A dog who helped find a missing person is struggling to find a new home, amid the controversy surrounding his heroic act. The hero’s family has decided they want him back but this isn’t easy as he continues to live in danger and uncertainty while being unfairly classified by animal services.
George, the hero, is seeking for a place to call home. (Photo courtesy of the RSPCA)
A ‘hero’ dog has assisted in the recovery of a lost companion, but he is still looking for his permanent home — can you help?
George, a two-year-old lurcher, believes that his bravery will earn him a family’s heart.
George was called in to assist in the search for his worried buddy, Louis, who had gone missing only days after being adopted by his new family.
When Louis was adopted by the RSPCA Lancashire East branch in Accrington, the staff was overjoyed. The Saluki-cross, however, was scared while out on a stroll a few days after being rehomed and managed to escape out of his collar and leash.
‘Louis was always a cautious guy by nature, but he and George formed a great connection while he was with us,’ explains centre manager Jeanette Ainscough.
‘They loved each other, so we were overjoyed when Louis got his new home, but we were devastated when George was left behind.
‘We were really concerned when Louis’ new owners contacted us to tell he’d escaped during a stroll.’
‘Despite extensive searches, the assistance of a local tracking organization, and multiple sightings, Louis was too terrified to let anybody approach him.’ Staff from the RSPCA also went out to assist in the hunt but were unsuccessful.
Louis, George’s pal, is missed. (Photo courtesy of the RSPCA)
‘We decided to call in the major guns since he had been gone for well over 24 hours.’ George. Emily, an animal care worker, brought George to the Townley Park area where Louis had been sighted and walked him about.
‘After more than two hours of trekking and no sightings, they were about to call it a day when George came to a halt and froze to the place, looking at a certain region in the distance.’
‘Then Louis arrived out of nowhere.’ He strolled up to George gently, and the two dogs joyously greeted each other, tails wagging, happy to be back together. Emily was able to slip a slip lead over Louis’s head and deliver him to his owners, who were overjoyed.
After Louis was discovered, George and Louis reunited (Picture: RSPCA)
‘George had a great time on his day out and was an absolute superstar in assisting us in catching Louis.’ He was the savior of the day! If George hadn’t been with us, I’m sure we’d still be hunting for Louis today.’
After being abandoned in a forested region, George was retrieved for the first time. He was adopted, but his new owners were unable to care for him, so he was returned. The RSPCA was then contacted and requested to take him in and work with him on his behavior.
Work on his excessive prey drive and over-excited nature started in June 2021.
‘George is such a nice guy, but he can become too exuberant at times and has a hard time controlling his excitement,’ Jeanette says.
‘Because we suspect he may have been used for hunting in the past, we muzzle trained him and worked with him for months to calm him down.’
George has been dubbed a ‘livewire.’ (Photo courtesy of the RSPCA)
‘It’s paid off because, although he’s still exuberant and noisy, he’s learnt to listen when he’s told to settle down.’ He’s simply a big, exuberant puppy at heart, and we believe the appropriate owner will find him to be the most amazing friend and pet.’
George has been eligible for rehoming since September, but there has been little interest in him, despite the fact that his heroics may alter that.
Additional Information: Animals
George is characterized as a ‘livewire’ who requires an owner with previous experience with active dogs. He’d benefit from more training and socialization, and although he loves other dogs, he may be intimidating to some. This means he’ll have to learn to be more relaxed with new canines.
When he’s off-lead, he has to wear a muzzle since he has a strong chase impulse, but he walks gently on the leash and enjoys going on walks. He’d like an active home and, with proper introductions, may live with other dogs.
Before new owners can begin teaching him how to be at home alone, he may require some time to adjust into his new home and routine.
Find out more about George on Find A Pet or call Altham Animal Centre at 01254 231118 or email [email protected]
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