Staffie with 'fearful' eyes but lots to give among 26 rescue dogs needing homes in Cornwall

Energetic boy Binx has been in a rescue's care for too long and is in need of a home, as is Desmond who 'has experienced and witnessed what no dog should ever have to do'

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Maxine DentonReporter

07:00, 3 AUG 2024

There are dozens of dogs in Cornwall with a lot of love to give, who are desperately looking for new forever homes. Many have not had the best start in life or struggle with behavioural issues, so just need the patience and care to help them have the second chance in life they deserve.

If you've ever owned a dog, you'll know how rewarding it can be and whilst some pets have loving homes, others aren't so lucky. While many people who are looking to bring a dog into their family may be tempted to get a puppy, volunteers across the county encourage would-be dog owners to 'adopt, not shop'.

We've had a look at the rescue centres across the county to find all the dogs that are searching for new homes and put together a list, alongside their pictures and stories.

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RSPCA Cornwall - Binx
Binx is a two-year-old crossbreed who is playful and energetic and has been in the RSPCA's care for a long time. He is best suited for an active owner who enjoys engaging in dog training and dog sports.

He would excel in activities like flyball, scent work, or agility, and his high intelligence and eagerness to learn make him a perfect candidate for these pursuits. Binx has made significant strides in his training but he will need an adopter committed to continuing his training plan, which the RSPCA's behaviourist will gladly share with you.

He can be a bit wary of meeting new people, but he is steadily growing in confidence. He has been trained to wear a muzzle comfortably, which helps manage his interactions in unfamiliar situations. The team believes that with the right adopter, Binx will undoubtedly become a loyal and loving companion, ready to share many adventures.
(Image: RSPCA)1 of 26
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Toby
Toby a seven-year-old shih tzu who will make a loving companion to the right person. He enjoys walks and playing with his toys. He feels much more comfortable around women, though he can be a little unsure of men.

Initially wary of strangers, he warms up with patience and time. Once settled, Toby likes being stroked around his chest and ears and may even sit on your lap if he feels comfortable and confident.

Toby needs a patient and understanding adopter who will allow him to settle in at his own pace. Ideally, this person will be home often, providing the time, attention, and love he deserves. Toby has a personalised training program to help him settle in and thrive in his new surroundings.
(Image: RSPCA)2 of 26
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Bella
Bella is a one-year-old German Shepherd cross who is said to be "loving and resilient". The team at the RSPCA Cornwall branch said she has "shown incredible strength and has been an amazing mum to her 11 pups, all of whom have found their forever homes." Now, it's Bella's turn to find a loving family to call her own.

Despite only having three legs, Bella exudes boundless strength on her lead walks. However, her inquisitive mind craves stimulation and enrichment, making daily mental exercises and engaging in activities essential for her well-being, this will also help her settle into her new home, as she has been known to chew things when she is bored.
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Nova
Nova is a three-year-old labrador retriever crossbreed who has been described as a "delightful dog with a zest for life and a love for playing ball, especially the squeaky ones." She is a quick learner and highly intelligent, making her a joy to train.

However, she can be a bit wary around other dogs due to limited exposure, but with the right guidance and socialisation, she has the potential to become more confident.

Nova thrives on plenty of exercise and enjoys being active, making her the perfect companion for someone who loves outdoor adventures. A large garden would be ideal for Nova to explore and burn off her energy.

Currently, she is undergoing a specific training plan to address her frustration and tendency to bark at other dogs. She requires adopters who can provide quiet walks and continue her training regimen. The RSPCA's animal clinical behaviourist will offer support throughout this process.
(Image: RSPCA)4 of 26
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K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare - Blue
Blue is a nine-year-old French bulldog who is looking for a new home after his owner recently passed away unexpectedly. The team at K9 Crusaders said: "He might be a little chap, but he’s a huge, and very strong character and personality."

Very people-orientated, Blue loves human company and companionship, and physical interaction and affection. He’s a lovable little comedian who will keep you giggling.

Blue would like two or three shortish walks a day, and a best mate who is young at heart, and affectionate.
(Image: K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare)5 of 26
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Luna
Luna is a four-year-old retriever mix who is desperately in need of a new home, or a foster placement. She will need a pet-free home and could live with older children of 11 years or older.

She has been described as being a fun-loving, excitable dog, and is strong on the lead. She loves company and ideally would like someone with a secure garden who can be around most of the day.
(Image: K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare)6 of 26
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Tessa
Tessa is a two-year-old bull breed who is looking for a home as an only pet, with responsible, capable adults able to continue with her training program.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)7 of 26
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Charlie
Charlie is an eight-year-old German shepherd cross rough collie who is said to be very active, loves to play, and seeks instruction and direction. He needs human company and reassurance and is strong on the lead.

He would do best with an active couple who are home all day, and who enjoy interaction with the dogs, playing ball, training, and going for walks. A dog-friendly, lawned garden would be much appreciated, along with regular trips to a secure dog field as he does not have any recall.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)8 of 26
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Tommy
Tommy is a one-year-old French bulldog who is almost ready for his forever home. He arrived at the centre in very poor condition and desperately needs human company, positive attention and affection.

He is said to be like a typical puppy, having the puppyhood he never had when he was younger. Tommy constantly seeks reassurance and physical contact in the form of cuddles and fuss, however, he is not house-trained and is extremely insecure, so he will need someone with him all day to start with, just like a very young puppy.

Tommy is not yet comfortable with other dogs and isn’t ready to share his provider/handler, so will need to be the only pet in the home. The staff at the centre said he is like an eight-week-old puppy, even though he is around one year old. A new owner would need to be aware of his past and understand how it has impacted his perception of life, as well as his development.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)9 of 26
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Shauna
Shauna is a five-year-old cockapoo who has been described as an active, fun-loving dog who loves running and playing, and loves a fuss and a tummy rub once she gets to know you. However, she has some challenging behaviours, so will need capable, confident owners/handlers in an adults-only home environment.

Shauna has specific dietary requirements which must be adhered to for her welfare and wellbeing, as she suffers from haemorrhagic colitis - a condition that causes vomiting and diarrhoea that contains blood.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)10 of 26
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Eddie
Eddie is a nine-year-old chihuahua cross who is said to be happy, intelligent, and very lively - he’s rarely still. He loves playing and running and loves to walk and despite his size, he rarely tires.

Eddie doesn’t take to everyone, which could reflect his past experiences with humans, and is quick to demonstrate his disapproval and defend himself. However, with those he knows and trusts, he is happy to interact and he enjoys meeting other friendly dogs.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)11 of 26
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Candy
Candy is a one-year-old dogue de Bordeaux who was extremely underweight when she arrived at the centre, lacking muscle to support her large frame, and showing other signs of neglect. She was very fearful of the lead, and cars, and work is ongoing to try and accustom her to something approaching normality.

She has been described as "a dear soul" who really wants to please, but between fear, panic and over-excitement, she still requires a lot of help and reassurance, and of course, love. Candy is still underweight, but her digestion has now stabilised, and she is building up slowly and steadily. Her coat is also looking nice now, so the nutrition is hitting the mark.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)12 of 26
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Bobo
Bobo is a one-year-old cane corso mix who arrived at the centre very underweight - at barely 37kg. With good, regular nutrition he is up to 40kg, but is still very underweight for what he should be.

He is said to love food and treats, a fuss and toys. He loves to play and lie outside in the nice weather. He doesn’t like rain, and he is not dog-friendly. Bobo is an immensely strong and determined boy who will need a physically capable and knowledgeable owner who can be an ambassador for this breed mix.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)13 of 26
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Lola
Lola is a five-year-old shih tzu cross who is said to have a a very strong character. She takes a long time to adjust to new people and doesn’t take to everyone. However, she is an active little dog who loves walking and playing. Dog-savvy, capable owners are essential.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)14 of 26
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Robin
Robin is a 12-year-old lhasa apso and when he arrived at the centre, staff were concerned about his low weight, which has never changed despite them feeding him up. He has had a range of tests and imaging at the vets but no cause has come to light.

However, Robin is said to be a happy, active lad who loves to play tag and chase with you. He enjoys walkies, too but he is not a lap dog and doesn’t like being picked up. The staff said he is a strong character who would like a young at heart owner, and a dog-friendly garden for those games of tag.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)15 of 26
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Chippy
Chippy is a six-year-old collie cross boxer who needs to build his confidence and trust slowly with new people. According to the centre, Chippy retains some anxieties from his previous owners, which manifests in a lack of trust and a dislike of older ladies with grey hair.

He loves being around younger females with long hair, and is a happy, playful boy with them. He will accept males too. He is reactive to other dogs, so will need to be the only pet in his new home, and he can't live with children.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)16 of 26
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Dougie
Dougie is a nine-year-old Jack Russell terrier cross Staffie who loves to run and play, and will chase and fetch toys for as long as you can keep throwing them. But Dougie hates going for walks, and can find no pleasure in the outside world. It’s not for the want of trying, it's because he finds the whole experience immensely stressful and quite terrifying. He feels the same about other dogs, too.

He would love to find a home with a secure lawned garden for endless play, and someone to accept him, and love him for who he is. He doesn’t fit the ‘normal’ (whatever that is) perception of a dog, but it doesn’t make him any the less adorable and he has plenty of love to give. Dougie is not suitable for a home with young children, other dogs or cats.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)17 of 26
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Dennis
Dennis is a three-year-old terrier who was born in Portugal to street dog parents, but sadly his new adoptive home here in Cornwall didn’t want him. He loves human company and companionship but his poor start in life has made him insecure and he hates being left.

He also loves to be outside, running, leaping and playing, and is hoping to find owners as energetic as he is. Dennis will need a very secure lawned garden for safe running and playing as he loves toys and will need an adults-only household with no other pets. Owners must be committed to training, and be happy to work with K9 Crusaders' recommended trainer.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)18 of 26
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Monty
Monty is a six-year-old Patterdale terrier who has not had the life most of us would consider normal for a dog - he has been deprived of socialising, training and exercise. He is having to learn that he is a dog and the team at K9 Crusaders have worked patiently with Monty to develop focus, and to get him walking on the lead.

New owners should be willing and able to continue training, and will need to have time, patience and commitment. Monty will need to be in an adult-only home and the only pet in his home, with a very secure garden.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)19 of 26
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Lexy
Lexy is an eight-year-old Dalmatian cross collie who has been described as "an impressive and efficient hunter", but as she is prone to bouts of IBS her hunting instincts need to be held in check. She is also a fun-loving, affectionate and energetic girl, who can be nervous of the unfamiliar, both people and places, but once settled, her true character comes to the fore, and she is a delight.

She will need to be the only pet as she is reactive to other dogs. Lexy would love a secure lawned garden for those endless games, and someone home most of the day as she doesn’t like to be left for long periods. She could possibly live with dog-savvy, sensible children of 15 years upwards.
(Image: K9 Crusaders)20 of 26
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Jimbo
Jimbo is a four-year-old crossbreed who started life as a Spanish street dog, and came K9 Crusaders when his local owner passed away. He is extremely strong, and quite excitable. He is learning to walk well on the lead, and he just loves to run and play. He is affectionate with those he knows and trusts.

He is seeking an adults-only home as an only pet, with energetic, capable owners who are prepared to continue training. Jimbo is not keen on other dogs and is not suitable for a home with children. A good-sized, secure garden is a must.
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Michael
Michael is a one-year-old chihuahua, possibly a chihuahua mix as he is a fair bit larger than you would expect. Unfortunately, his early life and development haven’t quite gone to plan, resulting in a unique, quirky little dog who will need sympathetic and very patient management.

He is very scared of unfamiliar places and events and doesn’t learn quickly. Michael is wary of humans he doesn’t know, and scared of but curious about other dogs. He is most definitely not your typical dog and needs to live in an adult-only home with no other pets.
(Image: K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare)22 of 26
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Zasha
Zasha is a one-year-old Rottweiler who has been described as being sweet but "a very complex girl, scared, fear aggressive, guarding and incredibly slow to trust." It has taken considerable time and patience just to be able to get on terms with her, as she barks aggressively at every unfamiliar human, and even at some familiar ones.

She has always hated lead walking and just lays down on the spot, looking very scared. K9 Crusaders' vet has investigated to see if there is a physical reason for her reluctance but can find nothing untoward. Her reluctance appears to be psychological but she is making some progress.

She will benefit and gain confidence from having one-to-one sessions with our recommended trainer. Zasha needs to be in an adult-only home without cats and is currently under assessment to see if she can live with other dogs.
(Image: K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare)23 of 26
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Dexter
Dexter is a seven-year-old Labrador cross collie who has been described as "a nervous chap who can be reactive to unfamiliar humans, and to other dogs." Fortunately, the way to his heart is through his tummy, so in a safe, secure environment, he will come around fairly quickly.

He is looking for a home of his own as an only pet, with adult owners who are patient, calm and capable, and willing to work with our recommended trainer. A secure, lawned garden is a must for running and games.
(Image: K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare)24 of 26
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Terry
Terry is a two-year-old American bulldog cross husky who has had an unfortunate start in life which has impacted his development, and his perception of humans. When he realises he is safe, he can get cheeky and mischievous. He is a large dog to be quite literally throwing his weight around, so he has to be shown boundaries.

Lead training has been slow due to his apprehension and fearfulness, and is ongoing. Terry would suit a quiet, rural location, with a home environment large enough to accommodate his size and energy. His new owners will need to be capable, calm, patient and sympathetic, but able to set and uphold boundaries and commit to training. He cannot live with children or other dogs.
(Image: K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare)25 of 26
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Banksy
Banksy is an eight-year-old Siberian husky who has a great sense of fun and is very affectionate with familiar humans. He is an outdoor dog, needing a secure garden kennel with a good-sized, securely enclosed garden.

He finds indoors too hot and then gets very boisterous trying to get outside. Owners need to be realistic about his strength and exercise needs, as they are considerable. He can't live with children or other pets but is suitable with female dogs.
(Image: K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare)26 of 26
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