Scrappy is a complicated little character. Fluffy and adorable, a true goofball, he enjoys life, his plush duck toy and learning tricks. He has a wonderful time racing around my field, playing fetch with his duck and playing hide and seek with me in the tall grass.
Scrappy adores messing up his bed and blankets, tossing everything into the air as a game without ever destroying them! His zest for life and fun is a joy to watch. We share a lovely bond and I love seeing him happy.
Scrappy, however, really dislikes anyone else in his life apart from me. He reacts badly to people, dogs, cats, cars, cyclists, horses and anything else he perceives as a threat. He locks onto them immediately no matter how far away they are, and if loose would run straight at them and bite repeatedly without hesitation.
Scrappy had a difficult start in life. He was originally bought from a puppy farm by people who sadly had no understanding of what a dog needs. He was left crated, punished and poorly socialised. On his way to be put to sleep for aggression, he was taken in by a rescue who asked us for help.
He has placed all his trust in me and is honestly the best dog when it is just the two of us. He has made progress, even if only small… He can now calm himself. He now thinks before acting. He has learned cues. He loves tricks.
He can now sniff on walks…this may sound strange but he had to learn to use his nose, as he was so frantic he could not relax enough to take in his surroundings. He is less reactive to passing cars along the country lane. He has learned to give and receive affection without becoming completely over excited.
Scrappy is not safe to be rehomed and has remained in my care, though he must stay separate from my family and dogs. Fortunately we live in a rural area, which makes this possible.
Scrappy remains a permanent foster dog and is one of the dogs Barney’s supports for the rest of his life.
If you would like to sponsor Scrappy, you can set up a regular payment on the long term foster page, which you can find here.
Or if you are able to set up a standing order, it would be very much appreciated. The details are:
Barneys’ Small Breed Rescue Community Interest Company
Sort code 60-83-71
Account Number 02048205
Please put the reference as SCRAPPY
Thank you for your support.
So glad you were able to see the ‘real’ Scrappy inside that bundle of confusion….and have had the patience and skills to help him develop as well as he has.
He sounds adorable and obviously has a whole lot of love to give - just needs to be helped in how to….and how to be a doggy.
Well done - inspiring testimony to your expertise.