A nervous dog who has led a sheltered life is looking for a new home after watching her brother go off to his forever family.
One-year-old Staffie cross Peppa arrived at the RSPCA’s Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home, in Gloucestershire, in February with her brother, George.
The duo had lived a very sheltered life which had led them to be nervous of much of the outside world so staff at the rescue centre set about slowly introducing them to new experiences.
Animal carer Lauren Bohin took Peppa, who has a split nose, under her wing and spent lots of time building a bond with the frightened youngster.
Lauren said: Peppa and George were very nervous when they first came to us so we knew they were going to need lots of time and patience to gain their trust.
Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.
“Peppa was nervous of everything and we soon realised she would react to strangers and other dogs because she was scared. We spent time earning her trust and building up her confidence and she’s come such a long way already.
“One of the most memorable moments I had with her was when she slowly came up to me, stood on my lap and licked my face. It’s the closest she’d ever been to me and I really felt like I’d finally earned her trust.
“With every day that has passed, she’s slowly revealed more and more of who she really is; a cheeky little dog with a lot of love to give!”
Peppa has been working with staff and is now happy walking past strangers and other dogs without reacting. Staff would like her new owners to continue this positive training with her to further build her confidence and help relax her when she’s out and about.
Lauren added: “Peppa is a people pleaser and will do anything to make you happy. She is such a pleasure to work with and absolutely loves her food which makes training easy.
“She really enjoys activities and having something fun to do. Her favourite things to do include cuddling up on the sofa, playing with her tuggy toys, and learning new tricks and using her nose for scent training.
“She has made many human and dog friends whilst being at the centre. She is so trusting of her handlers and will look for confidence in us when she is unsure of a situation. She loves going on long walks with her doggy friends and is very playful.”
Peppa is looking for a home with owners who have the patience and time to continue her training. Ideally she’d live in a rural location, giving her space to slowly grow in confidence, and would be the only pet.
She loves human company so would like an owner who is home for much of the day and is happy spending quality time with her.
Lauren added: “I will miss Peppa so much when she’s adopted and there will definitely be a tear or two when she goes! She has taught me so much and I am very grateful for being able to work with such an amazing dog. Whoever gets to adopt her will be very lucky to have such a loving and intelligent dog.”
Find out more about Peppa online or contact the team at Cotswolds Dogs & Home on 01453 890014 or reception@cdch.org.uk.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
