Battersea Dogs Home has a long history of caring for dogs which have been abandoned or whose owners are unable to cope.
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 seen a rise in Japanese and American Akitas. These awe-inspiring dogs were originally used as hunters in Japan and are thus not always very tolerant of other dogs. Areas with plenty of space and a low dog population are thus perfect for them.
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 Flash and Forest.
Flash
Mongrel
Three to Five years old
Male
Disc No. 05/05368
Flash is a lovely older boy looking for a country home where he can live an active lifestyle. Flash can be obsessive about toys, so he will need to be the only dog in his new home.
He is looking for firm but fair owners who have experience of owning a dog before and will be calm, patient and non-confrontational with him. He will not be able to live with children as he will need consistency in his training. He may struggle at first with being left alone so his new owners should build up to leaving him.
Poor Flash finds life in kennels very difficult, and all he wants is a loving home and a chance for happiness. He is a wonderful, friendly dog who will make a loyal companion, and he becomes more and more responsive to people as he bonds with them.
If you are interested in giving Flash a home then call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Old Windsor on 01784 432 929
Forest
German Shepherd Dog
One year old
Male
Disc No. 06/40036
Forest is a young and lively boy looking for a loving and caring home to call his own. He is a goofy, soppy, gentle giant who loves to play, and has no idea how big he is.
Forest is looking for patient owners with experience of owning dogs (preferably German Shepherd Dogs) to train him in all the basics. He needs a rural home with more than one carer but without any children. Forest could live with another dog, preferably an older female who will be a good role model for him.
He has a minor hip problem which will need to be monitored as he grows older, but this does not affect his mobility or quality of life.
Forest is a wonderful fun dog who really loves life and will make a fabulous companion for the right owners.
If you are interested in learning more about Forest then call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 020 7627 9234.
