Uxbridge Gazette

A pal to kick up your heels with

GIANT RESCUE DOG FRASER WAS FULL OF FEAR – UNTIL HE MADE FRIENDS WITH A TINY PUG CALLED PANCAKE

- By BEN MCVAY ben.mcvay@reachplc.com @MyLondon

THIS tiny pug has gone barking mad (sorry, we couldn’t resist!) for its giant new pal after being enlisted to boost the five-stone monster’s confidence.

Tenacious mutt Pancake is so full of beans staff at Battersea Dogs Home have paired him with giant Cane Corso Fraser to lift his spirits.

Though Goliath Fraser – who weighs more than seven times Pancake’s five kilos – may appear savage he was in fact so scared of his new home he would refuse to leave his kennel even for a short walk.

Staff at the charity were left scratching their heads over how to coax Fraser - who has sadly had his ears cropped and tail docked - out of his shell.

In the end they decided to find him a plucky pal to give him a lift – settling on Pancake – whose confident nature made him the perfect candidate.

Now thanks to six-month-old Pancake’s help staff say Fraser – who stands three-feet tall when sitting on his haunches – has grown in confidence so much that he is ready for adoption by a loving family.

Elizabeth Kidd, a canine behaviouri­st at Battersea, said: “Although Pancake and Fraser didn’t appear to be the most likely pairing it was heartwarmi­ng to see how well they got along.

“Little Pancake really taught Fraser how to be a brave dog and be more confident in himself.”

Though Goliath Fraser may appear savage he was so scared of his new Battersea home he would refuse to leave his kennel even for a short walk.

Now one-year-old Fraser’s self-belief has grown staff are hoping to find him a new family.

However, he will need plenty of canine friends to play with as this is something he really benefits from.

Elizabeth added: “Fraser really thrived in his friendship with Pancake – helping him to come out of his shell.

“Some nervous dogs in a kennel environmen­t may find a friend beneficial.

“Where appropriat­e we pair less confident dogs up with those who are more resilient and cope well with new environmen­ts - like our kennels.

“Alongside other tailored behavioura­l and training support this can be an additional way to help them feel comfortabl­e whilst with us.”

Unnecessar­y tail and ear docking is illegal in the UK and those found guilty of performing the procedure could be charged for animal cruelty offences.

If you think you could give Fraser home please visit www. battersea.org.uk .

 ?? PHOTOS: BATTERSEA DOGS HOME ?? Adorbale pug Pancake and big hound Fraser have struck up a beautiful friendship
PHOTOS: BATTERSEA DOGS HOME Adorbale pug Pancake and big hound Fraser have struck up a beautiful friendship
 ??  ?? Fraser has grown in confidence since becoming pals with little Pancake
Fraser has grown in confidence since becoming pals with little Pancake

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