Having just come to the end of National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week (4–10th November) and being just at the start of the Scottish SPCA’s Staffie Awareness Week (13–19th November), it’s the perfect time to talk dogs!
All about dogs
Originally bred from wolves, dogs are domesticated animals and a huge part of our lives. There are many breeds that range in size from tiny to huge, and they all have their own personality. They are the most popular pet, but they are also used for work, whether that is herding sheep, acting as a guide dog for the deaf and blind, or assisting the police and other rescue services.
The benefits of owning a dog
With their puppy dog eyes, wagging tails and excitable nature, there’s a reason why dogs are such popular pets. They make great companions and get you out and about walking – a dog won’t let you sit down all day. That means they are good for our physical health, but also our mental health; dogs relieve stress and can cheer us up!
Own a dog, and you get all these benefits and more, but rehome a recuse dog and get the added reward of knowing that you gave a dog a home and a second chance at happiness.
Misunderstood: The Staffie
While you’ll find a whole range of breeds and cross-breeds in rescue centres, in the UK at least, many are Staffordshire bull terriers, or affectionately, Staffies and Staffie crosses. They have a bad reputation with many people considering them dangerous, but it’s not deserved. They are in fact lovely dogs, great pets and the focus of the Scottish SPCA’s attention this week as they try to raise awareness and encourage people to consider giving a Staffie a home and its #StaffieEverAfter.
So, what are Staffies really like? They are affectionate, love a cuddle and adore humans, so are very friendly. They are playful, loyal dogs that, with the right socialisation and training, will fit perfectly into the family. In fact, a Staffie has recently been named Scotland’s happiest dog!
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