They are all so special but some are special cases too ...

All our doggies are special and our sole purpose is to care for them and find them forever homes as quickly as we can. That said, there are some among them who we call urgent cases. Either because of the length of time they have been with us or for some other reason. Some are very disturbed at being in the shelter, some are fragile souls who will need an adopter who will love them and patiently help them to trust again or to get over their fears, fears that are due to earlier abuse or bad experiences. Devon, whom we are spotlighting here, is a sweet dog who unfortunately has had several owners due to circumstances and badly needs a stable, forever home.

Devon - just look at that sweet face.

Devon is nearly three. He's been with us since April 2013 and is currently in foster care in Belgium. He had three brothers and a sister. We found these five defenceless creatures huddled together at the back of a cage in a creepy killing station. Our hearts broke when we saw this and we swiftly took them out of there. 

Unfortunately, due to circumstances, Devon had to change host families - which had nothing to do with him. His first foster mum, with whom he stayed for a few weeks, said he had a very positive start. "At first he seemed very frightened but he quickly got over it thanks to our own dog who wanted to play with him a lot. We have also noticed how he quickly takes to another dog and then soon becomes more confident. So it is certainly desirable that he be rehomed in a family that already has a dog, so he can have a canine friend in his new home, a dog that can support him and help him to open up and blossom. 

Clearly he experienced bad things in his young life, but there is absolutely no harm in him. He sto;; gets scared if he hears expected noises or if there are sudden movements, but that is getting better every day. He is a little more sensitive to men but once you've won his confidence, he is a loyal and dear friend for life. He loves walking and he follows very well on a lead, but if he is allowed to run loose, then he is in his element .."

His second foster mum wrote in May this year.  "Due to circumstances Devon had to change host families and so he ended up with us. In the beginning he was a bit wary, but he adapted very quickly. After a few hours we were able to give him plenty of cuddles. On day two he was waiting for us in the morning and gave us a nice greeting. On day three he was playing for the first time. Especially Shirley, lured him out of his shell, it was as if they both knew they were fellow-sufferers. 

Meanwhile, Devon is an active playful teenager. He does need sturdy toys, because even a bulldog-proof toy was unable to withstand his youthful enthusiasm. Devon is able to remain perfectly alone. In the beginning, he barks a few times, but this does not last long. He is perfectly housebroken and does not break anything. With strangers, he still has a little difficulty, but if you give him time to familiarize himself, he quickly gains confidence. 

He is very social with other dogs, small and large. The only disadvantage is that he is sometimes a bit possessive. Fortunately, this behaviour is definately not extreme, and if you intervene in a timeley manner, he soon gets over it. What we wish for Devon is active owners who will treat him gently and help him enjoy life. Who wants to face this great challenge? Devon has often changed owners, so it's time he finds a permanent home ...

Devon loves to play.