Rescue’s heartbreak as this sweet dog who ‘enjoys doggy yoga’ struggles to find a new home

Big Patch arrived at one of the RSPCA centres as a heartbroken pup after his owner died. A big and strong dog, he was neglected and kept locked on a porch with no physical stimulation. Sadly, 10 months later he is still overlooked and waiting for a loving new home.

Neglected and heartbroken

Three-year-old Siberian husky cross Big Patch arrived at RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre, in Dorset, England in January after his owner passed away and the rest of the family were unable to take care of him. The pooch was underweight and covered in urine stains. Sadly, this big and strong dog had been kept locked on a porch without much exercise.

RSPCA behaviour advisor Hannah Hawkins said:

We spent a lot of time getting to know him and helping him learn about the big wide world.

Despite being described as a ‘lovely, clever dog who is very playful’, Big Patch is struggling to find a new home and has been waiting in a shelter for the last 10 months.

'Too strong and boisterous'

The RSPCA were so thrilled when the pooch was finally adopted over the summer. But to the staff’s heartbreak, he was returned to the rescue after ‘just a few hours’. His owners said Big Patch was ‘too strong and boisterous’ for them.

The charity commented:

We were all gutted.

They admit that the pooch can be ‘over-enthusiastic with other dogs’ sometimes and therefore look for a new home free from other animals for him.

Big Patch is ‘an intelligent boy who enjoys his training, knows all the basic commands and ‘has the potential to learn so much more’. Being a young large breed, he ‘would need to go to an adult-only, active home’ where he would be provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation dogs like him require.

The yoga dog

But Big Patch is not all about running and jumping. He would make a perfect pet for a yoga lover.

The RSPCA wrote on their website:

He enjoys doggy yoga as he is often spotted doing the `downward dog` and he has invented a move of his own `the pretzel`. Patch makes us smile with his quirky ways and we know he could make you very happy too. He is a pleasure to take on long walks.

The charity believes that Big Patch is 'an entertaining dog who will make a rewarding companion for the right people'.

Head to RSPCA's website to learn more about the charity and support their vital animal welfare and rescue work.

Sources used:

- Daily Echo: 'RSPCA Ashley Heath appeal for new owners for dog Big Patch'

- The RSPCA: 'Big Patch'

Read more:

⋙ This heartbroken dog was dumped at the shelter twice and is looking for love again

⋙ Three heartbroken ‘oldies but goldies’ dogs are looking for a loving home together

⋙ These bonded inseparable dogs were abandoned and are now looking for a new home