Gus marks 200 days in RSPCA care after a lifetime in kennels
18 July 2024
Could you help this gentle, loving greyhound finally find his forever home?
Gus is a healthy 4-year-old Greyhound X Collie who is as beautiful inside as he is on the out, but sadly has spent much of his life in and out of kennels due to circumstances out of his control.
He is sadly about to mark his 200th day in RSPCA care, and has so far only received one application for adoption (which sadly wasn’t suitable), despite being desperate to find a loving home and having to watch many of his canine friends leave with their new families.
Gus didn’t have the best start to life, growing up in an unsuitable environment before being moved back and forth between homes. Sadly, this resulted in a lot of separation issues and anxiety which you can’t really blame him for developing!
Gus ended up in a local rehoming centre where he was re-homed from the shelter on one occasion, but then returned again because the resident dog didn’t like him. We finally took him into our care at the start of the year, determined to give him the chance of security with all of the love he deserves.
There’s lots to love about Gus, and we know he will make a brilliant addition to a pet owner’s life, provided they are willing to be patient and work with him. Naturally, he has some reactive traits due to his background, but our animal welfare team, volunteers and kennel staff have done lots of behaviourist training with him and he’s come on leaps and bounds.
A member of our Animal Welfare Team commented on Gus:
“Gus’s behaviour is quite different from when he first entered branch care. He’s learning to control his reactive behaviour, and although he’s very alert when out walking, we’ve taught him to sit and wait following a distraction technique when he sees a trigger (such as a rabbit in a field). He’s a very clever boy and a quick learner, as well as a very gentle dog with no signs of aggression. He barks once triggers set him off, but quickly calms down and has made amazing progress.”
Behaviour Traits
Gus has developed separation anxiety, therefore we advise appropriate separation training, this should help ensure Gus is set up to succeed with forming a secure attachment bond. He enjoys going out on walks, is very good with treats and has no signs of resource guarding.
He is extremely gentle with all of his toys and is very clean in his kennel. Furthermore, he is always well-behaved during vet visits and travels extremely well too.
Overall, Gus is a kind and gentle natured boy who needs a home that can make him feel secure and loved, whilst continuing behaviour training (he is a quick learner).
Health
Gus is neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped and up to date with his flea and worm programme and no ongoing physical health problems.
Taking Gus on Walks
Gus must be walked with a muzzle and harness with owners who are aware of his strength and triggers. He is a lovely walker who does not often pull on the lead.
What kind of home is Gus looking for?
- Rural with lots of secure outdoor area
- No Children / adult only
- No other animals – Gus has been known to get on with other dogs, however it has been recommended that he does not live with any canine companions and instead soaks up all the attention for himself
- With patient owners who are around most of the time and can give him the time and care that he needs
If you tick all of the above boxes and think you could give Gus a loving home, please click here to fill out the adoption form.
If you’re not quite ready to adopt Gus or he’s not suitable to your lifestyle, you can help us fund his care through donating here. It costs us £715 to keep a dog in our care for 21 days, so your donation is hugely appreciated and makes a real difference.
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