RSPCA Finds New Homes For More Staffies Than Any Other Dog

Published on April 28, 2010 by Jennifer White   ·   No Comments

Animal lovers helped the RSPCA find new homes for more than 507 Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffie Crosses through 13 of its rescue centres in 2009 – the highest number of new homes found for any breed of dog.

The RSPCA is calling for more owners to come forward as we still have many Staffies in desperate need of good new homes.

The RSPCA’s animal centres took in large numbers of Staffies and found new owners for them because in the right hands they can make an excellent pet.

Happy Staffie owners include 47-year-old Denise Winters who adopted Staffies Dennis and Kane from RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre. She says she gets extra satisfaction from caring for dogs that really need a new home (see case studies below).

This RSPCA Week (Monday 26 April to Sunday 2 May 2010) we are encouraging everyone thinking of getting a dog to consider a Staffie and help us continue to find them good new homes.

A new RSPCA website – www.gettoknowadog.co.uk – launched today, aims to help people find out more about adopting a Staffie.

Anna White, manager of the RSPCA’s Southridge Animal Centre in Potters Bar, said: “Some people think Staffies don’t make good pets but when in the right hands, well cared for and properly trained, they can make brilliant companions.

“If you’re thinking of getting a pet, please visit our special new website and find out more about Staffies. You can also visit an RSPCA centre to get to know one of the thousands of animals in our care. Our staff can help you decide if you can provide a good home for a dog and, if so, whether a Staffie could be the right dog for you.

“And if you adopt a Staffie, you’ll know you’ve given an extra special animal a much-needed new home.”

We believe so many Staffies are in need of new homes because in addition to being a popular pet, the breed has become fashionable with irresponsible owners who are more interested in their own image than their dog’s welfare.

Common reasons given for handing Staffies over to the RSPCA are that owners are unable to cope with looking after a dog, or that financial or housing circumstances have changed. Many of the dogs in the RSPCA’s care have been neglected or abused and need very special new owners to help them recover.

Two Staffies have been given a new lease of life since they were adopted by 47-year-old Denise Winters from the RSPCA’s Southridge Animal Centre, Potters Bar.

First came Dennis, who needed a new home after his owner threw him to the ground, breaking his leg.

Since she took him on Denise, of Barley Cross, Hertfordshire, says Dennis has become a very happy dog.

She said: “He’s lovely – he’s so sweet and trusting. He loves fuss and spends a lot of time lying on my sofa with his legs in the air!

“People sometimes say to me that they’re worried about going near a Staffie because of the bad publicity they’ve had, but then they meet Dennis and they realise they can be lovely dogs.”

In recent weeks Denise has taken on 10-year-old Kane, also a Staffie.

His previous owner failed to seek veterinary treatment for Kane when he developed an allergy to fleas and he still suffers from skin problems. He also has arthritis in his back legs and spine.

Denise said: “When I first got him he was like a doddery old man. He’s like a rocket now! He loves going for walks and when he lies down on his bed he sighs with contentment.

“I get such a lot of satisfaction from adopting dogs that really need a good new home, especially older ones. They might not be the prettiest dogs and you might need to put in lots of time and effort, but after all they’ve been through you can give them a really great last few years.”

Highly Recommended: This could be the most important link you EVER click as far as your dog’s life is concerned – see why….!

Tags:  adopt a staffie, adopting a staffie, Animal Charities, Animal Cruelty, Animal Welfare, Social Issues, staffie