Millie case study - RSPCA
Building trust
Millie first came to us in 2020, severely underweight. After love and care, she found a home but sadly returned, now terrified of other dogs. She was so scared she wouldn’t even leave her kennel.
Your Sponsorship meant our patient team at RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre could give her every kind of care she desperately needed.
Millie needed time and space to settle in. She had everything she needed in her kennel – comfort items, food, water, and her own private outside area for toileting. After this initial period, we sat calmly by the kennel bars, gently tossing tasty treats away from ourselves. This helped Millie associate us with good things without feeling pressured.
It took about a week of this patient approach before Millie felt comfortable enough to want to come out of her kennel. This gentle persistence, made possible by your generosity, gave Millie the time she needed to feel safe.
With your support, our behaviour experts crafted a special plan just for Millie. Through gentle care, Behaviour and Welfare Adviser, Emma and the team helped her feel safe and build confidence. Bit by bit, Millie became more comfortable around other dogs. And, as her fears faded, her playful personality came out. Soon, she was loving life and zooming around our paddocks!
Millie became a fun dog with a zest for life. She loved being outdoors and playing.
From lonely to loved
Despite her progress, Millie hadn’t received any rehoming applications. But when Gillian visited the centre, it was a case of love at first sight.
“We came to meet another dog, but we weren’t the best match,” Gillian explains. “The team suggested Millie instead. She was very nervous but so beautiful. I didn’t know her story then, but I just fell in love.”
Millie quickly settled into her new home with Gillian, her husband Stuart, and their teenage children Matthew and Heidi. She’s become a cherished part of the family, bringing so much joy and laughter to their lives.
“She loves to be involved in everything,” Gillian shares. “She especially likes to sit on the dining room chairs and join in on my work calls!”
Gillian and her family have continued Millie’s training, building on the foundation laid by our dedicated team. Their hard work has paid off – Millie no longer needs to wear her muzzle!
“Millie can now walk past other dogs without being distracted,” Gillian says proudly.
It’s amazing to see how far she’s come. Reflecting on Millie’s journey, Gillian adds, “It breaks my heart to think about the history of many animals in RSPCA care. Without the RSPCA, they’d be helpless and alone. Donations are vital to caring for these animals and giving them loving homes.”
Your generosity has transformed Millie’s life, and she’s thriving in her new home. Thank you from us, from Gillian – and of course, from Millie!
You’re helping dogs rediscover joy
Your Sponsorship allows us to create tailored care plans for every dog. From gentle training sessions to fun playtimes, we can meet each dog’s unique needs and help them build confidence.
Because of you, dogs are overcoming challenges and getting ready for happy new beginnings.