3 weeks Ago
Dogs Trust Shoreham is appealing for adopters for dogs with separation anxiety. The charity is looking for people who work from home, retirees, or multiple-person households to adopt dogs who struggle with being left alone. The charity said that as more people return to offices or spend longer hours away from home, a growing number of dogs are struggling to cope with separation anxiety.
As a result, many of these dogs are finding themselves in rehoming centres. Dogs experiencing separation anxiety often cope best in calm, predictable homes where their new families are around for most of the day. Once they are settled, dogs with separation anxiety typically bond well with their new owners.
These dogs can flourish with routines, patience and companionship - whether from humans or a well-matched canine companion. Many of them enjoy enrichment activities like food puzzles, sniffing around on walks and training games, which also help them feel more secure. Maggy is a sweet ten-year-old greyhound at Dogs Trust Shoreham who struggles with separation anxiety.
Maggy (Image: Dogs Trust Shoreham) She hopes to find patient adopters who will understand that it will take time for her to settle into her new home. She is not used to being left for long, so any alone time will need to be built up gradually. Maggy’s calm demeanour makes her an ideal work-from-home companion.
Another one of Dogs Trust Shoreham’s residents who struggles with separation anxiety is Lexi, an eight-year-old Labrador crossbreed. Lexi (Image: Dogs Trust Shoreham) Lexi adores the company of her favourite people and much prefers if there is always someone around to help her feel at ease. Leaving her alone at home should be kept to a minimum where possible and only built up very gradually once she is fully settled into her new environment.
Lexi is a huge foodie and loves nothing more than enjoying a tasty snack. Dogs Trust said she is bound to be a wonderful companion for adopters who can dedicate lots of love and time to her. Also hoping for an understanding home is Harper, a one-year-old crossbreed with a playful personality.
Harper (Image: Dogs Trust Shoreham) Harper highly values her human friendships, so she can find being left alone for long periods difficult. Once she is settled, her new family will need to gradually build up her tolerance for being left alone. Dogs Trust offers ongoing guidance and resources to help new owners understand and support their dog’s needs as they settle in.
Michaela Wells, assistant manager at Dogs Trust Shoreham Rehoming Centre, said: "We’re looking for people who can offer these dogs stability, routine, and lots of reassurance. "Dogs who struggle with being left alone aren’t any less deserving of love - in fact, they often form the most incredibly strong bonds with their new families once they feel safe. "With a little time, a lot of patience, and a home that understands their needs, they have the potential to become loyal, loving companions.
"Watching that transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of the work we do.".
