Grateful to the Sandringham Community for Supporting Our Rescue Journey
- thehomelesschefs
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Today I would like to share a little more about our journey here in Sandringham.
More than anything, this experience has shown us how much the support of the community truly means — not only to the dogs, but to all of us. Caring for ten young rescue dogs is, at times, overwhelming, and it is through the kindness and encouragement of those around us that we are able to continue.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found such a well-managed and supportive training environment at Beau’s Pawsitive Dog Training, and to be working with Sabrina, a highly experienced and knowledgeable trainer with a deep understanding of dog behaviour. The structure, safety, and guidance we receive there have made a remarkable difference in a very short space of time.
Over the past year, we have invested a great deal of time in their training, including lead work and recall, which they now do very well. In smaller groups, they are able to be off lead calmly and reliably. At this stage, our focus is on how they respond as a pack — helping them learn to process triggers together and remain balanced in more stimulating situations.
The dogs — still very young — are continuing to make steady progress. We are already seeing them become calmer as a pack and more responsive, which is particularly important at this stage of their training. When worked individually or in smaller groups, they are generally calm and well-balanced; our current focus is on supporting them in learning to remain settled and confident within the group dynamic.
Because our reality is that we live as a pack of ten, it is essential that we are able to train not only individually, but also together in a secure and controlled setting. This allows us to work responsibly on group dynamics, reduce reactivity, and support calmer behaviour within the pack.
These are sensitive dogs who can sometimes feel anxious or uncertain, and this can lead to reactive behaviour, particularly in situations such as along a boundary or fence. Our focus is on helping them gradually build confidence and feel more secure.
It is worth noting that, outside of a fenced setting, the dogs are generally calm and well-balanced; it is specifically the presence of a boundary that they are still learning to process with confidence.
We are also very pleased to share that one volunteer has already stepped forward, which is truly encouraging for us. Having consistent support is invaluable, as it allows us to practise and reinforce the training on a daily basis. As we continue, we are looking for one or two additional reliable individuals who may be able to offer one to two hours on a regular day each week. Consistency is especially important for the dogs, as it helps them build trust and feel secure.
For those who may not be able to volunteer, there is also a donation page set up for us through Beau’s Pawsitive Dog Training, where you can support us by contributing towards a training session with Sabrina or time in the secure Sandringham training space. These sessions are incredibly valuable and make a direct difference to the dogs’ progress.
I would also like to share one personal reflection.
During my time in Taiwan, I met many people — both local and from abroad — who were dedicating their time, energy, and compassion to helping dogs in very difficult circumstances. Some had come to Taiwan for work or teaching, yet chose to step in when they saw the reality these dogs were facing.
Among them were individuals who had taken on an extraordinary responsibility, sometimes caring for large numbers of dogs themselves, simply because they could not turn away. Others were working within rescue organisations or supporting in different ways, each doing what they could.
It was incredibly humbling to witness, and it left a lasting impression on me. It showed me how much good can be done when people act with compassion and a sense of responsibility.
That experience also influenced my decision to bring the dogs here, to the country where I was born — in the hope of giving them the opportunity to grow and settle in an environment where they could be understood and supported.
From the very beginning, people here in Sandringham have followed their journey and shown patience, encouragement, and kindness.
There are moments during training where people passing by become part of that process — simply by allowing the dogs to observe calmly and helping them learn that everyday situations are safe. These small interactions make a meaningful difference and support the progress we are working towards.
Above all, we simply want to say thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, for your kindness, and for the encouragement so many of you have already shown us. Whether through your support, sharing our story, or simply sending a kind message — it all truly makes a difference to the dogs, and to us 🐾
If you would like to follow our journey or support us:
Below just a few of the lovely people sharing kindness and compassion 🐾
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