Battersea Dogs Home has a long history of caring for dogs which have been abandoned or whose owners were unable to cope. The Home cared for over 9,000 dogs from many different backgrounds in 2003 and this year is looking just as busy.
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 Kuma and Little Sam.
Kuma
Akita
Five years old
Reference No. 05/04634
Kuma may look very serious in his picture, but he has a lovely smile when he’s relaxed! Akitas are magnificent dogs with a stunning appearance and unique character. They are large, strong and can be prone to stubborn moments, so Kuma really needs new owners who have experience of owning an Akita or a similar large dog before and will understand him.
Kuma is a soppy lad who loves a good massage and adores going for walks, but he can be wary of strangers and displays intolerance towards other dogs, a trait typical of his breed. Kuma is looking for a home with a garden in a semi-rural, quiet environment. Unfortunately he can’t live with children, or with cats or other dogs.
Kuma is a fabulous boy, and once he bonds to his new owners he will be a wonderful companion and centre of the household.If you are interested in giving Kuma a permanent home then call the Breed Rescue Co-ordinator at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on +44 (0)20 7627 9231.
Little Sam
Lakeland Terrier
Ten years old
Disc No. 06/00370
Little Sam is a fun loving chap who absolutely oozes character – but don’t be fooled by his age, he would certainly keep you on your toes! Sam is a very intelligent boy, always on the go and searching for new things to do: people are always surprised by his energy.
Sam can be demanding for attention and is fanatical about toys, so he needs an experienced home, with patient owners who have lived with terriers before and understand his breed.
He is looking for a home outside of town, with no children or other dogs, where he will be kept occupied and stimulated. Poor Sam really struggles with life in our kennels, and is very stressed and unsettled here.
He is a fabulous old boy who really deserves to be given a chance at a new start.If you are interested in learning more about Sam then call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on + 44(0)20 7627 9234.
