Bud
Star of the Month
Bud is looking for a pack leader. He’s a gorgeous, energetic and extremely affectionate black and tan GSD. At 7 years old, he was left at the Salisbury Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre. He likes it there, but he’d really like to live in a regular home and have someone special in his life.
Dogs Trust rescue and rehome stray and abandoned dogs and never destroy a healthy dog. When I visited the Salisbury branch of Dogs Trust in Newton Tony recently, Bud was the first dog that I saw. He lives in the kennel nearest to the reception desk and has a floor-level side window where he can peek through at you as you enter reception.
While peering sideways for another glimpse of Bud, I am greeted by Leslie Carley, the Supporter Relations Officer, who offers to show me around. We proceed through the glass doors into a row of state-of-the-art kennels with vaulted ceiling and sky-lights.
Our first port of call is Bud. He immediately rushes over to greet us through his glass fronted kennel. There are no prison bars here, but glass that helps insulate each kennel from outside noise and scents. I put my hand down to the ‘sniffer holes’ and he’s not shy at all about saying hello.
The centre has recently undergone a total re-build, which incorporates all the latest innovations to keep dogs calm and content. Each dog has a large indoor/outdoor kennel, which is insulated, clean and light. There is underfloor heating and the kennels are in a row on each side of a large indoor tiled ‘avenue’. They are built on a angle so that they do not face into each other. In this way, dogs like Bud, that are not keen on other dogs, are not continuously provoked by the sight of the dog opposite.
Leslie admits that Bud missed out on being properly socialised with other dogs when he was a puppy and, therefore, is not friendly towards them. He is, however, extremely confident and happy to meet people. His previous owners brought him in when she became pregnant, believing they could not cope with a new baby and a strong, very friendly 42 kilo dog.
After touring the facilities, which include a modern vet suite, a grooming parlour with tiered shower stations, a dog training school, a laundry (to launder the hundreds of dog rugs and towels) and a puppy care area, we go outside to meet Bud up close.
Heike, Bud and Leslie
Heike, a Canine Carer, brings Bud out on the lead. He is full of play and enthusiastic to meet me. Heike has a supply of treats and Bud eagerly works for them – sitting on command and offering his paw. He is eager to please us. I am impressed at how gently he takes the treats. He does not snatch, but gently puts his nose forward to ask and then accept a treat.
Leslie advises that they must be careful not to give Bud the normal dog treats. Bud has a pancreatic condition that requires special food. For this reason, when Bud goes to a new home, he will be going on the part-foster scheme, which means Dogs Trust will help with the cost of his food. The condition is likely to be life-long, but is successfully managed by diet.
Bud's playful nature shows through when he winks at the camera
After lots of laughing at Bud’s antics and playful manner (he loves to play football and has a passion for tennis balls), Heike returns him to his temporary home. She comes back with Bear – another GSD at the Rehoming Centre. Bear is a handsome 2-year-old male sable. He was brought in with another dog that has since found a for-life home.
Unlike Bud, Bear can be very sociable with other dogs when they are properly introduced. He also gets on well with people. He ended up at the Rehoming Centre through no fault of his own but due to a relationship break-up. He is so easy going that he even gets on well with ‘some’ cats. He travels well, likes to play fetch and enjoys grooming. Oh, and he has a good ‘recall’.
Heike and Bear
Of the two dogs, Bear will be the easier dog to place in a new home. Bear is stunningly handsome, but it was Bud that won my heart.
Heike, who often walks Bud, confirms that he does not like being close to other dogs. She explains that if another dog is in sight but some distance away, there is not a problem. But, if another dog should approach, he will become extremely vocal and excited and pull the lead taut in order to warn the other dog. In short, he does not welcome the company of other dogs and will make no bones about it in body language and vocal challenge.
Therefore, Bud is best suited to a home where he is the only pet. Similarly, he will probably be best placed in a home where there are no young children, although teenagers would be fine.
Although Bud has his problems – his inability to accept other dogs and his on-going (but manageable) medical condition – I do think the person that steps forward for Bud will be well rewarded. Bud is strong but gentle, full of energy and playfulness and wonderfully affectionate. One senses he will be deeply loyal to the lucky person that takes him on.
Contact details:
Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, Salisbury
45 Amesbury Road
Newton Tony
Wiltshire, SP4 0HW
Tel: 01980 629634
Author: Kay Wheatley
