The beloved dog was spotted in a 2019 Hull Live story about her being abandoned
A Hull couple who rescued a dog who featured in a Hull Live appeal have told of their joy at another Christmas together with their “princess”. Five years ago, Philip and Clare Taylor spotted Maggie-moo looking forlorn in our story about how she was abandoned, tied to a bin near the Carr House Rescue Centre, in East Carr Road.
Philip, 56, and Clare, 50, immediately “fell in love” with the Staffordshire bull terrier, having read how she was left in the early hours of one Sunday morning with no microchip meaning she could not be traced. The couple, who live in the Sculcoates area, were left appalled that anyone could dump a dog in such a way.
Philip, who is a cleaning supervisor, said: “We got in touch with the rescue centre and arranged to go an see her. But she was really nervous and didn’t really want to see anyone.
“It took her a while to get used to us. One day, I went over and sat in her pen and she came over and sat next to me. I thought, that’s a good start. We just hit it off from there and we were going every day.
“We’d go every night after work and we’d spend a good hour or two, walking her and get used to her. It took about two or three months before we were finally able to bring her home for a weekend.”
Some of the Carr House team visit Philip and Clare at their Exchange Street home to make sure the property was suitable for a dog, including checking the garden was fenced off to prevent escapes. Several weeks later, in August 2019, the pair took Maggie-moo home for good.
Philip said: “She’s still a bit nervous, particularly with strangers and when she’s going outside. But she’s getting used to it. “
Philip has told of his disgust at how the now 10 year-old dog was left abandoned in the middle of the night, but has praised Carr House for their work. The couple, who are seasoned dog owners having previously cared for a German Shepherd., have since written to staff at the Hull centre to update them on Maggie-moo’s progress.
But it has not all been plain sailing, with Maggie-moo undergoing a major operation to remove a lump in recent years. And with so much unknown about her past, Philip and Clare have kept a close eye on Maggie-moo’s health.
“She’s so characterful,” Philip added. “She’ll lay on the floor and roll over, wanting to play. And as soon as I get home from work, she’s at the window waiting for me to come in.
“She sits up on her back legs and puts her paws in the air – it’s so playful. And at five o’clock on the dot, she’ll come to me and look at her lead and collar as if to say “are you going to take me”. She runs the house!”
Philip added: “She’s a really loving dog and she gives you the affection that you show her. She’s getting a few grey hairs on her face now because of her age but she’s fantastic.”