Teal is a 12 year old male Labrador. He is being fostered in Gloucestershire in an adult home with other dogs and a cat. Teal was one of 7 dogs that recently came into our care from a Game Keeper.
ptrozUnfortunately, he had not been cared for very well in his later years and I think has spent most of his time in a kennel with no bedding only straw which has resulted in him having pressure sores on his body.
Teal is very poor body weight and had a flea infestation which resulted in hair loss – he also has ears full of ear mites and an infection.
The day he came in after a bath
So you think after all that how is a dog like that going to respond to home life – well to begin with I would say Teal was pretty broken and weak, he is underweight and we started off treating him for his fleas, his ears having treatment and some quality food 3 times a day.
From that dull, broken dog sad dog, a lovely dog is emerging a little bit every day – he has put on just over a kilo.
Teal is loving his food, has stopped the terrible scratching and is having one sometimes two walks a day opposite in the woods – his strength is building and his coat is starting to not look so dull.
Teal is starting to gallop now on walks whereas before he would just walk or trot
Teal has started to enjoy toys and it’s such a joy to watch him bloom
Out chasing the ball
Teal has the loveliest gentle nature, he is a true gentleman, is very sweet with other dogs and has no interest in our cat.
The cat – no interest bless him
Teal has also never even cocked his leg in the house.
Teal loves his bed
Teal can be very worried by new people and will keep out of the way, with his foster mum he is fine he follows her around but can be timid with other family members at times and he will just try and get out of the way.
Teal is fine out walking in the local village which is not very busy and not worried by cars passing, he walks beautifully on a lead
The other thing he worries about is the car he does not want to get in it it frightens him, he has been in several times and I have to pick him up and push him in the crate he will not get in on his own accord.
Teal must have had negative experiences to make him feel like this and then when he is in the car he just stands there and he does drool, he has laid down a few times but he is not relaxed. So, I only subject him to the car if we need to go to the Vet.
The car fear I know will limit his home offers and at his age I do not think it’s fair he goes to a home who have the idea they can get him used to it as he is 12 years old now and if he has had this fear all his life it would be much better for him to go to a home where he can live a stress-free life as much as possible and only use the car for the Vets or rare trips.
Teal is a worried little soul and not going to suit a busy home – he needs to be with one person or a couple who lead a quiet life in the countryside with lovely walks on their doorstop – he can easily do a few miles and this could increase as his health and weight improve.
Teal loves his walks
Teal sleeps in the kitchen at night on a bed and my goodness does he loves his soft bed – he is a beautiful soul who so appreciates his home comforts and wants a quiet life.
Teal would benefit from another dog as he does like the company of other dogs and is very gentle with them. Teal is a rural home that would be perfect with walks from the house.
Teal has not been neutered and we have made the decision not to, he is too old and it’s not a problem. We have had him chipped, he has started his vaccinations, and received treatment for his ear mites, and fleas.
