This gentle giant needs good home

Feb 5 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

ANIMAL welfare experts are renewing their urgent appeal to find a home in the West Lothian area for a gentle giant.

Staff at Dogs Trust in West Calder are still desperate to find a special home Blaze, a four-year- old German Shepherd who suffers from very arthritic hips.

The staff say they are really keen to find a home for Blaze within the local area.

Vets say that although Blaze is happy and free from pain becauase of his medication, his condition will unfortunately deteriorate and ultimately shorten his life.

Vets now think he may only have a few months left where he can walk without a problem which is why they are keen to find a home for him in the West Lothain area as soon as possible.

Staff at the centre say that Blaze is a very loving dog who adores everyone he meets and loves to have attention and cuddles.

He greets people by holding their hand in his mouth very gently and is an extremely affectionate dog to people.

However, due to his painful hips, he would be best suited in a quiet home with no young children.

Susan Tonner, rehoming centre manager, said that they hope there will be a big response to find a home for Blaze.

She continued: “Blaze is a sensitive dog who likes the gentle life.

“It is terrible that a dog has been bred with such terrible hips.

“He is certainly is in discomfort without his pain medication.”

Blaze is happy to be left home alone, is house-trained and loves to snooze on the sofa.

He also loves to chase a ball and play tug, loves the car and is a perfect companion.

However, Blaze is not good with other dogs and needs a home as the only dog.

Susan Tonner added: “Blaze has been returned to us twice because of his behaviour outside with other dogs but as an only dog he would be a great companion.

“We have concluded that he would be better off in a home with a very large garden with owners who do not need to walk him outside and can let him enjoy his last period of life in a loving home.”

Blaze needs a home who can care for him and ideally where his owners have experience of German Shepherd dogs.

He is vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped and comes with insurance and free behavioural advice.

Dogs Trust will continue to pay for all of Blaze’s vet bills for the rest of his life.

If anyone can offer him a home please contact the centre direct on 01506 873459.

All dogs detailed may have had several homes and their history refers to none specifically.

GENTLE GIANT: Blaze is hoping he can find a loving owner in the West Lothian area so he can help him live out the rest of his life in peace and comfort.