Hector Staffie x Shar Pei DofB 24.10.22 Diss Norfolk

[TomAllinson]

We had the huge privilege of hosting young Hector over the weekend, and it is so lovely to see him evolve each time he stays. This was his third stay in 4 weeks, with each time being progressively longer.

He is always so excited to come to the house, with his tail wagging nineteen to the dozen in the boot as we get closer to our destination. As is our usual protocol, we took Hector and Boggins for a side-by-side walk on arrival, and it was so lovely to see Boggins immediately relax with him (albeit with a slightly resigned “him again, really?” look on her face!).

That evening I had Hector pottering about in the kitchen, and he was such a good boy. Really calm and quite interested in what was going on - the exception being when he managed to get one of our small stools stuck on his back like a tiny little jockey, causing him to bolt at me with eyes wide with fear, bless him! He clattered into my legs and the cupboard in a heap, but luckily didn’t seem too fazed once he had been released by the offending item.

Later on in the evening he was quite restless - possibly not walked enough that day - and he started acting up a bit with Emma. He was being a little bit grabby but he soon listened to her commands and ceased and desisted. He just has a lot of energy being the age he is! We took him for another short walk to try and expel his puppy energy - when we got back and put him to bed, he was a very good boy and climbed into his crate with no issue. It really is amazing how well house-trained he is too.

We had another night with no interruptions, and quite typically it was Boggins who decided to wake us up nice and early on Saturday. We went for a fantastic group walk with both Bog and Hector, along with quite a few other furry friends. One in particular, Maple (who looks identical to Hector!), has struck up a lovely friendship with the boy. It’s amazing to see how well they rough play (with Maple seeming to outsmart naive Hector at every step!). I took Boggins home and Emma carried on with Hector, their walk stretching for 7 miles in total. That’s one way to mitigate puppy restlessness later on!

Sure enough, whilst Hector still had some energy later, the epic walk with friends was just what the doctor ordered! He was more chilled out that afternoon and into the evening, still occasionally trying to play with Boggins but I was very proud to see her make it clear she wasn’t keen in a non-bitey way! He had his yak stick chew which also really helped keep him busy. That evening he slept very soundly on the sofa whilst we relaxed and watched some TV. When we put him in his crate for bedtime we did need to sit with him while he resettled down, but once he was asleep it was again no interruptions in the night.

The next morning we took Hector for a final walk on the long line and this was key in prompting him to walk by himself. If he’s a bit unsure or worried he’ll plonk himself on the floor but with a bit more autonomy he decides for himself that walking is fun! We came across another dog and they had a lovely play - the other dog played not as rough as Maple and it was just brilliant to see Hector could dial it down to match the roughness. This took us by surprise (as Hector is often doing!), really demonstrating that Hector has the social skills to “read the room” and play more gently if required. I think the more of these kind of interactions, the better.

It’s always sad taking Hector back to kennels but he had such a lovely time and I cannot wait for the next time we have the pleasure of Hector staying with us. He would slot into any home where his new owner was confident and fairly experienced with energetic dogs, but especially if he has space to run around and/or another dog to play with.

[EggaT]

Lovely weekend. Well said Tom! Here’s his little highlights reel. Lovely boy.

[EggaT]

Sadly no foster for Heccy this weekend but a lovely long walk from RR. Tom had really missed Hector this week and even though I’d been lucky enough to see him on Monday and Wednesday we had a bit of a fight about who got to walk him. Needless to say I won, nothing gets in between me and my Hector time!

We had a lovely long walk and discussed at length how chill Hector is nowadays. He happily just trots along having lost so much of that nervous energy he carried only a few months ago. Hector being Hector obviously had to have a couple of flat dog moments but today these were simply about having the grass on his tummy and a moment to chill rather than overwhelm.

When we got back to RR Tom joined Heccy and I on the bench under the tree for cuddles. Hector is malting at the moment so I gave him a good old brush that he seemed to really enjoy while he ate a chew. Hector is so good at being handled. He seems to just love all contact.

Does that grass feel nice on your tummy Heccy?

[xxlynne]

Hector is coming of age and now 15 months old he is stocking up like Staffies do and his head has cracked note his earlier pictures and then compare with more recent. Hector is looking very Staffie and his Staffie temperament is coming through as he comes into adulthood.

Here he is today with Emma and Tom. Apparently he has a very special bond with Tom but then he does with Emma too. They have bought him on as he finds himself.

[EggaT]

As Lynne said little Heccy really is growing into such a beautiful Staffy Boy. He really has captured our Hearts. Tom and I often have arguments over who he loves more. *we all know really it’s me*

On Saturday we took Hector to the secure field for a good run. It was his consolation prize as he was supposed to be coming on foster with us but unfortunately boggins hasn’t been well with her arthritis.

As usual he hopped in the car with gusto and travelled well. He was a little excitable in the car this time but completely my fault as I’d not followed our normal procedure of giving him some ‘car snacks’ and toys for the journey.

He had a brilliant run around and lots of cuddles. He loves to have a good run but always likes to make sure you close by meaning we had a good run around too. A good time was had by all.

[anne]

Hector has come such a long way since he came to RR. He is more than ready for the next chapter of his life in his own home.

Who knew he was an expert bubble blower!

[EggaT]

Beautiful photos Anne. It’s hard to believe he’s the same dog as looking back on his posts.

He really has come such a long way. He’s the most loving clever little boy. I’ve never met a dog that listens like Hector does. He’s so easy to train and eager to please.

[EggaT]

Hector got a taste for photos shoots! I don’t have Anne’s skill but he’s such a wonderful model how could not snap away when he’s looking so lovely with he’s summer coat.
Have you ever seen a more handsome boy?! I don’t think so. Hector

[EggaT]

I’ve not been as great at updating Hector's thread the past few weeks but he’s still coming on leaps and bounds. He is so responsive to training and often get compliments on how focused and well behaved he is from strangers and he sits with all his focus on me as we pull over to let people past.
If Hector's new family is out there reading this please reach out. I don’t know what more we can do to show you how ready he is. He is becoming such a wonderful young man. He needs to meet you, he needs to go home now. Sadly our dog, Boggins, is suffering from some spinal issues so we have been unable to give Hector the foster breaks he loves so much. It’s breaking my heart that he’s not getting his sofa snuggles and time away from kennels.
Here are some pictures from a recent trip to Outwood in the sunshine. Heccy had a ball running round on the longline, playing some sniffy games and doing parkour on fallen trees. Tom has some more pics and vids I know I’ll he’ll post soon.

[EggaT]

Heccy Heccy Bum Bum, The Heck Man, The Most handsome boy in the world… the nickames continue. The more nicknames the more we love you Heccy.

Well what can I say about the last few weeks of Heccy. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again he’s maturing into a wonderful young man. Over the past few weeks we’ve had trips to the feild, outwood and even the pub! He’s taken everything in his stride. Although Heccy still can get a bit OTT when he’s over excited because he just LOVES FUN AND PEOPLE so dam much. ‘Oh, Hector’ moments are becoming less and less frequent.

Heccy and I are both looking forward to another foster will boggins is on holiday in a few weeks.

Here is a selection of some best bits over the past weeks.