Dog on a balcony wants a home

Reef, pictured with Lucy Needham, is in desperate need of a new home.

05 July 2006 09:45

A dog who spent much of her early life shut out on a balcony and needed weeks of treatment for a back wound is in desperate need of a loving new home.

Reef, a German Shepherd, was taken in by the RSPCA but she does not enjoy kennel life and needs a patient owner who will be able to give her confidence in the outside world.

When she was signed over to the charity she was painfully thin with a nasty wound on her back, which healed very slowly after a long course of antibiotics and medicated baths.

Reef has a sensitive digestive system so is on a special diet and she also needs to have her ears cleaned regularly.

Despite her medical problems and bad start in life, she is very affectionate and playful and needs a quiet family home without any other dogs or cats.

Roger Anderson, manager of the Norwich and Mid-Norfolk branch of the RSPCA, said: "Reef will be rehomed under the branch's Assisted Adoption scheme, which will pay for any medication and veterinary check-ups. A new owner will have the full support of our animal care team.

"This beautiful dog really deserves to find a family of her own at last." Meanwhile, the branch is also looking for people who can offer temporary accommodation to cats and dogs as part of a fostering scheme.

A fosterer needs to care for the dog or cat as they would their own pets, spend time with the animal to resolving possible problems, overcoming fears and anxiety and, above all, show the animal love and affection.

Many of the cats and dogs have been neglected in some way but with the right knowledge, time and care can lead a normal, healthy life. Suzannah Hammond, animal care team manager, said: "A fosterer is a very special person who must have knowledge and facilities appropriate to the animals needing to be fostered.

"Often a fosterer is called upon at short notice and can sometimes suffer some heartache during their fostership.

"However, seeing a happy contented animal ready for a new home is worth all the effort."

Ü If you would like to offer a home to Reef or would like to find out more about becoming a fosterer, contact the animal care team on (01603) 767634. The line is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm.

Ü Do you have an amazing animal story? Telephone Evening News reporter Caroline Jenkinson on 01603 772429 or email caroline.jenkinson@archant.co.uk

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