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Terri's Homecoming 2/2
This is the continuation of Terri’s story. If you missed Part One, start there — it shares her puppyhood, the chaos of training, and those first small victories. What follows is how Tracy’s police instincts, one unforgettable Alsatian chase, and Terri’s growing bond turned her into the centre of their world.
On Patrol With Terri
Tracy naturally took the lead — part personality, part police training. Vets, decisions, daily routines: she handled the lot. Terri knew it too. When she wanted food or a wee, she’d prod Tracy; when she wanted a cuddle, she’d flop onto Lisa. Two mums, two roles — both adored, both essential.
On walks, Tracy scanned like an officer on patrol. Skateboards? Potential fright. Kids with sticks? Best to give space. Big dogs with pricked ears? Cue to recall. She learned Terri’s triggers — fox poo (the irresistible perfume), picnic blankets (10/10 high-value targets) — and got ahead of them.
An Apple AirTag was added to Terri’s collar after one unforgettable chase.
The Alsatian Chase
It was lockdown. Fortunately. The roads were eerily quiet.
Terri, still small and learning recall, spotted an Alsatian in the park. The big dog thought play; Terri thought apocalypse — and bolted.
Tracy ran — properly ran — off-duty knees and all, shouting recall cues that evaporated in the breeze. Strangers joined the chase like extras in a comedy: one pointing down the hill, another sprinting ahead, someone at the traffic lights waving, “She went that way!” Terri raced across East Hill, legs pumping like pistons, and headed home as if she’d memorised the route.
By the time Tracy reached the Mill, breathless and aching, there Terri was: sitting primly on a wall, looking guilty and innocent all at once. The Alsatian had vanished. Tracy half-laughed, half-cried, scooped her up, and vowed never to underestimate the determination of a dachshund again.
The Heartbeat of Home
Over time, Terri stitched herself into everything. Their routines, their weekends, their sofa positions. Tracy calls herself “Mum” now without a second thought. Independence has improved, yes — but love still looks like a dachshund stretched the full length of a lap, sighing contentedly.
As Terri turns six on 27 August, Tracy and Lisa see it clearly: the dog Tracy once couldn’t bear to touch has become the heartbeat of their home, the calm in the chaos, the small, determined centre of their world.
