Rupert: male dog to adopt

Rupert is a large golden labrador aged around eight years old. Rupert has come into our care recently from the Botosani public shelter in Romania. He had been in there for some time along with his three adult sons who are still there. Rupert is a determined old goat who has probably led a pretty transient life prior to the shelter, used to going as and where he pleases. He found lead training rather a trial and has only now (mostly) accepted that he has to go where the humans direct now. However he is only going on short walks currently because when he decides he is tired and it’s time to lie down there’s not an awful lot that can be done to persuade him otherwise . On arrival in his UK foster home he spent the first half day just testing all boundaries to see if there was a way out, when placed in new situations this is a habit that he repeats. Only when he has proven to himself that he is not super dog and cannot jump five foot fences with his aging bones will he give a big sigh and settle into a pattern of pretty much snoozing most of the day. He is content with his lot but has to just see first if there’s better on the other side of that fence. It’s not a process that lasts long but seems to be a ritual that can be expected when he’s moved. Rupert is living happily with other dogs but is quite oblivious to them. He’d be just as happy as the only dog and has been cohabiting happily with the cat and even shares his treats with him. Despite giving the appearance of a soppy, docile old lab Rupert is not currently approaching for fuss or appreciative of it, although he will allow it and seems neither distressed or scared by it. I guess if he’s lived this far in his life without the love and kindness of humans the concept of a cuddle is still an enigma to him. He certainly won’t be lying devotedly by your feet or bringing you your slippers anytime soon, but in time and with enough treat bribery who knows?!? Rupert would like an adult family environment without too much activity for his retirement years.

Rupert fostered Norwich Norfolk.

If you are interested please message or call between 9am to 5pm Mon – Fri or 9am to 4pm Sat. Tel 07788251197 / 07899844524.

Our adoption fees are Puppies £500 with £100 rebate on spay proof provided, Adult neutered dogs and bitches £400, Seniors over 10 reduced fees £100-250.

Adoption Policy

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 it situations where unexpected triggers might happen (e.g. around bonfire night). Nervous dogs may always need to wear a slip-lead as a back-up 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. All dogs are vaccinated, microchipped and neutered (unless the dog is too young to be neutered).