Apollo
Apollo is our lovable rescue rogue!
His story began registered as 'Celticriver Sparkling Star' from a breeders in Wales. He and his littermates
were sold to a petshop in London and bought by passers-by browsing in the shop window. Not understanding the needs that he
had, or the kind of dog that he would grow into, his new owners homed him in a first floor flat in London. Very quickly
the fluffy adorable puppy in the window proved to be much more than they could handle. In trying to cope he became increasingly
confined to one room and a vicious circle of behaviour deterioration ensued. Thankfully his owners recognised that they were
not suited to owning a Malamute and contacted Malamute Rescue. Shortly after Apollo began his new journey and left behind
his unfortunate start in life. First was a week in fostering and being loved by Trudy and Lou Thompson, followed by an
overnight stay with Cynthia and Derek Reed (now Malamute Rescue Co-ordinators) and finally what started as an overnight stay
in foster care with us as his last stop on the way to the rescue kennels.
Derek and Cynthia arrived
with a nervous, timid, thin and food protective 6 month old boy. He was immediately agressive towards Luna but
we could tell he was just very frightened and not socialised. By the evening with patience and considerable understanding
from Luna, we were able to let them loose together for short periods. The overnight stay turned into a weekend due to
space at the kennels not becoming available and during this time we were able to work with him and get the two boys
to enjoy each others company. The weekend turned into a week and playing it by ear to start with, we took on long term
foster. In October/November 2007 we officially became his new owners and renamed him Apollo and he left behind his beginnings
in Wales for good.
Apollo and Rhiannon quickly built a strong bond and he loves to play with her and so,
over time has become her dog. They now make a lovely team together running in the junior races and both smile from ear
to ear every time they compete. He is no longer bad with food but it is still his main motivation in life aside from
being loved and cuddled (something he never tires of). We understand his grumbly nature and still need to give him room to
adapt in new situations while he builds his confidence or let Luna take the lead and then Apollo is happy to
follow. Everybody loves him and he loves them back. His new role in life is as Uncle Apollo - official babysitter to Myst
and he is enjoying no longer being the baby of the family and having someone to play with on demand.
Please
support Malamute Rescue in anyway that you can, they provide forever homes to dogs in need of a new family. Rescue
dogs come in all shapes and sizes and not all with baggage. They give back to you so much and watching them blossom with your
family is an opportunity not to be missed.
