Re-home a rescue dog this July

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 April our dog in need of a home is Linus and our cats are Robert and Rambo.

Name: Robert Age: 6-12 months Breed: Mongrel (cross) Centre: Battersea London Child suitability: 13+ Live with dogs: Yes Live with cats: Yes Reference: 10/00268

Robert is a beautiful dog who is looking for a new family who are able to give him the time and patience he deserves.

Robert came to Battersea as a young stray and as a result has grown up in a kennel environment and is in need of further training. However, in this time here, Robert has shown what an intelligent dog he is and has a good grasp of basic training and knows sit, paw and down.

This lovely dog is always very happy to see you and adores being around people and having a fuss. He can be quite bouncy and over-enthusiastic at times so his new owners will need to work on this to calm him down.

Whoever takes Robert into their life will be rewarded with a playful and affectionate companion. He would be ideal for someone who is active and enjoys working with dogs on training. In the right home Robert will blossom into a fantastic dog.

If you can offer Robert the home he deserves please call 0207 627 9234 or email rehoming@battersea.org.uk

Name: Rambo Age: 1-2 years Breed: Labrador Retriever (cross) Reference: 09/21432

Rambo is a very clever and affectionate boy and is extremely responsive and easy to train. He is a fantastic lad who has some great basics in place; he has a good grasp of training, is housetrained and travels well in the car. Whoever takes this beautiful boy on will be rewarded with a doting and affectionate companion.

Sadly, Rambo is easily worried by other dogs so his new owners will need to understand this and build up his socialisation with other dogs gradually. For this reason, he will need to go to a home where he is the only dog. He would benefit from a rural home and a quiet, adult household.

Rambo is a pleasure to be around. He's happy being around people and loves a cuddle and will make a loyal and loving dog. He loves going on long walks and walks well on the lead.

If you can offer Rambo the new life he deserves please contact Battersea Dogs & Cats Home please call 01784 494443 or email bow.rehomers@battersea.org.uk