Labrador-cross Otis is still in in rescue after two years

Sometimes when you work in rescue, a very special dog comes along, who needs an equally special new forever home to meet his needs! 

Meet Otis, who is just such a special dog. Four year old Labrador cross Otis has now been in rescue at Animals in Distress Ipplepen for over two years as the right home for him has not yet come forward.

Georgie Harrill, Animal Welfare Assistant at Animals in Distress said: “Otis will certainly be the perfect companion for the right people who are willing to give him the time, patience and understanding he truly deserves. Unfortunately, even though a few people have applied to adopt Otis, they all changed their minds and he has been in kennels for such a long time now.

“Otis is a highly sensitive dog who gets stressed and overwhelmed very easily. As such, he is not a typical Labrador and would not make a suitable pet for a young family with children.

“When Otis first came into rescue he had a number of behavioural issues and we have worked hard with him to help him cope and de-stress in a safe and manageable way, so these behaviours are no longer an issue at our Rescue Centre. However, these former behaviours mean that we cannot rehome Otis to a new home with children."

While Otis will be a loving pet to the right owner, he needs someone who can understand and accommodate his needs. 

Georgie Harrill continued: “Otis is looking for an adult only home as the only dog initially, however does have the potential to live with one in the future once he is settled. He is well-socialised and loves his doggy friends when out and about. Due to his noise-sensitivity he is looking for a home in a quiet area or a house with a large driveway/front garden – he was rehomed once to a home in a very busy area but was returned to us as the stress was causing more unwanted behaviours.

 “Otis does not enjoy being cuddled and fussed, unless on his own terms. Once he trusts you he will present himself for a scratch and will allow you to give him a cuddle when he is comfortable. He is wary of strangers and is spooked easily, however if handled correctly so he doesn't feel threatened he can behave calmly when out and about.

“Otis will require a lot of mental stimulation to help him de-stress and settle into his new life - we have found this to be the most effective way to help him cope here. Along with a set routine he needs varied activities to keep him stimulated and engaged.”

Otis also has mild hip dysplasia in one of his legs and attends hydrotherapy sessions to build up the muscles in his legs to help support his hips. 

Local Canine Behaviour Practitioners Karen Carnell (yourwholedog.co.uk) and Ruth Haynes (speakdogwithruthhaynes.co.uk) have kindly done some work with Otis which has really helped him to build up his confidence. 

Karen said: "I spent a few weeks with Otis and in that short space of time he made super progress. 

"At sniffer classes he was initially a bit overwhelmed and would react by getting very over excited. After a while he settled well and became calm around strangers and the unfamiliar setting. On our long lead walks on Dartmoor it was great to see him relax and play. There, Otis seemed to be happiest. The environment was calm and stimulating, with plenty of space.

"Otis is intelligent, perceptive, funny and entertaining and one day will be a beautifully loyal companion to someone.

"Otis may have some slight unwanted behaviours but like his mild hip dysplasia, these can be managed easily. What he really needs is an opportunity to thrive mentally and physically in a loving and kind home.

"Otis needs a family so he can be the dog he is meant to be."

Karen and Ruth have very kindly offered to give a number of free 1-1 sessions with Otis’ new owners once he is in his new home. For more information about this or anything else written here, please do contact us and we will be happy to explain everything fully.

If you think you could offer Otis the special home he so desperately needs, please fill out an application form www.animalsindistress.uk.com/animal/otis or contact the Rescue Centre on 018103 812121 for a chat.

Animals in Distress added: "We – and Otis - really look forward to hearing from you!"