Adopt a Rescue Dog June 2007

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has a long history of caring for dogs which have been abandoned or whose owners were unable to cope. The Home cares for thousands of dogs many different backgrounds and this year is looking more busy than ever.

Unfortunately many dogs at Battersea arrived because their previous owners only considered what they wanted their dog to look like – not its background and behaviour patterns.

As a result Battersea has seen a rise in the number of pure breed dogs it receives as well as a rise in the number of dogs that need country homes.

The most popular dogs purchased by misinformed town dwellers are, incredibly, Border Collies. These dogs love mental and physical stimulation – they are literally bored silly in the city and need space and air and things to chase.

Other breeds unhappy with life in the city are Jack Russell Terriers (miniature whirlwinds), Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers (both have endless reserves of energy and stamina), Springer Spaniels (originally bred for retrieving they have energy and stamina reserves to rival the Labradors and Golden Retrievers) and Lurchers (a very strong chase instinct coupled with very bad recall means a three legged Lurcher in the city).

Battersea has also lately seen a rise in Japanese and American Akitas. These awe inspiring dogs were originally used as hunters in Japan, therefore they have a very low tolerance of other dogs and so need to move to an area with a low dog population.

These are examples of some of the breeds which are unhappy in the city, and over the next few months dogs like these will be looking for places to live where they are more at home, with loving owners who can give them the attention they need.

This month, the dogs needing immediate housing are Caine and Skittle.

Caine

Rottweiler

Five to six years old

Male

Disc no: 07/02220

Caine is a charming dog with a nice calm nature. He spends his day in the office with a number of staff and different dogs.

He is looking for that extra special home now as his owner has passed away. He will need an owner which has experience with large dogs with no children and are able to provide him with a secure stable home.

Caine is unable to live with cats as he will chase them. He is not to live in a home with other dogs as he can be clumsy at times and does tend to forget his own weight. He is good with dogs but as a young dog he was hurt by a black labrador so he is not keen on large black dogs and will avoid them.

He loves his food and will do a song and dance for a treat. He also enjoys playing with tennis balls. Caine had a routine in his last home which did work for him. He is looking for a life just like that again.

If you feel you are able to offer Caine a good home please contact Carly Mills on 0207 627 9233 or by email on c.mills@dogshome.org

Skittle

German Shepherd cross

Six to 12 months old

Female

Disc no: 06/21138

Skittle is a strong exuberant character who is quick to pick up training and is very intelligent. Skittle needs owners that have had experience of larger, working breeds such as German Shepherds and that understand their specific traits and will continue with her training.

Skittle needs to live in house with a garden out of the hustle and bustle of a city. She could live with a confident male dog that would provide her guidance and a group of doggie pals to continue socializing with. She could live with teenagers that have experience of living with strong over the top dogs and she could live with a confident cat.

If you are interested in offering Skittle a home then call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 020 7627 7884.