365 days and counting: A devastating milestone for one of RSPCA ACT’s most beloved dogs
Posted on
Still in search of his forever home, Staffordshire Bull Terrier ‘Boss’ has officially reached his one-year anniversary of living at the RSPCA ACT shelter.
When Boss arrived at the shelter, he was a timid and anxious two-year-old stray with a fractured leg and with the help of staff and volunteers, he has grown into a friendly, approachable and loving dog. But Boss has now spent one-third of his life with the RSPCA ACT and like any dog, deserves to find his forever family.
The beloved Boss.
Boss isn’t alone in his misfortune – the Weston shelter is currently a long-term home to many adult dogs, including American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Merida (293 days), mixed breed Lahni (280 days), Bull Arab Indi (244 days) and several other dogs who have been there for over 100 days.
Merida.
RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson says that Boss’s unenviable milestone may be the first of many in the coming months.
“There was a time some years ago when only one or two dogs at the shelter would be considered ‘long-term’ residents. These days we have five or six,” she explains.
Lahni.
According to the RSPCA, the misconceptions about shelter dogs – that they are too old, untrainable, or have behavioural issues – contribute to the growing number of long-term residents. But Michelle says dogs like Boss just need an environment where they feel safe and loved in order to thrive.
Millie.
“I think the most frustrating thing about Boss is he’s a great dog. He’s not problematic, he likes people and whatever misconceptions may exist about animals who spend a long time in an animal shelter, Boss is not it,” she explains.
“What he needs is a dog lover. A person or a family who can accept there’s bound to be an adjustment period but one who realizes that if Boss can become a friendly and approachable pet in the loud and busy environment of an animal shelter, imagine how good he’ll be in a settled, loving family home.”
Indi.
If you’re keen to meet Boss or some of his furry friends, head on over to the RSPCA ACT shelter from 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Saturday – no appointment is required.
Images supplied.
