SOPHIE – Staffie x – approx 6 yrs – Redcliffe, Bristol
SOPHIE is a sweetheart who so deserves her forever home after everything she has been through. She does need something a bit special, but we know that the right home is out there for her, maybe with you?
This lovely girl would prefer to be the only dog in the home. Whilst she did previously live with 2 other dogs as time went on she began to feel the need to referee their play sessions and this led on to fighting. She is happier without those stress levels around her.
On walks also Sophie prefers to ignore other dogs, although will tolerate them as long as they don’t pester or hassle her. She will play fetch alongside another dog with no incidents, but should still be watched carefully just to be aware of any signs of anxiety or guarding.
Sophie recently suffered a neck injury, believed to have been sustained jumping from a counter. This caused something similar to whiplash and she was on steroids and reduced exercise while the inflammation and pain eased. It caused her to drag her front paws and she wore down her middle two claws to the point of bleeding. Whilst this is improving well, walks of longer than 20 minutes on pavement still cause scraping so she has little booties to wear which her foster Mum is happy to pass on. Although the pain appears to have gone (she was prescribed Tramadol as Metacam made her sick), she should be prevented from jumping heights or jarring needlessly.
As a result of this injury and reduced exercise Sophie gained some weight so is a little overweight at the moment. She gets tired after playing fetch for 10 minutes, but does love it, so play and exercise are important. She also enjoys her walks and manages an hour at walking pace. If a walk is missed due to illness or other commitments she does not pester and simply settles to the changed routine.
On or off lead Sophie is a dream. She walks beautifully on lead and only begins to pull when excited, but stops immediately she is told. Off lead she remains close, never losing sight of you, and her recall is 100%. Obviously in a new home a bond would need to be built before any off lead walking is undertaken, but in the right setting and once she has gained trust in her person she focuses totally on them.
Sophie is not good with small furries or woollies, so sadly we would not be able to home her where there are cats, rabbits or similar small pets or indeed around livestock.
On meeting new people Sophie tends to shy away and prefer to be left alone. She’s a shy girl who likes to make friends in her own time and at her own pace. Whilst she will not show any negative behaviour in terms of growling or lip curling, she will make her discomfort clear by turning her head away or physically moving away if she can. And whilst she has allowed unknown children to hug her without complaint, she is not used to children and has never lived with them, so with these factors combined we would like to find a quiet home with no resident children and no visiting young children where she has the sole company and attention of a gentle and patient Mum and/or Dad and time to bond with them. Sophie’s life before coming through Loving Homes Dog Rescue to her first home was one filled with neglect and breeding, and we need to know that for the rest of her life she will be treated like the special girl she is and her needs always respected.
Although Sophie doesn’t play much, she does love tennis balls, so prospective owners best stock up on those! She also loves her Kong filled with tasty treats, and frozen raw bones. She shows no possessiveness or guarding with people touching these and does not snatch.
Sophie used to suffer quite badly with separation anxiety, but it has improved well in her foster home where she has been left for 4 hours without noise or destructiveness. She also has a crate which has aided in her sense of security and independence, although it is left open for her to choose whether to use it. New owners should be aware however that a change of home and the unsettling of making a new bond may trigger this issue again, and it is important to be prepared to work on building up to leaving her slowly.
In the home Sophie is a very relaxed girl, and will happily sleep for long periods. She does not pester for attention or constant amusement, but does like to be close to you, especially when sleeping. She’s a real ‘cuddler’. She’s also a bit of a worrier, so her snuggling up is her security and reassurance that all’s well. She currently sleeps with her foster Mum in her bed, so prospective owners should be aware of this and consider whether this is something they would accept, or at least be willing to teach her to sleep in a bed alongside theirs. She may not adjust well to being expected to sleep downstairs alone after this time.
In many respects Sophie is a very easy girl. She travels quite well, and although she used to suffer from travel sickness this seems to have improved and she travels easily for a couple of hours. She needs very little grooming and is tolerant of being handled all over. She is good at having her front nails clipped (with the aid of treats), although a little fussier with the back. In the Summer she needs a little sunscreen on her nose, and in the Winter she feels the cold very easily so wears coats and pyjamas.
Sophie is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, flea and worm treated.
She occasionally suffers from ‘Swimmers Tail’ and the vet has prescribed Tramadol for this. It is usually resolved in a day or 2.
**What is Swimmer’s Tail?
Swimmer’s Tail happens when a dog’s tail gets strained or sprained by activities such as swimming or playing. The tail will be sore and the dog may not be able to wag it or hold it up for a few days. It is most commonly seen in breeds who use their tails A LOT for swimming and wagging purposes 🙂
How is Swimmer’s Tail Treated?
A few days rest is the best treatment for swimmer’s tail. Most cases resolve themselves within a few days. Your veterinarian may prescribe a pain or anti-inflammatory medication if your dog is uncomfortable.**
Anyone wishing to discuss Sophie or be considered for adoption is asked to email enquiries@lovinghomesdogrescue.org.uk with their name, address and contact telephone numbers. Please state that it is Sophie you are interested in.
A telephone interview, homecheck and adoption donation/contract apply.
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