Smurf

SMURF IS NO LONGER FEELING BLUE; COULD HE BE THE ONE FOR YOU?

Meet Smurf, a 1.5-year-old long stock coat German Shepherd, one of our long-term foster dogs who is finally ready to find a forever family of his own. This adorable floppy-eared fellow had a horrible start to life, coming from a puppy-farm-type situation, he was bottom of the pack, covered in scars from fighting with his brothers for the little food they had. Smurf was petrified of the world, humans and of other dogs, this sad little man was truly broken.

Smurf has spent the last year in foster care learning to trust and how to be a dog; he is a completely different dog to the frightened teenager we picked up and now loves life and has been nicknamed ‘Smiley Smurf’ because he is so incredibly happy. Smurf is more than ready for his next chapter, a forever home with someone understanding that whilst Smurf has come so far, he will always be a nervous boy from his lack of socialisation and exposure early on in life.

Smurf originally wouldn’t come inside the house at all, now he is a fully fledged indoor dog with beautiful house manners. Smurf is toilet trained and is now through the puppy stage of chewing and stealing items he shouldn’t. Smurf loves nothing more than sleeping in his comfy bed on his back with his legs straight up in the air, and whilst he doesn’t sleep on the bed or the couch, he will occasionally jump up for a sneaky morning cuddle and belly rub.

Smurf originally didn’t like being touched by humans and would run away from pats, now he nudges for more and will lean his entire body in. Smurf loves giving kisses, he has been great with adult visitors to the home, making friends so long as it is on his terms. Smurf and each of his brothers have all found children overwhelming, we are unsure if they had a bad experience as pups but each of them have been terrified. Smurf will need a home without children under 12 visiting.

Smurf is an active boy who loves zooming around the backyard and playing. He has learned to walk on a lead and enjoys it to some extent, but the outside world can still be incredibly overwhelming. Smurf is constantly on high alert and may react to things that worry him, his big bark is his way of saying “please stay away, I’m scared!”
Smurf would be happiest on a rural property where he can get plenty of exercise and enrichment at home without needing regular walks through busy suburbia; secure fencing is essential.

Smurf loves to play with toys, it took months for him to pick one up, now he can’t get enough and loves anything that squeaks or is soft. Smurf is also the biggest water baby, he loves splashing in his pool, water bucket, puddles, anything! If it can get him wet, he will splash in it and will break out in Zoomies of pure joy.

Smurf adores other dogs and relies on them for confidence, he models the behaviour of the dogs around him and is very much a monkey see, monkey do character. Smurf loves to play rough; wrestling, bitey face and chasey are his favourite games, but he also loves to cuddle up to other dogs. Smurf can be a little unsure when meeting new dogs, he will bark at first but then makes friends and is soon playing in no time, he is ultimately submissive even if he pretends to be tough.

Smurf must have another large breed dog in his new home, a confident dog that wants to play and will be happy with Smurf joined at their hip would be best suited, he will bond to another dog and trust them, looking to them for guidance and reassurance.

Smurf has not been tested with cats or livestock, he loves to stalk and chase birds so would need to be kept separate from other animals in his new home.

Smurf has come so far during his time in our care, he is a goofy, smiley, affectionate and happy dog who oozes cheek… yes, he talks back! We know that Smurf will take a few steps backwards once we move him, we just wish we could explain to him that he will be ok. This is the hardest part of fostering; we can’t keep every dog. Smurf is looking for someone with an abundance of love, patience and understanding that will give him the space and time to come out of his shell and learn to trust all over again.