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Holly is an 8 year old Cocker Spaniel who came in to Oldies Club foster care as her elderly owner died. We think that she was, at one time, a very much-loved, pampered pet but she unfortunately arrived in quite considerable traumatic pain. Holly has had full blood tests and x-rays to establish if there is any long term problem and it would seem all is well now, apart from her back legs which will always be slightly weak.
Although Holly has now recovered, she does have a few funny ways and needs a special person to continue to re-develop her trust in humans. Holly loves people but her first instinct is to bark at them (even though her tail is wagging furiously!) just to make sure they are going to be nice to her. Once she knows you’re nice she enjoys as much fuss as you will give her and then settles down.
She is slightly overweight, as she can be a bit of a couch potato, but enjoys her walks - preferably two short walks per day. Although Holly has a lovely bed of her own at her foster home, she loves the sofa and sleeps on the bed - the fact that she hardly sheds any hair is an added bonus! Holly is totally housetrained and is fine when you leave her the run of the house; she is not destructive at all.
Holly is vocal at times, which is typical of the breed, and she ‘chats’ for a while when you arrive home to tell you about her day and to tell you off for leaving her! Holly does get a bit anxious when new people come in to her home but is easily reassured with cuddles.
She will play ball for a while but likes to hide her toys in her favourite place and doesn’t bring them back. She does enjoy the odd spot of digging in the garden but knows when you tell her to stop! She will sit, stay (for a bit!) and gladly give you her paw.
Holly’s biggest passion is food. But she is not excessively overweight and can still enjoy her treats for which she is always grateful. She is a lovely ‘big hairy lump’ that you just want to cuddle. It’s amazing that she is prepared to give anyone else a chance to do this, but she does. She is an excellent guard dog - nobody will get near your house without her letting you know!
Holly does whimper occasionally and look a little sad for no apparent reason; maybe she remembers her old life. She really is an adorable dog that is great company and very easy to look after. She would be best suited to a quieter household where she is the only pet and where she can feel secure and establish a routine.
Holly has been spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, flea- and worm-treated.
Holly is in an Oldies Club foster home in the West Midlands. If you would like to find out more about her, please contact Liz, the Oldies Club’s rehoming co-ordinator on 01603 405 951 or email: rehome@oldies.org.uk.
Holly can be rehomed anywhere in the UK, subject to a satisfactory home visit.
