Handsome Harris!

Hi there, my name is Harris!

I came into the RSPCA from a difficult background and because of that I can get quite nervous in new situations. The staff at the Derby RSPCA decided to send me to live in a foster home for a while, which has really helped me.

They found out that I wasn't house trained (I didn't want to mention it because it was a bit embarassing!) but my foster mum has taught me that now so I now know to only go to the toilet outside! I'm very good.

I'm getting better at lots of other things now too. At first I was really scared of that noisy box that they call a television, but now I don't mind sitting in the same room as it and it doesn't bother me. The ironing board was hard to cope with too, but mum taught me that there was nothing to be scared of. I've been such a brave boy!

I do still get a bit scared of new men to be honest. I try not to but I did have a bad time growing up and, though my foster dad is always so nice to me, I still find it a little difficult to trust him. My new parents will need to understand this and will need to give me some time, patience and love to get me used to it.

One very important thing about me - I LOVE other dogs. I have two foster brothers, a spaniel and a german shepherd, and they have really helped me along with my confidence. I really would prefer to be rehomed with another dog if possible. I can't go home with small furry animals or cats though I'd afraid!

I may seem a little shy and reserved when you first meet me but I like nothing more than sprinting around!

I know that I take a little bit of nurturing, but I promise you that I'm so worth it. I have so much love to give and my foster mum says that after having obviously had such a tough time in the past, I deserve all the love I can get in the future.

Please, consider adding me to your family! If you would like to meet me, just call the Centre on 01332 344620 and they can arrange it.

Lots of love,

Harris xxx

Some call me Aardvark...

I've had various names since I've been here at Derby RSPCA. My actual name is Jake, but some call me Aardvark and some call me fruit bat. Apparently, this is to do with my (regal-looking, I think) nose. The staff are always telling me how fabulous and unusual I look - it really does just add to my charm. Why have a regular dog when you can have me?! Look, here I am - aren't I cute?

You can just see a few patches of fur missing on my back in that picture. Basically, where I was living before I wasn't properly treated for fleas and I developed a bit of a nasty flea allergy which resulted in me losing fur on the bottom of my back. It was quite uncomfortable and I wasn't very happy at all. Luckily I was brought to this place, where they treated me for fleas and now my fur is starting to grow back. It's a bit of a slow process, so bear with me! 

Just to add to this...I have a protruding upper jaw which means my top teeth come further over my bottom teeth - it means you have to offer me treats on the palm of your hand so I don't accidentally bang your fingers with my teeth! You can see it a little on this picture:

It doesn't affect me at all and is just another of the things that make me unique. 

Aside from these unusual things, there are so many wonderful, ordinary things about me! I love people, especially when they're taking me on walks. I get really excited and wag my tail a lot! I'm not too bothered about toys at the moment, I'd much rather have cuddles. When I get to know you, if you open your arms I like to come in for a cuddle. 

I also get along with most dogs I meet. I'm just not all that bothered by them to be honest, and I've lived with them before so it's just normal for me. Cats aren't a big deal for me either usually - actually, I'm more scared of them than anything. If I did live with cats, I'd like to live with some friendly ones who were nice to me!

All in all, (I don't want to sound like I'm blowing my own trumpet here...okay, actually I do!) I'm the perfect dog for most homes! I'm gentle, friendly, loveable and let's face it, a bit of a looker! My two friends who I arrived with have both gone to their new homes and they're enjoying their twilight years in style. Won't you think about taking me home?

Lots of love and extra-adorable cuddles,

Jake xxx