Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has a long history of caring for dogs which have been abandoned or whose owners were 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 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 we have Tigger the cat and Jasper the dog.
Thrill-seeking Tigger dreams of a country home
Name: Tigger
Age: 1-2 years
Breed: Domestic Short Hair (cross)
Likes: Food and adventures
Tigger is one of Battersea’s most interesting feline residents – he’s a cat who seems more like a dog in the way he behaves! His unusual looks and quirky little ways get everyone’s attention as they walk through the cattery.
He loves to say hello to passers by, and if he’s out of his pen in the cattery, you can often see him darting about, jumping and climbing on any object he can, and just generally getting himself into mischief. Because of his inquisitive nature, Tigger needs an out-of-town home, away from busy roads.
When he’s not rushing around, Tigger loves to sit back and have a stroke and a cuddle, and can often be found rubbing around humans’ legs.
But be warned, Tigger loves his food and will eat anything in sight. He has an insatiable appetite so cannot live with other dogs or cats.
If you have experience of owning cats and can offer a loving new home to this entertaining and active boy then please contact Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 020 7627 9234 or email rehoming@battersea.org.uk. Please quote Tigger’s reference: 2010/91022
Can you offer Jasper a rural retreat?
Name: Jasper
Age: 7-10 years
Breed: Mongrel
Likes: Tennis balls and lounging in the garden
Jasper is a jolly dog who is finding kennel life extremely stressful. He’s desperate to find a home with a loving family who can give him plenty of love and cuddles.
He has a real zest for life and loves everything and everyone and is always there to greet you with a waggy tail.
Jasper is a very intelligent boy and loves to show off his tricks, including BEG, SIT, PAW and ROLL OVER. He is also housetrained and walks well on the lead.
This lovable lad loves nothing more than playing with his tennis ball and can entertain himself for hours. He would love visiting children to play with but would prefer to live in a quiet, adult home. Although he likes meeting other dogs when out on walk, Jasper would like to be the only pet in his new home.
Whoever takes Jasper into their lives will be rewarded with a fun, affectionate and doting companion.
Can you offer Jasper the home he deserves? Please contact Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Old Windsor on 01784 494443 or bow.rehomers@battersea.org.uk. Please quote Jasper’s reference: 10/21082
