All funding received is held within The Welfare Trust’s bank account and is to be used solely for the benefit of Bull Terriers. Only specified Trustee signatures can draw funds at any time, and any expenses/payments must be carefully accounted for.
Our Accounts are supplied annually to all members of The Bull Terrier Club and the accounts must be passed at The Welfare Trust’s Annual General Meeting, held in conjunction with The Bull Terrier Clubs Annual General Meeting. Our yearly accounts must also be presented to the Charity Commission for their perusal. The Bull Terrier Club is delighted to be affiliated with The BTC Welfare Trust and fully supports the cause of helping to care for our wonderful breed, the Bull Terrier. There is huge satisfaction of a job well done when helping the unfortunate Bull Terriers out there who are not as fortunate as our own dogs. The Bull Terrier Club itself is always there to support The BTC Welfare Trust and in the very unlikely event that The Trust becomes insolvent, The Bull Terrier Club will accept full responsibility for any liabilities that The BTC Welfare Trust may not be able to meet.
For further information relating to The BTC Welfare Trust, or for more information on how to adopt or foster one of our Bull Terriers in need, or indeed if you would like to help and advice in helping us raise more funds for this wonderful charity; please click here to make contact with one our representatives, who would be more than happy to help.
How do we help?
OUR HAPPY ENDINGS
Fears for Filly
When a dog is brought into The Bull Terrier Club (UK) Welfare Trust, the journey starts with a telephone call from Tracy Fletcher, The Chairwoman and Trustee for The Bull Terrier Club (UK) Welfare Trust, and she asks me if l have space / time for an additional Welfare dog. I have been helping the Trust for over 20 plus years now.
Prior to the initial conversation between Tracey and I, Tracey would have established that the dog coming in to us is indeed pure-bred Bull Terrier, and that the owner of the dog coming in, for whatever reason, has considered contacting the breeder of the dog, to see if they are willing to help re-home the dog in question. Good breeders, as guardians of our beloved breed, know that they have a responsibility to the dogs that they have bred and should always be willing to ‘step-in’ to help ensure an appropriate home is found, rather than their dogs ending up in the care of The BTC Welfare Trust. However, in this instance, “Filly “, a young red and white female Bull Terrier, had been imported from a particular Country and her breeder was not known to us, so it was impossible for us to make contact with them. Her owner had brought a property overseas and was going back and forth to it. Filly was spending time, he said, with friends (that was hard to believe though!). Filly’s owner left all of her paperwork with me, and I read that he had paid £5,000 plus the transport costs, to buy her. Over many, many years of working with The BTC Welfare Trust dogs, l have indeed met my fair share of difficult ones but, it is safe to say that ‘Filly’ was one of the most mentally disturbed Bull Terrier’s that l had ever met. Her owner said ill health was the reason he had decided to give her up - this proved not to be the truth as throughout our conversation it became all too clear that Filly was “in his way “. I asked him why had he brought a dog from overseas when he could have bought one in the UK and for much less money too; his reply was, “oh, l wanted an older one that had already been trained. “ Looking down at Filly, who by now was pulling herself as far away as possible from the man that her long lead would allow her to, I could clearly see that Filly appeared very down cast, the whites of her eyes very clear to see, and she was growling, barking loudly, and snarling frantically while jumping up and snapping at thin air. I said to her owner, “Mr XXX she isn’t trained, she’s broken and looking at her behaviour l would say, based upon my first impression, that it is highly unlikely that she’ll ever be rehomed and or if it was at all possible, that it would take a very long time to rehabilitate her; if we could at all!” I went on to say to him, based on my long experience of working with dogs (specifically Bull Terriers), that I didn’t think that she is going to make it as she seemed too far gone. He gave no reply, showed no response, or even any care for that matter, he simply handed me the lead, along with all her paperwork, and drove off…never to be heard from again. It’s fair to say over the next few weeks Filly’s behaviour was absolutely shocking, she did not come outside of her (inside) kennel. I had left her on her long lead, just as a precaution as l could not get near her. However, day by day, Filly started to eat a little bit of her food, and after a couple of days she would come out of the kennel, but only at night-time. I did try to sit inside with her, but this proved very risky for me. It’s hard not to show fear and believe me l really did try not to, but part of me was fearful, even if l was constantly making myself body conscious. I pulled out all the tried and tested methods to bring a dog around, but none of them seemed to work; it really was frustrating. Filly had arrived painfully thin, but she had no signs of any skin concerns. She did not respond to my voice or to any soft sounds…nothing at all, and she did not lift her head or look at anyone – ever! Every time anyone walked past the inside of the kennel door, she would throw herself at the gate, snapping, snarling and barking. No dog would even dare to make eye contact with her, and they would all quickly rush past her pen and gate as quickly as possible when they were going out to be exercised. Filly could be heard growling as soon as the main kennels doors opened and whenever anyone was inside cleaning the kennels etc., she would continue on with this behaviour. We have had dogs in Welfare before with slightly similar behaviours, but they always showed clear signs of ‘change for the better’ over a period of time and they usually continued to progress, however, things with Filly were just becoming worse and worse over time! Filly was given every opportunity to show even the tiniest bit of change; l willed her to just give me some reason not to have to make the ‘dreaded’ call to call our Welfare Vet but, unfortunately, that day had come as l had agreed to go away for a few days and l had very deep concerns for staff, and for my daughter, who would be left to look after the dogs in my absence. It was agreed Filly had been given every opportunity and that she was just too high a risk for any successful outcome and, sadly, it was decided that as all options had been tried and they had failed; maybe it was best to let her go to have some peace within herself, but even that question was a real concern as no one could go anywhere near her. It was just heart-breaking to have to consider this fate for her… A telephone call was made to our experienced vet, who said he would call at the kennels that very evening after surgery to help Filly on her path to peace. However, our vet had then been called out to an emergency and he couldn’t come that evening after all. He made a promise to call my daughter the next day and to discuss things and establish a timing to come over to the house. While I was sat at the airport, deeply affected by our decision, l received a photograph on my phone from my daughter, Ginny, and she was sat outside on our lawn with Filly! She was still attached to her long lead, but she looked so much more relaxed. Quite what had changed, l really didn’t know?! Ginny said to me later “Mum, l just knew that she was so close to being put to sleep and that I just had to give her one more chance…she had clearly faced so many ‘angry’ humans and as you know, I have a huge temperamental horse that I had given that extra chance to too, so l decided to give Filly one more chance…and it really has paid off! “ After that day with Ginny, Filly never looked back! Some days, it would be very small steps to then giant leaps forward the next. Filly taught me a lot and while l knew she still needed a very special home, l felt that there would be someone out there who would continue to give her a fighting chance, with the correct handling of course. Filly’s next step forward was for her to be welcomed into our home, to see how she would adjust to a different environment from the kennel, and she just kept taking those giant leaps forward. It was truly heart-warming to witness how far Filly was improving. Then, one day weeks later, l received a telephone call from a very special lady, who had another dog, a very calm one, that she shared her home with: a male Lurcher. After us discussing how this lovely lady could help Filly, where she lived and the normal routine of her family life, we then went on discuss Filly and I was completely honest about every bit of Filly’s back-story. The lady was not put off at all and she reassured me that she really did feel that she could continue to help Filly with her rehabilitation. It was discussed and agreed with Tracey at The BTC Welfare Trust that Filly could learn no more living with me and Ginny, and that this was Filly’s chance. The next step of Filly’s journey then continued with her new family, and what wonderful and more peaceful life that was(and continues to be) for Filly, who had indeed found her forever home! What a wonderful journey it proved to be for all involved, especially one very special Bull Terrier named Filly. We all wish you a truly happy life, Filly, what a wonderful happy ending for us all, but especially for you.
-Written by Sherril Goodwin
Frosty Filly Finds Her Forever Friends
We previously rescued a Bull Terrier from our local Plymouth Dogs Home, who after 12 years of loving us, passed away at aged 14. After almost a year of broken hearts, we were ready to look at opening our hearts and home to a new Bullie. Our Lurcher had always lived with a Bull Terrier, and we adored the breed too, so we decided that we wanted to give one that really needed a ‘second chance’ at a happy life. I follow various dog charity groups online and one day, a post from The Bull Terrier Club (UK) Welfare Trust came up on my Facebook feed. I then visited their website and read all the details relating to Filly. We felt that we would be a great match and decided that we’d offer our home, and our hearts, to Filly – we then made the call... Sherril, the BTC Welfare representative, spoke at length about Filly and it was very clear that she and The Welfare Team had the very best interest of Filly at heart. Filly was a very troubled soul, who had been booked in to be put to sleep due to her extreme issues, which seemed mostly down to her severe fear of everything and everyone. Sherril went on to explain how Ginny had helped Filly ‘turn a corner’, so to speak, and that she had started to make improvements, especially so when she moved into the house with Sherril. After various lengthy conversations, it was decided that we’d take the steps forward in adopting Filly - Sherril felt our home life, and Bull Terrier experience, sounded a great match for Filly. We liaised with Sherril extensively about the best way to help Filly to continue on with her rehabilitation in the future. So, that was that! We had all decided that moving forward with Filly’s adoption was the right thing to do, and she was transported down to us in Devon by a lovely volunteer for the Charity. From the moment Filly arrived at our home, we gave her lashings of reassurance, consistent routine, and pure love. Filly instantly decided that my Husband was the person she wanted to be with; she decided to sit next to him on the sofa and started licking his face immediately. She was also very curious of our old Lurcher boy, however, she completely understood that the Lurcher wanted to sleep alone and that he wasn’t sprightly enough to play in the usual Bull Terrier way of rough and tumble and ‘Bullie spin’ antics. In the first weeks and months, I was regularly in touch with Sherril who continued to give us great advice and reassurance. I have always felt that Sherril and The BTC Welfare Trust Team were on hand at any point, had we have needed help or if any issues had arisen. Filly settled in almost immediately; she was very loving and reliant on us. She soon came out of her shell and her funny, sometimes naughty, playful Bull Terrier side came out. We are so thrilled to say that her beautiful personality is now fully fledged and that she truly loves life! Filly does still get a bit nervous of some strangers, but she has been on two holidays (Dorset and Cornwall) and she was an incredibly good girl the whole time on both trips. Filly absolutely loves her regular beach and Dartmoor walks and always makes dog friends, and human fans, wherever she goes. She often joins us on trips to the pub and is alwayssuch a good girl. In the Summer months she loves to laze on the garden sofa and in the Winter months, she curls up with us while holding whatever her favourite toy of the moment is! We have attended several of The West Country Bullie Walks Charity events with Filly now and she just loves to meet other Bull Terriers. We truly have made some wonderful Bull Terrier owner friends, who all share the same passion and love for the breed that we do. We are still in regular contact with The BTC Welfare Trust and always send over lots of photos of Filly in her new home, and of her enjoying her new life. Filly is a wonderful girl and were very lucky that we were approved to adopt her as put simply, we absolutely adore her! We genuinely can’t thank Sherril, or The BTC Welfare Trust Team, enough for all the support they have always given us, and for bringing Filly into our lives. If you are considering offering your hearts and home to a Bull Terrier, do consider adopting one from The Bull Terrier Club (UK) Welfare Trust as it really is such a wonderful thing to do - for you and for a Bullie in need too.
-Written by Natalie, Filly’s Mum.
Chris
SO, THEY SAY YOU CAN’T TEACH AN OL’DOG NEW TRICKS, EH?!?
We received a call from a vet, asking us if we could take in an old lad of about 9 years old; he had been handed in by the police after his owner (of a few months) went to jail. He’d been in Police kennels for a while, before being handed to the vets as he had an eye trauma. One of our local fosters (our secretary in-fact) said for the vets to bring him over as soon as possible and Rita welcomed this old boy into her home that very same evening. The vets had called him Cass, not that he responded to that at all, but his tail wagged frantically whenever he heard the name ‘Chris’(which was Rita’s colleagues name) - it was clear that he loved that name, so, that was that - he was to be called Chris! We had been told he wasn’t good with other dogs, especially smaller ones, but he soon settled in with his new siblings and became particularly close to Esmeralda (Rita’s old girl). Chris suffered with separation anxiety and barked consistently, but he always stopped the second he was with someone, anyone, as long as he wasn’t on his own. It turns out that this gorgeous lad had been passed from pillar to post over the previous year, so it was no wonder he was nervous and barked constantly whenever he was left on his own, even if you were in the next room! After his assessment, it was clear that he’d benefit from a home with someone who would be home during the day, and possibly one where there was another dog in the home too, as he was so fond of being with Esmeralda. Chris was an adorable old gentleman, who adored his early morning walks, he followed Rita around all day and couldn’t wait for the evening when he could snuggle up on the sofa. Rita wanted to keep Chris forever, but, having an entire male at home already, we knew that wasn’t an option; Chris needed a home where he’s be completely spoilt with a hareem of ladies all around him – then along came his guardian angel, Naomi! A seasoned rescuer, Naomi has already rescued a Bull Terrier from us a few years before; the beautiful, Lizzie! Another Golden Oldie, who was lucky enough to have found her forever home with Naomi. Naomi also has 2 rescue Border Terriers and it all seemed a perfect match, although we were a little cautious as we were told Chris wasn’t good with smaller dogs (in his assessment he showed no interest in small dogs at all). It was agreed that Chris would go and have a trial with Naomi and her girls, so she made the long journey to come and collect Chris. Chris loved Naomi instantly, and off he went to live in his new home. Rita shed many a tear as she waved them all off, but she knew it was the absolute best outcome for Chris, and that was more important than anything else. Chris settled in quickly with Naomi, who took it introducing Chris to the ladies of the house very slowly, doing everything within her power to introduce them all considerately and carefully – ensuring that all of the dogs were happy and comfortable, every step of the way. After a short time, it was clear that Chris adored his new family and felt more and more at peace with life and his separation anxiety started to fade away gradually over time. Naomi shares regular pictures with us all and our hearts melt at every single one of them. As for Chris not being good with smaller dogs, well, it just goes to show that an ol’dog can be taught new tricks!! Chris adores his small terrier sisters and has no separation anxiety at all now! This gorgeous ‘Golden Oldie’ is extremely happy with his new life and we couldn’t be happier for him! If you feel you could give a Bull Terrier in need, whether you’re looking for a younger dog or a Golden Oldie, their forever home then please do contact us and we’ll do our best to ensure a perfect match is found for you, and for the Bull Terriers that The Bull Terrier Club (UK) Welfare Trust care for. ***************************************************************************** Adopting Golden Oldies – written by Naomi Kerans My love for bull terriers took off in the early 80’s when I was working in America and I lived near the well-known breeder Winkie Mackay-Smith. I decided to get my own Bullie and that;s when ‘Samson’ came into my life, he was a red Bullie pup with a soft temperament. He went on to become a great traveller as he would accompany me to horse shows out there, then in Europe & then later back in the UK. Samson had to come through quarantine back in those days! I had him together with a sweet, but very nutty little Bullie - Emma. After losing them both in the same year at 13 & 11, I got in touch with Bull Terrier Welfare - run by the Kenways back then. I adopted a little white girl believed to be 15, she was picked up as a city stray. She looked ancient and was full of battle scars - they said I should not be surprised if in fact she died anytime soon. (!) However, I hated to go home leaving her in kennels, so off we went to go and live life together. I think she conned us all as to her real age, because she lived on for another happy four years! Topsy was the first of several who came through Bull Terrier Welfare - the next couple were young but I always felt bad about the older dogs who end up in rescue. As I was getting older myself, I then opted for oldies who have, without exception, all been wonderful dogs. They have generally been strays - one sweet girl was with Battersea Dogs Home;she was found on an underground platform in London. Another old lad that I fostered for Welfare was found in a field, laying amongst with the cows- he was lying on their pile of trodden hay (for the warmth I guess). The Welfare Trust had named him Tiger, as he was a survivor! The weather that January was perishing & they thought he had been out wandering for some weeks! They had to carry him off that field, poor old chap, he stayed for a few weeks in a local kennels being fed many little meals a day and was lavished with love to help build him back up again. Another old lad was dumped in forest and so on and so on; I am always left heartbroken by how anyone could do that sort of thing to animals… I read all about Chris when friends, who know my weaknesses - both for reds & oldies, pointed out Rita’s posts and my pages were full of the charming photos she posted up daily. We talked about the dogs I already had here, but I thought he might fit in well. My Bull Terrier Lizzie, who I adopted from The Bull Terrier (UK) Welfare Trust 2 years ago, is now 13 & my two Border Terrier girls, Chilli and Foxy (10 & 12) are all gentle, with lovely temperaments. They were all very accepting of Chris & he seemed pleased to be with them. He did tend to bark a bit when he was new, but I hoped as he settled in that would stop - as indeed it has. We have a good choice of quiet forestry walks and he enjoys those - he likes to be 'the big man’ up front with his hareem following on behind him!
Tilly
Before
After
"It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal"
If you have space for another Bullie in your home, and your heart, do please always consider adopting one who will so appreciate another home - Bull Terrier Welfare do a wonderful job taking on dogs who need a lifeline for a variety of reasons.
- Rita
If you feel you could give a Bull Terrier in need, whether you’re looking for a younger dog or a Golden Oldie, their forever home then please do contact us and we’ll do our best to ensure a perfect match is found for you, and for the Bull Terriers that The Bull Terrier Club (UK) Welfare Trust care for.
- Sherril