Stella is a small to medium female crossbreed aged around four years old.
Stella is fostered in Norwich, Norfolk.
We met Stella on our trip to the Botosani public shelter in Romania in March. I actually entered her pen to assess her for another rescue in another country but when they decided not to take her I knew we had to.
Stella is now in her UK foster home and is doing very well. She’s a little shy but very curious and follows her foster mum around with interest. She can be a little cautious of human hands but once you have hold of her she relaxes and enjoys a fuss so just needs a little time to fully trust. She is mixing well other dogs in her foster home but could also be the only dog in the home. She is blind in one eye due to past trauma.
Stella could live with respectful children aged twelve plus. She is already really enjoying her walks despite being new to wearing a lead. She’s a little lacking in confidence but we can see she will become an amazing family member in a short time.
When you adopt a Safe Rescue dog, you MUST use a slip lead. This will keep your dog safe: your new dog will be nervous and will not trust you, and you will not know which situations might upset your dog.
If your dog panics, then a slip lead is the only way to prevent your dog from escaping (many dogs can escape from a collar and/or harness). It will take AT LEAST 3-6 months for your dog to settle in and for you to know your dog fully (longer for nervous dogs). The slip lead must ALWAYS be used during this settling-in period.
Even after your dog is settled, it is safest to use the slip lead in situations where your dog may become scared (e.g. visiting new places, around unfamiliar people, at the vet), and in situations where unexpected triggers might happen (e.g. around bonfire night). Nervous dogs may always need to wear a slip-lead as a backup safety measure.
The slip lead is a safety device and must NEVER be used as a training tool. Using the lead to apply pressure to the dog’s neck is damaging. If your dog pulls on the lead, then we can advise you on training methods that avoid harm.
Once your dog is settled, you may want to consider using a harness (together with the slip lead) if your dog is comfortable with being handled when it is fitted. Most harnesses are not escape-proof, but harnesses with a strap behind the ribcage (e.g. Ruffwear Webmaster or Perfect Fit Harnesses) are safer.
Retractable/extendable leads must never be used on our dogs.
Adopted dogs must be collected from the rescue and transported straight home in a crate.
Fences and gates must be 5ft min & secure.
