ID No.: D.111.20

Age: 6 years old

Sex: Male

Breed: Crossbreed

Colour: Fawn

Reason In: Sign over - I cannot be rehomed to Chudleigh or Ivybridge, as this is where I came from.

Can I live with Dogs?

No - I am not suitable to live with other dogs

Can I live with Cats?

No - I am looking for a home with no cats.

Can I live with Children?

No - I am looking for a home with adults only (16yrs+). This includes visiting children.

My life has been full of hardship and difficulties. I have already been in 3 different homes before I arrived at the safety of Gables. My first owners tried to train me as a gundog but as I wasn’t very good at it they no longer wanted me. The sad part is they were prepared to shoot me. Luckily I was saved by a farmer who rehomed me to a family with small children after I had been attacked by a large dog. With all the trauma and upheaval I had already faced I found living with a young family too much which is why I found my way here.

Despite such a hard start I think I have been a very lucky boy to have been given another amazing chance at happiness. I have been here for a while now and I know that is because the humans want to make sure I find a home that is perfect for me with people who can help me thrive.

I came into rescue back in 2020, and over the years I’ve shown that once I trust someone, I love deeply and wholeheartedly. With my people, I am affectionate, loyal, and incredibly loving. I adore cuddles and will gently wrap my paws around your neck to pull you in for a proper hug. I can be playful and silly too — tennis balls are my absolute favourite, and a game of fetch is one of my happiest moments.

I’m very good with handling from people I know well and trust, although I can be sensitive around my head and don’t like hands coming over it.  Because of my past experiences, I do need to wear a well-fitted basket muzzle for vet visits and any hands-on care like grooming or medical treatment — it helps me feel safe and keeps everyone protected. I’ve actually learned to enjoy brushing with people I trust, which shows just how far I’ve come.

Strangers are very hard for me. When I don’t know someone, I can feel overwhelmed and frightened, and I may bark or react to keep them away. I cope best when new people ignore me completely and give me time and space. Because of this, I’ll always need careful management around visitors, and I’ll need to be kept separate from people I don’t know well. Any necessary introductions must be done slowly, with me on a lead and wearing my muzzle.

Walks are something I really enjoy. I’m generally lovely on the lead, although I do react if I see dogs, small animals, or busy surroundings. Because of this, I must always stay on the lead and wear my basket muzzle in public. Quiet walking routes suit me best, where I don’t have to face lots of unexpected encounters. I am a very playful young man and I love to have off lead time in the secure paddocks here at Gables. The brilliant thing is that with so many private rentable secure paddocks in the area my new owners will still be able to give me the freedom of off lead play but in a totally safe environment. I adore playing with toys and I am really good at playing fetch. I quite enjoy giving the toy to my handler and grabbing it back quickly when they go to pick it up. I find it hilarious.

I am very motivated by food which is the best thing to use as a distraction when there is another dog around. I have shown some resource guarding behaviour around my food in the kennels so I prefer to be left alone during meal times. I know how to sit when I’m asked but I still need other basic training once I’m finally in my forever home. My new home will need a secure garden with 5ft high fencing. Due to my past I absolutely can’t be around children, even if they only visit very occasionally. My home needs to be my sanctuary and I am very unsettled around kids.

Due to my difficult past, I am a complex chap who has some very specific requirements from my new owners. It is very important that I am rehomed to someone who has experience dealing with reactivity in a dog that they have owned in the past, while they were an adult. Experience with resource guarding would be beneficial, though not essential, provided adopters are willing to research and follow professional guidance.

I need a quiet, rural or semi-rural location where exposure to unfamiliar people and dogs can be kept to a minimum. My new owners must be understanding that I must always be kept separate from visitors to the home, where having visitors at all is a very rare occurrence. A secure garden with solid fencing of at least 5 feet high throughout is a must for safe outdoor play.

I feel now is my time to shine! If you feel that you have the time and experience that I am looking for then I would be very grateful if you filled out an application form.