Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Welfare Bazaar, continues her column
MAKE no mistake, Max makes the most of what he’s got. He may only have one eye but he’s got a lot of balls.
Fifteen at the last count – and that’s just in the outside part of his pen.
He’s got a secret stash in the inner compartment where he sleeps. Each time he goes for a walk, he takes a ball with him just to make sure he’s got something to play with and, then, when he spies one lying around, he picks it up and brings it back so he returns with two – clever boy.
I’m not going to beat around the bush here. Max isn’t for the faint-hearted. Sure, he’s made mistakes in the past but, if you want a solid staffie with a bit of spirit, he could be your boy.
And, since he’s had his eye out last year, because of glaucoma, staff feel that he is much more settled and happier now.
For the past two afternoons I’ve spent time with him and, on both occasions, it was the highlight of my day.
He loves playing and when he knows you’re going into his pen to play with him, he makes those gorgeous staffie chattering noises of anticipation that staffie connoisseurs will recognise.
Max is an intelligent boy who knows basic commands.
He is looking for a home with adults or families who have children aged 16 or above.
He needs an owner who will spend time getting to know him as, dare I say it, he is coming up for his fourth anniversary of waiting for a home.
If you can home this boy who is very much loved by staff and volunteers but who needs a home of his own, you can meet him and his hoard of tennis balls at the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) rehoming centre, Tylers Way, Watford bypass.
As well as looking after dogs, NAWT also look after cats and on Wednesday, January 25 (7-8pm) they are holding a free interactive webinar on feline behaviour.
Two years ago, NAWT started looking after the dogs in their care using the Open Paw system of care (which is why, when you go round the centre, you are encouraged to feed the dogs) and, this month, they are introducing the Open Paw system for cats.
For more details and to register for your complimentary place go to nawt.org.uk.