Mavis AmBulldog DofB 2013? Fareham Foster

[Steve O]

Not much has changed since our last update, but Mavis is still making slow and steady progress with her focus around other dogs. Last weekend, she met Jackson, a Frenchie, while out with my wife and her friend. They both showed interest in each other, though Jackson seemed to have a particular fascination with Mavis’ leg… unfortunately for him, his height wasn’t quite in his favor for his over-enthusiastic affections!

One thing we’ve noticed recently is Mavis’ sweet little habit after mealtimes. She always seems to go straight to the person who fed her, almost as if she’s saying thank you. It’s a small gesture, but one that makes her even more endearing.

Something else that’s been hard to ignore—she seems to have an awareness of my blood glucose levels. A few times now, when my blood sugar has dropped, she’s come over to me, pawed at me, and stayed unusually close until my levels were back up. Whether it’s coincidence or instinct, it’s remarkable to see.

She’s an amazing girl, and even with her quirks, she continues to be an absolute joy to have around.

[Steve O]

As summer slowly approaches, so does the ever-growing cloud of Mavis’ fur. Honestly, we’ve swept up so much of it lately, it’s starting to feel a bit like Trigger’s broom—we’ve used the same broom to clean up after her... though it’s had five new heads and three new handles!

This week, I even had a little help driving my daughter around—cue photo of Mavis looking like she’s about to take the wheel!

At home, she’s still an absolute dream. She loves being around us and always wants to be in the thick of it. She also takes her role as garden security very seriously, giving a firm warning bark to anyone who dares to cross our garden uninvited.

Out and about, she still focuses on other dogs, but we’re seeing a softening in her stronger reactions. It’s slow progress, but it’s definitely progress—and we’re holding onto that hope.

She really is such a special girl.

[Steve O]

Mavis had her first full groom with us this morning—and what a session it was! So much hair came off, we could’ve knitted a couple of jumpers! She wasn’t too sure about the air blower, so the groomer switched to warm towels instead. Mavis absolutely loved the gentle warmth and relaxed so much she even started to doze off mid-dry—proper spa day vibes!

On one of our walks this week, we stepped aside to let someone pass with their beautiful black German Shepherd puppy. The walker asked if the pup could say hello, and I mentioned it was probably best not to. Unfortunately, before I could explain why, the pup made its way over to Mavis—and she was quick to let it know she wasn’t too happy with the unexpected approach.

We're continuing to manage her interactions carefully and advocate for her space. That said, she’s becoming more comfortable with people—especially when she chooses to approach and take in their admiration first. If someone earns her curiosity, she’s usually happy to receive a stroke or two.

She’s doing well overall and continues to charm everyone she meets (on her terms, of course!).

[Steve O]

It’s been a bit of a tough week for Mavis. Things started off with an unexpected accident in our bedroom—both urine and a rather unpleasant-smelling mess, which is completely out of character for her. Over the following day and a half, she was unwell from both ends, and we suspect she may have eaten something she shouldn’t have, either out on a walk or possibly from the kitchen bin.

I took some time off work to be with her and monitor her closely. To help settle her stomach, I held back food for around 16 hours while making sure she stayed well hydrated with water and some pet-specific electrolyte fluid from our local vet. Once she was ready to eat again, I gave her small portions of boiled chicken and white rice—which she wolfed down eagerly!

Her stools are still a little on the soft side but much improved compared to the start of the week. Throughout it all, she’s stayed her usual happy self: enjoying her walks, showing no signs of lethargy, and maintaining healthy pink gums.

It’s been a bit of a bump in the road, but Mavis is bouncing back well and we’re hopeful her digestive system will be back to normal very soon.

[PaulB]

Glad to hear it sounds like nothing serious and that she'll soon be back to her normal self!

[Steve O]

Since Mavis' unfortunate rear end incident earlier in the week, things have thankfully improved—much to everyone’s relief (including the carpet’s!).

She’s still very slowly showing less interest in other dogs while we’re out and about. That said, I’m starting to think we may have reached the limit of what I can manage alone, and that any further progress might need the help of a professional.

Looking ahead, we’ve got a 25-minute session booked at a ‘paw paddock’ for Bank Holiday Monday—at the crack of dawn, 6am! Neither Mavis nor I are natural early birds, but she’ll be getting some much-deserved off-lead time. A bit of freedom and fun for the lass—she’s earned it!

[Steve O]

Mavis had an absolute blast this morning during her off-lead session at the paw-paddock. The second she realised she had the space to let loose, it was like a switch flipped—she tore around the paddock like she had afterburners!

Although it was just a 25-minute slot, she made every second count. She’d occasionally run full-speed to the gate and sit as if expecting we were done—only to suddenly decide she had more energy to burn and rocket off again.

She’s an incredibly strong girl, with plenty of muscle behind her play. She loves rough and tumble games, especially tug-of-war, and needs someone who can match her energy and manage her physical power. Mavis doesn’t just follow you around—she’s always close by, glued to your side, eager to be involved in every little thing you do.

That said, she’s not for the faint-hearted or those looking for a low-maintenance companion. Mavis thrives on routine, time, and a deep bond with her people—she’s not a dog to just “slot in.” But for the right person, she’s an absolute treasure.

She's there somewhere!!!

[Steve O]

Poor Mavis has been having a tough time this week with allergies. Despite giving her Piriton, as advised by our local vet, she’s still clearly uncomfortable and struggling with her histamine reactions. We’re hoping that the forecasted rainfall over the next few days will help ease things for her.

To try and make her more comfortable, we’ve been taking her for very early morning and late evening walks, when the pollen levels are at their lowest. She’s being such a trooper through it all, but it’s clear she’s feeling it a bit. Fingers crossed the weather gives her (and all the allergy sufferers!) some much-needed relief soon.

[Steve O]

Unfortunately, the light rain on Saturday night did little to ease poor Mavis’ allergy discomfort. So, we’ve continued with our routine of very early morning and late evening walks to try to avoid the worst of the pollen.

She’s still her usual cheerful self, but definitely feeling the effects this week. We’re keeping a close eye and making sure she’s as comfortable as possible.

[Chrissy M]

Mavis is being well looked after there in foster.
How amazing that she can detect your low blood sugar levels. Dogs are so clever and very sensitive so if we can just spend time and observe these things it is remarkable .