Shelter’s plea over a ‘very timid’ dog that was nearly starved by its owners

The RSPCA issued a desperate plea in a bid to find a loving home for an unwanted sharpei dog Bruce. The pooch had a difficult start in life and was nearly starved to death by its owners.

Luckily, the animal charity helped the pup to get through the worst.

‘Underweight and very timid’

Four-year-old Bruce arrived at the animal RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre, in Surrey, England, in October 2022 weighing just 19.3kg (42.5lb) - far below what a dog of his breed should be.

He was weak and needed vet care. He was also extremely timid and cautious of the staff.

However, after four months in the shelter, the pooch gained nearly 10kg (22lb) in weight and grew in confidence.

Liz Wood, deputy manager at Millbrook Animal Centre, said:

Bruce has had a lot of TLC, food and patience and we’re so pleased that he has turned a corner. He was so timid when he arrived but he’s now confident with the people he knows - he has formed lovely bonds with the staff.

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Bruce is looking for a new home

As the adorable sharpei has completely transformed in RSPCA’s care, the charity is now on the lookout for a new loving home for him and believes that he is best rehomed with owners who understand his breed.

Wood said:

He can be a bit wary of new people so potential adopters may have to visit him a few times at the centre to build a bond with him.

According to the RSPCA, Bruce usually likes most people he meets. He loves playing with his toys, his favourite being a plastic slice of pizza. When he’s done playing, he snuggles up into his cosy bed for a nap.

The charity added:

We absolutely love Bruce and we will miss him when he goes to his forever home, but we also can’t wait for him to start his new life with a new family. He is such a super chap who adores a cuddle and a butt scratch - he even backs onto our laps so we can scratch the right spot!

Bruce needs to be the only pet in his new home and could live with children over the age of 14. He will need someone present with him initially, with time being left alone increased as he settles into his new home.

If you’re interested in adopting Bruce, visit the RSPCA’s Millbrook website for more information or fill in an online application.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give.

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Sources used:

- RSPCA: 'Bruce'