Dogs Friends

Each week we are going to be featuring a Dog of the Week, these dogs are the dogs that for some reason are sadly being overlooked. Please can you make it your mission to get the dog of the week as much publicity as possible in the hope that it might lead to them getting a home. Try making up posters and sticking them everywhere you can think of, ie vets, pet shops, post offices etc etc, tell your friends, post a link on any internet forums you visit, basically please do whatever you can to get this dog noticed! Thankyou!

Rocky is a beautiful boy about 9 years old.  He was sent over from the pound in Wales, having been found by the council when they went to inspect a house that had been left empty.  He was locked in the shed!  However, he doesn’t seem any the worse for his experience (at least, not visibly) as he is in good condition and very calm.He has settled remarkably quickly into a home environment, so I think he had been used to living indoors as he is not worried by any household noises, i.e., the hoover, lawn mower, etc.  He knows how to pull the handle down to open the door and from the second day has sat by his food bowl to tell me when it ‘s time for his meal.  He gets it just about right, too!  I don’t think he has been used to sharing a house with cats.

Rocky walks well on the lead, doesn’t pull you at all (just as well, considering

his size) except when something attracts his attention, but then will allow himself to be held back.  He likes to get into the car and travels very well.  He seems to be house-trained as he has done everything in the garden since he’s been here.          He is altogether a lovely, friendly dog; he loves people and has greeted any new person that has come to the house with a lot of fuss and tail wagging.  He hasn’t come into any close contact with other dogs since I’ve had him, but those he’s seen when out seems to suggest he will be alright as he’s just wagged his tail and wanted to go and say hello, but he hasn’t been allowed to get near as he has had a bit of cough since having his kennel cough inoculation – just to be on the safe side. He does like to be with you all the time, maybe a sign of insecurity owing to being left as he was. 

9th October 2008

Neathcliff has settled well in his foster home, we had to change his name as he needs quite alot of training as Neathcliff is quite a mouthful, so he is now known as Rooney which he comes to already. He wasn't house trained nor did he know any basic commands. He now asks to go out when he needs to, comes to a whistle and is starting to sit and walking better on a harness all in 3 days of having him. He is really eager to please. He is now getting on much better with my dogs but I have to watch him as he will fight at times. He loves to be with you and is very loving. Rooney could live in a family with sensible teenagers and maybe a female dog. He would love an active life and would be good at agility. He desperately needs a forever home and with the right training will make a fantastic pet. However he cannot be homed with cats.

9th October 2008

Tinka is a brindle, Jack Russell terrier, who is about 12-18 months old, she is very loving and house trained. Tinka is very good with children and other animals and has been in with horses pigs chickens etc.Tinka would suit a home where she would be spoilt as she loves to lie by our open fire every night. She loves to play with a ball and will bring it back again and again for you to play with. Photo to follow shortly!

8th October 2008

8th October 2008

Tenco is a 2 year old Dogue de Bordeaux, he is extremely thin, in fact he is only half the weight he should be. This guy used to live with 5 kids apparently, but somehow ended up in the pound. He isn't castrated yet as he is too thin to operate on. He is looking for a fostercarer until his forever home can be found, so if you would like to help to start to restore this dogs life and body please contact us asap.

8th October

This is Gilbey, he is a Bichon Frise who was adopted from Dogsfriends 3 Months ago, but his new owner has had a change in work hours and so can no longer keep him. He's had a new haircut since coming back to us and is now looking for a new home. Please remember that as cute as he is, that this type of dog can offer suffer from blocked tear ducts and needs grooming daily. He is in foster in Bristol. More details to follow.

7th October 2008

This is Mick, he was previously from Dogsfriends, but got adopted by a family, who sadly returned him. Please click on the above Youtube link to watch him playing ball with Sarah.

7th October 2008

19th August 2008

30th September 2008

Lexi is now nearly 100% housetrained. And she is still looking for a home to call her own. Due to her youth and over eagerness she is looking for a home without very small kids, no children under 4. 

8th September 2008

Lexie is now ready for re homing. Lexie needs someone who has the time to spend on her, also someone to play with her, another young dog or children. Lexie's fur is now growing, and she will have to continue to have eardrops twice weekly.
She is not completely house trained and unfortunately does not like the wet weather. She is very charming but very mischievous. She loves toys and food.  She walks well on the lead. She sleeps all night and is clean during the night.
Lexie would do better in a less doggy household. 

13th August 2008

Lexi is a 2 year old westie girl. Who is exceptionally pretty and  truely scrumptious. She was handed in to us as she has an extremely bad skin condition which her old owners couldn't afford to treat. Our vet is now treating this but unfortunately vet fees aren't cheap although we are just about managing. She isn't currently available for adoption as her skin is so bad, but once the vets have worked out what exactly is causing this awful problem and we have it under control she will be available.

Lexi will be happiest living with another little dog, You are welcome to register your interest in her if you would like to adopt her once she is sorted out. This poor little dog deserves a wonderful home and a loving family. If you would like to help us out with vet fees with a small donation, we would really appreciate it, thanks for your support.

Being Fostered in Clevedon

20th September 2008

Chip has been with Dogsfreinds for a year now. He has enjoyed good health for the year only going to the vet for his vaccinations and neutering.

Chip has started to do lead walking, although he has been used to being free to run around the garden he took well to walking on the lead and had no problems with a circuit of Westbury-sub-Mendip.

One of the dogs Chip used to be with was a bit of a stirrer since he left Chip has been getting on better with other dogs.

Bella who is Chip's friend will be leaving in October it would be great for Chip if he could find a home when she goes.

4th March 2008

Chip came from a pound in wales he's between 2 to 3 years old. Someone had poured hot chip fat on his back so he has a saddle of no hair. Amazingly he is a very friendly and loving dog. He likes some dogs but not others, but he does like to play rough. He's extremely handsome and he's believed to be a great dane cross.

Being fostered in Somerset

20th September 2008

Rover is a collie x lab, he's between 1 and 2 years old. He came from the Swansea pound where he had been handed in. He was quite nervous when he came. He has changed dramatically in the last week. He has much more confidence and is very extravert. The trauma of having been sent to the pound and then being brought to Somerset must have been very difficult for him.

Rover has lots of energy and loves playing with the other dogs, he likes Mojo.

Rover loves company and wants to be every body’s friend. Rover gets on well with other dogs apart from when he is feeding.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Being a young dog Rover would benefit from training and it is recommended that the adopter take him to training classes.

 20th September 2008

Paddy appears to be getting younger he loves running around and being made a fuss of. He is very agile and can jump into back of Landrover with tailgate up, this is a jump of more than 3 ft. He appears to be able to be left on his own for a reasonable time with no problems. Paddy is Not very good with other dogs but seems good with people. Paddy walks well with a long lead which gives him chance to sniff and wonder around a little. He isn’t as good with a short lead walking to heal but that should come with practise.

19th August 2008

Paddy is predominanantly collie who is totally obsessed with a ball and will play all day long. He is very obedient on the lead and off and will sit and give a paw. He is overly interested in cats but will leave if told to. he is very willing to please and loves cuddles. Would be absolutely brilliant at flyball or agility but has to be watched when around other dogs when with his ball or being fed as he can be a bit possessive. He readily gives up the ball to humans though. This gorgeous dog is a heart stealer.

Being fostered in Somerset

20th September 2008

Mojo has now gone to a new fosterer and this is what they had to say about him.

Mojo took a little time to adjust to his new home but seems to be settled now.  He is enjoying playing with the other dogs particularly Bear and Rover. Mojo has lots of energy and needs a home where he can gets lots of exercise. He isn’t a very confident dog at first but after he has had a little time in a new situation he has become more confident. 

5th September 2008

Mojo needs a new home ASAP as we are moving into a rented house due to circumstances. If he goes into foster care we would like to keep in contact with him but fingers crossed he will be adopted which is in his best interest.
I'm not sure how he is around kids although my neighbours kids talk to him over the fence and he is fine with them, but as he jumps up probably best not to go with a younger child as he is so tall. Mojo doesn't like cats,  but gets on well with my dog and when he meets other dogs when he's  out and about. He is very protective of his food and toys although does like playing with my dog although can be rough but I think thats down to his size and my lack of knowledge.
Will sit for food / treats and when told to lie down will do so, so his basic training is underway.
He loves a cuddle when he's sat on floor next to you. Doesn't like to be away from me if I'm in the house and will sctratch my kitchen door and frame. So poss someone who will be with him most of the time. He is a great dog who will be very loyal and will return the love he receives.
 

19th August 2008

Mojo is coming on in leaps and bounds, he's now learnt to sit for a treat and for his dinner and his housetraining is coming along brilliantly, he's only had one accident in the last week!!! His paws are starting to heal and he's putting on weight and as you can see from the photo he is filling out nicely. His fosterers are continuing his training and although he rather strong on the lead he is getting the hang of it. Unfortunately he doesn't get on well with cats but is fine with his fosterers dog. This poor boy obviously had a rough start to his life but thanks to the time and love his fosterers are putting into him, he is starting to shine.
 

21st July 2008

Here’s Mojo, he is a doberman cross, he’s very thin and needs some tlc to help build him up, and some rest to repair the pads on his paws. He's a lovely dog who needs a bit basic training. He gets on ok with my dog and likes nothing more than to lay down and chill!! Or chew a bone. The vet says he’s about 11 to 15 months old.

Being fostered in Somerset

 12th September 2008

Polo is a 9 year old 1 eyed JR terrier. He has lived with his family since he was a tiny puppy, but now they have moved and have got chickens which he doesn't get on well with, so he is being rehomed. He has also become territorial towards other dogs which is a problem as his owners new business means that people with dogs will be regular visitors.

He is great with kids and is a lovely cuddly dog who enjoys nothing more than being curled up on his owners lap or warming himself in front of the fire. Polo isn't a dogsfriends dog, however please call our contact number if you would like more information him.

5th September 2008

 Unfortunately we have to find a new lovely home for our doggy Charlie,
 as we are leaving the country to go volunteering, and it really wouldn't
 be fair for him to get moved from one place to another.

 he is a 7yr old Border Collie, with loads and loads of love to give.
 Charlie, is intelligent and knows commands - he can be taken for walks
 without a lead and will return and walk to heel on command, however he
 has been living in the countryside with us so is not really used to
 traffic so would definitely need a lead in these places.

 Charlie, nearly died about 4yrs ago when he got access to slug pellets -
 he had a massive seizure, and was lucky to survive. however after this
 we did notice a change in Charlie, and our vet thinks this is probably
 slight brain damage. Charlie is now quite anxious around other dogs and
 very small children. He needs a lot of reassurance, and prefers not to
 be in the company of others dogs unless he knows then very well.

 He has a wonderful smiley face, and loves being naughty and trying to
 get on your knee for a cuddle even tho he is a big dog. He absolutely
 loves chasing a ball, swimming in the river and just being with people.
 Would be lovely to find a lovely new home for him, as will break our
 heart to leave him

 Our contact details are this email address, or 01823 401411

 Homeleigh
 Preston Bowyer
 Taunton
 Somerset
 TA4 1PQ

 We will travel to meet you if you wanted to meet him, as we are very
 dedicated to trying to find him a good home

25th August 2008

Bobo is a 5 year old black & white Collie who is very loving and friendly. His only problem is that he is over obsessed with the car and not great on a lead.
He walks better on a Halti but this is still taking time. He would happily sit in a car all day if he could and is good travelling if he is in a crate.
He is good on walks but again will be happy to get back to sit in a car when he can. For me, his fosterer, this isn't a problem as it fits in well with what I do, but it is the reason he came back to us. We obviously don't advocate the leaving of dogs in cars all day long, but if you have a secure garden where you park your car with the door open or if you are lucky enough to have a job where you can take your dog to work with you then he might just be the dog for you. Aside from his fixation with the car, he is a lovely dog and just needs a bit of love. He is great with kids and people and other dogs, but unsure about cats. Please give him a home.
 

18th August

Bobo is a five year old black & white collie. He is great in the house but when on a walk  he does pull on the lead. He loves children and plays well with other dogs. He enjoys playing with toys and loves it in the car, in fact loves it too much in the car, he'd like to stay in it all day if he were allowed. He was over protective of his previous owner but he has been fine with his fostercarer so far. With the right training he will remain to be the perfect lovely boy he is now.

Sadly Bobo has been returned to us because of his obsession with the car. We don't have any further details, but he has gone back to his original fosterer who is very experienced with collies, she will re-assess him and see what she can do to address his issue, we're all really sad for him.

Being fostered in Somerset

30th August 2008

Just a little more info on Nova, she was left in a park tied to some railings by an older lady, some passersby said to the lady as she walked off, 'You've forgotten your dog' , she replied 'I don't have a dog' and just walked off. Also she is nearer 12 or 13 years old.

28th August 2008

Nova has settled in well. She is the easiest house guest, she sleeps well at night and I hardly notice she is here half the time. She is fine with other dogs and even had a play today with a bassett hound, he wasn't sure at first but she persuaded him it was a good idea and they spent the next 10 minutes messing about. Mostly she keeps herself to herself, but she does love to sit on your lap and have her tummy scratched! She does however tell dogs how it is if they bounce on her or try to take her food, but nothing more than a growly shout. She is living here with all sizes, breeds and ages of dog and so I would happily let her go to a home with a friendly resident dog, but I'm not sure that she needs another dog for company, if she had human company. There is no adoption fee for Nova due to her age, but obviously a donation would be nice as she has cost us a small fortune in kennel fees.

24th August 2008

Nova has now gone into foster nr Bristol Airport.

Nova is a dear little dog who knows her own mind and has so far been fine with all of my dogs. She is fine with the kids too. However she is very interested in the cats but not athletic enough to do anything about it. She is an older dog who is a little plump but we're hoping with lots of lovely walks those pounds will start to fall off. But she is possesive of her food and so needs to be fed away from the other dogs. Her story is a sad one, she was tied up and left ,  luckily picked up by the dog warden and taken to the pound, where she served her 9 days and then luckily for her Rosemary offered her a place over here. It's a story we hear and see over and over again, who knows why her owners left her, maybe they couldn't afford to keep her anymore, maybe they got a new puppy and found the old dog boring. Whatever the reason it was a sad one for Nova.

While we were driving back from the kennels today with Nova sat on my lap taking in the view, her ears pricked up as she saw a lady walking along and I wondered if maybe her old owners had looked like that lady and I wondered if these abandonded dogs ever gave up hope, if they moved on? I'd like to think that she was happy here now with lots of company, space and love, but I'm sure she'll be happier when she finally gets a home to call her own without quite so many dogs to share the attention with. The lovely lady at the kennels said that Nova needed the company of another dog and that she stressed without it, she was being kennelled with another little stray dog and they got on really well.

15th August 2008

Poor Nova didn't get on so well with her fostercarers dog after all. She is now in kennels until a foster home or permanent home can be found. Could you foster her? Could you offer her the comfort, love and reassurance she needs? This poor little dog must be so confused, she served her 9 days in the pound and was not claimed by her owners, then she has more change when she comes over to england, and she is now back in kennels, probably wondering where she's going to end up next. If you think you could foster her please contact us asap, not only is it depressing for her to be in kennels, but it is extremely expensive for us, we have really limited funds and having dogs in kennels rather than foster homes really drains what we have.

1st August 2008

Nova is JR terrier crossed with a staffie, she is a very friendly girl who is getting on well with other dogs.  She is a little on the portly side. More details and a photo to follow shortly.

In kennels near Weston Super Mare

27th August 2008

Todd is a ten year old lab cross boy. He has been neutured and microchipped. He is quite friendly but a bit lazy, so does not like being pulled around too much so might not be suitable with young children. He does not need to much exercise.

7th June 2008

A little update from Sarah.

Bella has been working towards some basic training for a few months now, where she has been introduced to clicker training.  She is very focused & keen to please when she's working & can Sit, Lie Down & Stand when I asked to.  She walks on a harness & when training she walks very nicely beside me, even weaving through obstacles & changing direction.  Like most dogs when she's out on a road walk there's lots of new things to smell & see, so she likes to walk out in front & explore on a long line, but still looks back to check her handler is there & if recalled comes back quickly.  She has been relaxed with passing traffic & when introduced to new people.  She is even learning how do new tricks with the clicker & can spin & twist in opposite circles. 

30th May 2008

Sarah from Waggy Tails Training school has been taking Bella to training for us. She kindly sent us a photo of them both hard at work!

3rd March 2008 

Poor poor Bella she's been with us since May 2007. She got given to us reluctantly when her owner had to give her up. She is  medium sized about the size of a small collie and she is just over 3 years old.  She loves kids and gets on well with other dogs generally but isn't so keen on the smaller dogs! 

Being fostered in Somerset                                                              

18th August 2008

Sebastian is a 2 year old english bull mastiff. He is friendly with other dogs and good natured.

Being fostered in Bath

 1st August 2008 

Geoffrey is a 7 month (ish) old Jack Russell cross.  He's good with most dogs but does act aggressive to dogs if he's on a lead.  Unfortunately he can't be homed with cats as he does chase them. Geoffrey would be ok to be left for reasonable amounts of time and he slept through the night without a single sound! He loves to jump on your lap and give cuddles. He needs a bit of training to learn how to walk on a lead properly. But generally he is a lovely quiet type.

Currently in Whitehouse kennels in Weston super mare.

14th July 2008

Rocky is not a Dogs friends dog, if you are interested in adopting him please call the mobile number below.Thankyou!

One year old Rocky is looking for a home through no fault of his own.  His
owner, due to heavy work commitments, can no longer look after Rocky and
spend the time with him that he deserves.  He urgently needs to find a
suitable home with someone who can give Rocky the attention he needs.
Walks, cuddles and splashing about in the water are Rocky's 3 favourite
things.  If you think you could be that person who would give him a loving
home, please consider ringing the contact number below to discuss.
Rocky will stay with his owner until a suitable new home can be found.  Any
enquiries, please telephone 07505321292.

 6th July 2008

 17th April 2008

  Mobie is a fun loving little chap with a great personality, he loves his training at Waggy Tails Dog Training Centre and all the attention he receives, he works really well for food or toys but he can get over excited with toys, so any play with a toy is in a controlled calm manner.

He is at present working towards his Bronze award with The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme, he loves to learn new things and is a busy little dog, but he also loves his time to relax and be quiet with calming music after a busy training session. Mobie is truly a lovely little dog who would suit anyone who does not mind putting in some training time each day with him because he loves to work.Anyone interested in this little chap is more than welcome to go along to his training classes to  watch him in action. 

4th March 2008

Mobie is a whippet cross, he's about 3 years old. He is a very affectionate little dog, but on his terms, his fosterer says he's a bit cat like in his affection, ie when he chooses not when you do. He's a cheeky little chappy but rather likes to be in charge, he would however be best homed with a dominant bigger dog or by himself. This poor little mite has been with us since January 2007, he needs someone who really understands dogs and who is prepared to put some training hours in.

Being fostered in Weston Super Mare

15th June 2008

Sadly Tom has been returned to us.

Tom is a 12 year old collie, he is blind but he copes very well with this, enjoying his walks and life in general.  He gets on fine with other dogs - unless they are un neutered then he feels threatened.
 
He lives currently in a busy house with a cat that he ignores and teenagers who he gets on fine with.  He would just love a retirement home to call his own.

Being fostered in Somerset

25th March 2008

Nancy is good with children and other dogs, She is between 8 and 10 years old. She is clean in the house, vocal when going out for a walk, but not noisy in the house. She is slightly incontinent but only sometimes in her sleep and she does have medication for this. Not suitable to live with cats.

Zorrow is good with children and other dogs. Would not be suitable to live with cats. He is clean in the house.
He is vocal when he goes for a walk. Zorrow does have a minor health problem which is dry  eye and does need medication.

Nancy and Zorrow are brother and sister and will need to be rehomed together. They had a very bad couple of years when their previous owner died.

Being fostered in Clevedon