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 Fay and Snoops.
Fay
Mongrel
One to two years old
Female
Disc No. 05/04123
Fay is a boisterous dog with lots of energy so she will need owners who can keep up with her. She is a happy girl, full of fun but also very willing to please, she just needs training to get her back on track. She may have German Shepherd Dog in her ancestry as she often behaves like one – she is loyal, loving, devoted and intelligent. Fay is looking for people who will put time into her training and love her zest for life.
Fay needs to live without other dogs until she matures and has gained some self-control, and she cannot live with cats as she does like to chase. She is not suitable to live with children. Fay is a fantastic dog with so much potential, and with experienced owners who will help and guide her in life we are sure she will be a loyal and loving companion.
If you are interested in giving Fay a home then call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Old Windsor on 01784 432 929
Snoops
Basset Hound
Four years old
Male
Disc No. 2005/06325
Snoops is a lovely lad with all the charm and cheek of a Basset Hound, who will take a mile if given an inch! He needs owners with previous experience of owning a Basset, and he is looking for a home in semi-rural or rural environment where he can be himself.
Snoops cannot be left alone for too long and so would benefit from a home with more than one carer. He could live with sensible, older teenagers who will help with his training. He is a charming dog who has demonstrated his ability to respect commands and obey orders whilst at Battersea. Snoops gets on well with other dogs, and has previously lived with cats.
If you are interested in learning more about Snoops then call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 020 7627 9234 and ask to speak to our Breed Rescue Co-ordinator.
