Kildare Rescue Tails: Besties Sam & Tara joy to behold after puppy farm ordeal

THIS week we are sharing the wonderful story of Tara and Sam, two best friends who have been by each other’s side through good times and bad.

Tara, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and Sam, the Golden Retriever came into our care early 2023 after being rescued by an animal welfare officer from an abhorrent puppy farm situation.

Their squalid living conditions were evident on their coats when they arrived into our shelter along with several other dogs, all of whom were dirty, frightened and stunningly beautiful. Unsocialised, they huddled together in the corners of their indoor kennels, jumping over each other to hide as volunteers went in with food and water or to sit quietly with them for a while. Outdoor sights and sounds were completely unknown and terrifying to them.

Tara and Sam were inseparable from the outset, bonded together having both endured and survived the same neglect and appalling conditions that preceded their time at the shelter. They were extremely nervous and Tara in particular was considered a flight risk.

Gaining their trust and introducing them to walking on a lead and the outdoor world was going to be a slow and gentle process.

Sam emerged as the slightly braver of the two, always standing in front of Tara like a protective shield, although his courage most definitely came from having her by his side.

It was clear that their bond would be fundamental to their individual progress and it was hoped that we could find them a home together when the time was right.

Two months later, Finbar and Catherine arrived at the KWWSPCA shelter to visit Tara after spotting her on the website. However, once they saw Tara and Sam together there was only going to be one outcome. Both dogs were still in the early stages of healing from the psychological effects of their shared past and Finbar and Catherine understood that there would be a lot of patience and work required on their part.

Unfazed, they adopted the precious pair and brought them home.

Catherine describes how every stage of the journey home on that first day was a challenge that took time and huge encouragement. Sam and Tara’s fear of confinement was primal and so the car and the new house were very scary spaces.

Once home, they headed straight to the back of the garden and despite the wide-open door into the house, they remained in the garden until they were eventually coaxed inside at bed time. Catherine and Finbar’s son spent their first night sleeping downstairs with them, reassuring them that this was a safe and loving space.

Fast forward two years and Sam and Tara have just had a play date with some of their old friends from the KWWSPCA shelter, both human and canine.

To watch these two once terrified creatures running around with other dogs and lapping up human affection was a joy to behold for the volunteers present.

Where they once feared the lead, they now relish their daily walks and regular trips to the beach, where they happily run around and socialise with other dogs.

It has taken incredible patience, love and understanding to get Sam and Tara to this point but Catherine is keen to point out that there is still work to be done.

They still rely on each other and wherever we go, each of them always has one eye on the other.

The door to the back garden is kept open to this day and only closes at bed time, such was the depth of their anxiety around confinement.

Sam sometimes lies across the threshold just to make sure that it stays that way.

It's abundantly clear that Sam and Tara have brought immense joy to their family with Catherine describing them as the apple of her eye.

They are very happy dogs, living the dream of every rescue animal that comes through our door, safe in the knowledge that they are home.

The KWWSPCA is a registered charity, no. CHY 6280 and can be contacted at kwwspca@gmail.com. You can learn more about our society and how to get involved or make a donation on our website: www.kwwspca.ie.