A dog with ‘emotional scars’ is struggling to find a new home due to his anxiety and caution around new people.
Five-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux Benjamin was taken in by a charity in Kent after being found straying.
The RSPCA’s Essex South, Southend & District Branch took him on to help get him back to health and find him a new home.
Mette Summers, from the branch, said: “Poor Benjamin was in a real state and was seriously underweight and needed to spend some time at the vets while he struggled with sickness.
“Benjamin has had a rough start which has left its emotional scars on this sweet and sensitive lad. He was shut down and nervous, and can be easily overwhelmed.
“Thankfully he’s come on leaps and bounds in our care thanks to his good appetite and his positive mindset. He’s a happy, bouncy boy who, although anxious, can quickly overcome his fears when he’s supported by his human friends.”
Benjamin takes a while to get used to new people and avoids strangers which the team believe is making it hard for him to win over any potential adopters. However, they’ve been surprised at how little interest they’ve had in him since he’s been in their care for more than five months.
Mette added: “Once you’ve found a way to Benjamin’s heart, he’ll be your best friend forever. He’s kind, gentle and caring, and loves to spend time lapping up affection and trying to climb into your lap.
“He’ll need slow introductions to any potential adopters as he can be shy and nervous to start, but given time he is a truly affectionate and friendly boy.
“He enjoys making doggie friends and likes to go for walks with them but really appreciates his own space so we feel he’d be best as the only dog in any new home.”
Benjamin would like to find a home where he’ll be the only dog. He could live with older teenage children but, most importantly, he will thrive with owners who can calmly and patiently build his confidence and introduce him to new situations.
