13 months and still no home for “sweetest, gentlest” dog

Friday 29 December 2017

JSPCA staff say they’re “absolutely devastated” that a three-year-old Doberman who had a ruff start in life is still yet to find a loving family in over a year.

Described as the “sweetest, gentlest” dog, young Ariel first came into the JSPCA’s care last year after having been kept in an outdoor kennel until she was 10 months old.

The experience left little Ariel seriously frightened by aspects of daily life like traffic and stairs.

“It took a long time for her to learn that stairs weren’t scary and an even longer time to learn that traffic wasn’t too bad either. Ariel copes with the “normal” world just fine now but every now and then things will spook her and she needs a bit of time to adjust and get used to them. Treats go a long way with helping her get used to things that scare her!” JSPCA staff member Barbara Keywood explained. 

Pictured: Everyone at JSPCA loves Ariel and try to make her kennel life as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Having spent months at the JSPCA, she was the inspiration behind the recent launch of the fluffy foster carers scheme. Sadly her placement didn’t work out so well, and now she’s back in the kennels.

“She is adored by the staff and we are doing everything we can to make her life in kennels as comfortable and relaxed as possible. She continues to be bored, lonely and distressed despite us keeping her occupied with puzzle toys, calming music, a variety of chews, extra time out with staff and volunteers etc. Unfortunately it just isn’t enough to keep her in a content and happy place.”

Pictured: Although she was the idea behind a foster campaign which helped a lot of pups, Ariel is still looking for her forever home.

The pup sadly finds it hard to get along with other dogs due to a sad incident in which two larger dogs jumped on her. While she wasn’t badly hurt, sensitive Ariel became afraid of other canines. But, with the JSPCA’s help, she’s working hard to overcome this fear with training. New owners will also be provided with plenty of support to continue this. She is sometimes worried around little children – especially those of a similar height – and would feel far more at home with children over 16.

While she can be anxious sometimes, her current JSPCA carers say that she likes nothing more than a good snug. “Ariel is fantastic with all adult people she meets, it’s one of the reasons she’s a favourite among the staff and volunteers here. One of her favourite past times is to snuggle in and get lots of cuddles!” Ms Keywood added.

The animal welfare charity are now launching a special appeal for a loving home for the pup, and are especially reaching out to those with a garden – not large, but “just big enough that she can go to the toilet on days that she doesn’t want to go for a walk.”

Pictured: Ariel is looking for "...that special family who will take the time to understand her."

“Ariel is an extremely pretty and loving three-year-old Doberman… She is just desperate for someone to come along that can see this in her. She is looking for that special family who will take the time to understand her and help her deal with things in life that she finds a little overwhelming… 

“Ariel keeps us thoroughly entertained with her energetic and playful nature! Anyone who spends time with her just adores her. She is so friendly and loves playing with her toys (she definitely has favourites!) and she will do absolutely anything for a treat. She is such a gentle, loving girl and we are sure that she would bring so much joy to anyone considering giving her a chance.” 

They’re asking for interested islanders to get in contact via the JSPCA Facebook page or calling 01534 724331.