Hello Fiona,

Reg, Jacob and Tilley - Rescue Donkeys

Hi Fiona,

Here with an update for you.

Reg: He seems much more confident and is coming forward to see what is going on rather than hiding behind the others.  I've even thought it was Tilly on a couple of occasions! He has coped with having the vet this week for vaccination and has not had any lasting knocks to his confidence. He is now coping much better with noise behind him such as from the poo picking up thingy being run along the ground! He has had his feet rasped all round twice and coped really well. Today I went to do his feet and he went to run off, but stood when I asked and I reminded him to listen and think before reacting, after which he was happy to have all his feet picked up whilst he stood without a head collar on. He has been showing some tension in his tail and I've been doing Ttouch pelvic work, tail work and mouth work. Today Reg (as they all did) wanted Red clay, seaweed, a small amount of spirulina and Rosehips.

Jacob: He seems calmer (in a Jacob sort of way!).  He has become really calm about having his feet done.  He is loosing some weight so have started him back on rosehips and will introduce olive oil again.  He too wanted red clay, seaweed, slippery elm and Rosehips.

Tilly: She has been taking Linden Blossom and some Yarrow and today wanted slippery elm, spirulena, red clay and rosehips.  I've been doing mouth work with her as she's been tense in her mouth and nostrils - things are improving.

Thanks for all your help - Trudy.

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Miss Millicent (Millie) - Arab Mare

Dear Fiona, 

Further to your request here are the reasons that I chose T-touch for Millie. 

Millie had had a brush thrown at her head, which had hit her on the off side.  Since that time she had become worse and worse behaviourally, would not have a head collar put on, and putting a bridle on became a dangerous occupation. 

Her resentment over this treatment grew to such an extent that she would not be caught, was apt to bite when you did manage to catch her, would not walk properly on the head collar and lead rope and had also become dangerous to ride. I had heard of T-touch through Sarah Fisher, some years ago, and had done a days 'trial' to see if it what I wanted to do.  At the time it was at a tangent to what I was already doing but recognised that it was a good treatment for horses with problems.

Fiona has been coming once a week now for a couple of months and within two visits the difference in Millie was very obvious.  Now two months on, we are able to put a head collar on her, she comes when we enter the field, is much more sociable, both with humans and the two ponies that she shares the field with.  Fiona is now able to put a head collar on without the offer of treats and this is accepted instantly by Millie. 

We have not yet progressed to the bridle and saddle as I wish to take plenty of time before introducing this into Fiona's rehabilitation programme.  However, I have every faith that with Fiona's ability with the t-touch that this is not going to be the trauma that Millie will expect it to be.

I have recommended Fiona highly to local people with horses and they have begun to contact her for assistance with their own horse related problems.

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Nina Greyhound

I first contacted Fiona because 8 months after adopting our rescue greyhound I found I was becoming very apprehensive taking Nina out for her daily walks. Nina is very timid and although had overcome many fears, her fear of other dogs and some situations seemed to be getting out of control. This created fear in me and it became a vicious circle, I didn't know how to break it and I knew I needed some help.

I saw Fiona's card on the notice board at our vets and gave her a call. I explained our problem, and after only a few minutes of conversation I knew she was the right person to help us. Fiona is very approachable and perceptive, I felt so relieved and reassured that she understood and was able to help.

Fiona asked us to complete a form prior to her first visit. We found this form very helpful, it gave us the opportunity to let her know about our problem and all of our worries / anxieties as well as providing an insight into Nina's lifestyle. On Fiona's first visit Nina warmed to her immediately and they interacted very quickly, she asked us many more questions to get a complete understanding of our situation.

We then went out for a walk and I realised how invaluable it is to have someone concentrating only on your dog and you, in your home and your surrounding as opposed to a 'group class' situation. Fiona demonstrated how to remain calm in what would have been a frightening situation to us, and how to regain our confidence. Nina was even interacting with other dogs. I was absolutely amazed at this and very encouraged.

Fiona prepared a report for us after her first visit. Her diagnosis was spot on, she had identified how we had become fearful and laid out a programme for us to follow to change our behaviour. Some of the suggestions were only small changes, but they have made a big difference. I often refer back to this for support.

Fiona learned a lot about Nina's behaviour through her Ttouch explorations - things we had not even thought about and again showed us how to address these problems. She detected that Nina had a problem in her hind quarters where she was very tight and going bald, this problem is improving greatly and her fur is now growing back. She gave us a lot of advise about all different aspects of Nina's life including diet and grooming, play and exercise both physical and mental- she has taught us so much.

After Fiona's guidance on recall I can now let Nina off lead (with care) - I cant tell you how wonderful it is to see her enjoying herself so much and so happy and carefree - she so needed to run and play, and for this alone I am so grateful.

Fiona is professional, knowledgeable, very caring and compassionate, and totally dedicated. I would have no hesitation to ask for Fiona's help again if ever needed and no hesitation in recommending her.

Fiona is always at hand and always has time for you. She has made such a big difference in helping Nina to believe in her own abilities and bringing back our confidence. My little greyhound and I walk with enjoyment again, we are now a very happy, relaxed family.

I am so pleased that I contacted you Fiona, we all enjoyed your visits and are very grateful to you -Thank you.

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Dear Fiona,

You have made an incredible difference to the lives of our cats that you have worked with this year.

The majority of our cats come in to us already suffering emotional and sometimes physical traumas. In the more severe cases, re-homing can take a long time before we find the right home for a traumatised cat or kitten.

Through your patient, tender ministrations we have seen "Peggy" and "Chester" emerge as young, playful cats - so unlike the timid souls hiding under a bed too terrified to risk human contact. "Angelina" has gone onto a new, caring and supportive home where she can still be her semi-feral self but also give and receive affection through your socialisation work with her using T-touch, behavioural techniques and healing work. You have gently carried out healing on injured cats and lifted depression on cats who were, literally "facing the wall".

I truly believe that your input has made a significant difference to the lives of our foster cats and thankyou so much for your time, patience and commitment - we are so lucky to have you working with us.

Kind regards,

Mrs. S.H. Collins,

(Welfare Officer), Blandford & Sturminster Newton Cats Protection Branch.

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Sadie and Pepsi - miniture Schnauzers

Hi Fiona 
 
I wanted to thank you for all your help with Pepsi and especially Sadie.

With your help and advice we now have two dogs that get on so much better together. They are so much calmer and much more relaxed in general.

After consulting a couple of other dog trainers in the past with little success you seemed to know exactly what each dog needed.
Your techniques with Ttouch and Healing have such a calming effect on both dogs (and myself).
The body wraps have worked so well I have ordered the t shirts!
Thank you so much for all your advice and ongoing support I have learnt so much from your visits and look forward to seeing you again soon.
 
Jan Bliss

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Alfie - 8mth Staffordshire Bull Terrier

To whom it may concern,
I heard of Fiona Habershon through a friend and really needed some help with my rather energetic and slightly naughty Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Alfie. Although he was only eight months old I felt I wanted to put a stop to some cheeky ways before it was to late!! Alfie was very quick to run off with something he knew he shouldn't have and not so quick to give it back, he would also run off during his walk and not come when called until he wanted to. I also wanted to stop the rather over enthusiastic greeting he gave anyone who came to the house!! From the very first phone call to Fiona I felt re-assured that we could change Alfies's ways. Fiona came to my house five times in total and after the first session I could see a difference in my dog. Fiona remained professional at all times but never once made me feel awkward or uneasy; her constant re-assurance was amazing for my self confidence. Fiona worked very hard with Alfie using different techniques which included T-Touch, something I had never seen before and was amazed by. Fiona has completely changed my dog and as a result changed my life. Alfie is a delight and I cannot thank Fiona enough.
Nicola Stevens

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Quince - 5yr Border Collie

Hi Fiona

Thank you so much for your help and guidance with my dog Quince.

I had seen two trainers previously who were helpful to a degree but did not seem to understand the extent of my problems with Quince.

As a rescue dog it has been hard for me to know how to manage his difficult behaviour and your home visits have been invaluable as you could actually see my way of handling him and advise accordingly. Quince is a wonderful dog but very strong willed and you have helped by assessing those areas of genuine distress and those when he just wants his own way. The advice on calming techniques and distraction have been especially helpful.

Quince has responded so well and this in turn has given me more confidence in my management overall.

Best wishes  Alison

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Human & Animal - various

Dear Fiona 

I had intended to write & thank you so this is a good opportunity as I am more than happy to do a testimonial, having received your help with my family, both animals & humans. Having had treatments myself, I can start appreciate just how much the healing helps. Although having watched you treating the animals it was obvious as to the benefits they felt, it was just amazing to see them falling into such a state of relaxation.

If I list some of the animals & the benefits: 

Maddy 16.2 Irish thoroughbred - you picked up that she was uncomfortable in her back & legs. She has hock spavin but also a very unusual fracture in the stifle - she is now receiving treatment & hopefully will improve enough to enjoy life. Although, the most amazing aspect of your visits was you asked if she was having dental treatment and she is one of the first horses to have just had a filling. You said that the draft was making Maddy's legs ache - we put carpet along the bottom of the door & now she no longer puts a pile of hay in front of it which you did not know she did! 

Betsy - miniature Shetland - she had been mistreated in the past which we knew, but you were able to help her relax in the knowledge that she was safe & secure with us - she is much more relaxed & enjoying life to the full. 

You also helped us sort out problems within the herd - most of our horses & ponies have had bad experiences in the past in previous homes - after treatments they all are much more relaxed & settled. 

Mac - Black Labrador 8 years old - who was depressed after my marriage break up & move. He would not stay in the lounge, but after just one treatment he came joined us in the lounge and slept. He is much more his old self & the T Touch has helped his stiffness - he charges around like a 2 year old. 

Ronnie - you picked up he had a painful shoulder - x-rays showed the start of arthritis & with treatment he is now much more comfortable. 

Ben a 10 month old puppy had recurring respiratory problems the T-T ouch helped enormously - he was the most amazing as to how relaxed he was during treatment - one minute he was bouncing around then he totally relaxed sleeping. 

I must not forget the humans in this, both my daughters have IBS & ME which has been greatly helped by your treatments. You have helped us all come to terms with our change & are looking forward to a much more relaxed & happy future. 

There is so much more than words can start to describe as to the benefits we have received, plus we have made a good friend.

God bless, Very best wishes Linda

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Megan - 3yr Border Collie

I consulted Mrs Habershon for help with my fostered border collie Megan.

The dog has been the subject of extreme cruelty in a previous home and has many behavioural problems resulting from that.

Mrs Habershon has proved reliable in my dealings with her. She does what she says she will, she turns up on time. She has offered lots of helpful suggestions with regard to Megan's behaviour. She has been supportive and her "after care" has been good. She responds promptly and helpfully to e-mails updating her on progress and offers further advice.

The initial consultation fee was not unreasonable and included about two and a half hours direct work with Megan and one of my other dogs. The follow up report arrived within a matter of two or three days. It was a wholly accurate reflection of what had taken place at our meeting, and of the areas of behaviour I wished to address and contained a practical and helpful plan of the way forward, with the offer of further help/advice via e-mail or telephone.

Megan has undoubtedly made some huge strides forward since our initial consultation with Mrs Habershon. The follow up visit was equally helpful. I have been impressed and I am confident that Mrs Habershon knows what she is about. I would be happy to recommend her to any other dog owner.

Heather Openshaw  

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Ollie - 2yr Miniture Schnauzer 

Dear Fiona, 

Thank you so much for all your help and advice with my dogs. You were calm, caring and compassionate through out each session, whilst providing practical support and advice.

With your range of qualifications and experience you were able to use a holistic approach which really was of benefit. Using this approach you were able to highlight areas that had been overlooked, and implementing changes that have had a positive effect. 

With small changes to diet, and by using a combination of Tellington Touch, healing and behaviour analysis you have helped me to build Ollie's confidence and Ben my other dog is also now a strong, healthy puppy whose confidence is increasing day by day.   

Thank you for your time and compassion, 

Kate

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Murphy - 2yr Border Collie 

Hi Fiona,

Thankyou so very much for everything, your time, patience and support. You are right it was a lot to take in and think about but I know its what is needed. I really appreciate the fact that you were honest about things but supportive, positive and constructive too. I think lately I had reached a stage with Murph where I could understand what was happening but needed extra help and support in making the changes and deciding the best way to do things with him. I felt quite alone in what Ive been trying to do so having your input and support has really encouraged me .

One of the big things Ive learnt from you is that it is ok to be firm with Murph when needed and that having rules etc for him (and Sheppy and Jimbo too) isnt being horrible it will actually help them. I think I have felt quite swamped especially by Murphs pulling and sometimes when you are in a situation that doesnt seem to be improving you can get a bit overwhelmed and unsure about the best way forward. 

Everything you went through with me made total sense and felt right, I know its not going to be easy or quick but Im determind to do it, i want Murph to be happy and not stressed. 

Ive had bits of well meaning advice from other professionals thinking they know best but at the end of the day these people dont know Murph or understand him. I really believed yesterday that you totally understood Murph and I just want to say thankyou. Im sure I will be checking things out with you and asking you lots of questions (hope thats ok). Changing things indoors is a huge thing for Murph too and us but I know its important for him and us so he can just be and not feel /think he has to do everything and make decisions about everything.

Thankyou, Take Care Dee