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 two dogs in need of a country life are Crista and Ben.
Name: Crista
Breed: Akita
Age: 7 years
Reference: 2009/05555
Crista has had a really tough life so far and is now looking for a very special home where she can live happily ever after.
Crista came into Battersea Dogs & Cats Home back in 2007 as a stray and had horrific injury to her leg which sadly had to be amputated. Following a successful surgery Crista was featured on Animal Rescue Live and consequently found her perfect home where she lived happily for the next couple of years. Sadly, her owner recently passed away and as a result Crista has come back into the care of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and is desperate to find a permanent new abode.
Although Crista has three legs, she possesses a strong character and will need firm but fair handling. Despite her disability, she is fairly mobile and enjoys her short walks around the park with the volunteers. She is a sociable lady and all her best doggie friends are Staffordshire Bull Terriers who she seems to have a particular fondness for.
Crista loves travelling in cars so will be happy to be transported whether it is a visit to the vet or holiday travel. She is housetrained and is fine when left on her own for a few hours.
This affectionate girl needs to go to an adult only household without other pets.
Whoever takes Crista into their lives will be rewarding with a loving and doting companion.
If you can offer Crista the home she deserves then please contact Battersea Dogs & Cats Home breed rescue on 020 7627 9231 or email breedrescue@battersea.org.uk.
Name: Flossy & Lucky
Age: 4 & 7 years
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Reference: 10/20351 & 10/20350
Flossy and Lucky are a delightful duo who are looking to find a loving new home where they can both live happily ever after.
Flossy (black Labrador, four years old) and Lucky (yellow Labrador, seven years old) are both gentle and affectionate souls who will bring their new owners lots of love and joy. They both have great basics in place and adore being around people and going on countryside walks.
This lovely pair are firm friends so must be rehomed together. They can live with children over eight years old and would be happy living with a feline companion.
If you can offer Flossy and Lucky the home they deserve then please call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 01784 494443 or email bow.rehomers@battersea.org.uk
