Continuing with the theme of some of our older and longer term residents that we are trying to find that specialist home for, this week I'd like to introduce you to the magnificent Barney.
Barney came to us a strong boy a good few years ago. He'd clearly had no input into his manners or shown any affection and being an Akita cross German Shepherd didnt help with the stubbornness. Deep down though you could see there was a loving boy in there, behind all the brashness.
We found him a home with a lovely family who fell in love with him the minute they saw him. It was quickly decided he was the one for them.
They idolised Barney and worked so hard at his issues with strangers and other dogs. Sticking by him during the thick and the thin.
Then one day an accident happened that wasn't Barneys fault and unfortunately he lost his home and his family, meaning he had to come back to us.
I think its important to point out here that the family still keep in touch and make donations towards his upkeep, such is there love for him. The return has been as hard for them as it was for Barney.
Time has ticked by and like us all, Barney is showing his age now. We think hes probably about 11 or 12, and whilst the stubbornness of the Akita is still there, he is a lot more gentle on the lead.
He still loves his playtimes, his favourite game being 'try and get me back on the lead' as he runs around our outdoor exercise area, whilst being around dogs on a daily basis means that he has learnt that they aren't too bad after all.
I think it's now time that Barney ventured back into the world, knowing that it is not such a scary place. He deserves to feel the happiness he once felt again and to have somewhere to spend his retirement.
I think it would be best for him to be an only dog, just to make the transition easier and our normal policy of not rehoming to a home with children would apply.
Knowledge of Akitas would also be advantageous, just to help work out his funny ways.
If you'd like to know a little bit more about Barney then please contact foreverfoster@shak.org.uk
In the meantime, we are still looking for that special person for Tia but I am delighted to say that Sally is loving life in her new foster home by the seaside.