Barbara`s journey
About Barbara
Welcome to Barberras Botanicals, where our passion for natural remedies extends to every member of our family, including our beloved rescue dog, Barbara.
Barbara is a Saluki crossed Lurcher with a scattering of other breeds, and his journey with us is a testament to the power of love and patience. He came into our lives at a time when our Director, Brian, was facing a mental health crisis following an emotional but amicable separation from his husband in 2020. Despite his therapist's advice, Brian embarked on the challenging process of adopting a rescue dog during the pandemic. After months of searching, he found a post on social media about Barbara (then known as Bonzo) and applied to adopt him. In April 2021, Barbara found his forever home with Brian.
Barbara's name has a special significance. Brian and his ex-husband had always joked about naming a dog after characters from their favorite TV comedies, "The Royle Family" and "The Good Life". True to that spirit, Barbara was named after the lead female characters in the beloved shows.
Barbara was found as a stray and had a difficult start in life. He was taken in by a rescue charity after injuring himself in local authority kennels. When he came to Brian, he had numerous behavioral issues, including extreme reactions to other dogs, aggressive tendencies, and territorial behavior. Brian faced many challenges in those early weeks (and lots of tears and bites), but his empathy and determination to provide Barbara with the love and support he needed kept him going. He understood all too well the impact of being misunderstood and unloved, and he was committed to giving Barbara a chance.
Over the past three years, Brian has worked tirelessly to train Barbara, helping him cope with other dogs, loud noises, visitors, and being alone. Barbara's well-being was a major factor in Brian's decision to move to his current home in Scotland, a choice that has significantly improved his behavior and quality of life. Today, Barbara is a testament to the transformative power of love and natural remedies. He no longer relies on avoidance techniques or vet-prescribed medications, and his confidence continues to grow.
With Brian and his partner Ian's unwavering support and the benefits of natural remedies, Barbara is thriving. He still faces challenges, such as nervousness when travelling in cars and around unfamiliar dogs, but he is learning to handle these situations with positive reinforcement and care.
At Barberras Botanicals, we are inspired by Barbara's journey and are committed to offering natural remedies that promote well-being for all. Thank you for choosing us and joining our mission to harness the healing power of nature.
