Patsy – 2 year old female Cross-Breed

Patsy is a 2 year old female Cross-Breed. She is fostered in Filby Norfolk. We met Patsy back in March during our trip to the Botosani public shelter in Romania.

Patsy had been caught by the dog catchers and our first glimpse of her was in a rusty old cage where she was disoriented and confused as the tranquilliser they’d darted her with wore off.

Her front leg was swinging at an alarming angle and it was an overall pitiful and distressing situation to witness. After returning home we did not forget about her.

Patsy was spayed and her useless swinging limb was removed and we brought her to the UK as soon as we possibly could. She is now in a UK foster home and loving life and we need to continue her journey by finding her the perfect forever home.

Patsy is described as practically perfect by her foster mum. She is attentive and affectionate and mixes beautifully with the other dogs she is currently living with. She would also be happy as an only dog.

Patsy is fine with respectful children aged six and over. Having only three legs does not get in Patsy’s way at all, she is loving her walks and explores the world around her with enthusiasm.

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.