We go all in for every dog and cat that needs us. This month, you can see some of our dogs’ and cats’ stories on the Elizabeth Line in London. Read about their journeys home, while you’re on yours.
Clarkson
German Shepherd puppy Clarkson arrived at Battersea Old Windsor after being found in a cemetery.
Clarkson charmed our team with his playful and friendly personality. But he had gait and skin issues, as well as a curved spine, weak hips and poor muscle development in his legs. It was going to be a long road to recovery.
We got to work straight away. Clarkson’s tailored treatment plan included physio, visits to our hydrotherapy pool, and behavioural training. He also spent time with one of our dedicated foster carers, to get used to household life.
After six months in our care, Clarkson was ready to be rehomed. His foster carer, Silvia, and her German Shepherd had fallen in love with Clarkson and gave him a permanent home. Today, he’s thriving.
Ryan
Ryan came to Battersea from another rescue. He was a worried, sensitive soul, and found the kennel environment difficult. He had sore, irritated skin, particularly on his tail, which could have been stress related. Our skilled clinic team treated his skin, and our behaviourists stepped in to reduce his anxiety.
Ryan was nervous around other dogs but loved play and attention from his favourite people. So, our team gave him the one-on-one attention he needed, while giving him tailored training to help him settle and socialise with other dogs.
Our behaviourists also spent time with Ryan in our chill out rooms. These are specially designed to help dogs feel safe and secure, and help them get ready for life in a home.
This calm, loving attention helped build Ryan’s confidence at his own pace, and his gentle, affectionate personality was soon shining through. He quickly found a new home with owners that adore him.
Earth
Earth was brought to Battersea by a member of the public, who’d found her as a stray.
She was shy and underweight, and our vets quickly noticed that she wasn’t using her front leg properly. It could have been an old injury that hadn’t healed well, or Earth might have been born that way. But before we could treat her leg, we needed to get her more comfortable at Battersea.
Anxious Earth found our cattery overwhelming and was worried by interactions with humans, trembling when people approached her. Our welfare team put together a dedicated care plan, and Earth soon blossomed. She became an affectionate, sociable cat, who loved nothing more than purring beside her favourite people.
As soon as Earth was feeling braver, our expert clinic team got to work treating her leg. X-rays showed she was missing a bone. So, our team decided that amputating the leg would give Earth the best possible quality of life. After successful surgery, she was quick to adjust to life on three legs.
Once Earth was fully recovered from her operation, she was ready to go to her new home. We found the perfect place for her – a quiet home where she could keep growing in confidence.
Glitter
Glitter came to Battersea from another rescue, who’d taken her in as a stray. We didn’t know anything about Glitter’s history, so our first task was to get to know her.
We saw that Glitter was an intelligent, vocal bundle of energy. She got on with most dogs and people, but our behaviourists knew that her enthusiastic nature wouldn’t be for everyone! It was vital that we found her a home with owners who could match her energy.
Glitter’s high energy also meant that she struggled being left alone. She’d quickly get bored by herself, and start opening drawers, stealing treats, and getting up to mischief. Our team created a training plan for Glitter that included walks with other sociable dogs, and time in offices with Battersea staff, to help her settle down.
The hard work paid off, and Glitter was soon ready to be rehomed. We found her a family that could carry on her training and give her the attention she needed. She’s also made lots more dog friends, to help with her socialising and training.
