Stitch – 7-8 year old male Cross-Breed

Stitch is a large crossbreed aged around seven to eight years.

We met Stitch in March during our trip to the Botosani public shelter. In fact, us being there saved his life because he was badly attacked and if we hadn’t intervened the other dog would not have stopped until he’d killed him.

He was badly injured but after a few weeks of recovery, he came to the UK. He was pretty depressed and shut down so it’s taken some weeks to get him to a point where he can go up for adoption.

He’s still not completely sure he wants to be around people but he is warming up to the idea! He is now enjoying walks, but doesn’t want to go too far as he’s quite lazy and really wants to get back to his bed! He gets on well with other dogs despite his previous ordeal.

Stitch will need a home with someone who understands he may never be that dog that bounds forward with a wagging tail to greet them at the door.

He’s beginning to be a bit more interested in what the humans in the horse are doing but mostly that’s on the off chance food might be involved. He will allow you to stroke him if you insist but would currently prefer to avoid human touch if that’s an option.

In truth, he’s absolutely no trouble to have around at all but we have no way of knowing if he will always be distant with people or if in time he can get past this….. the only way to find out is if someone gives him a chance…..

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. Stitch is fostered Norfolk.