Ramona is a smallish female crossbreed aged around seven years old.
Ramona is fostered in Norwich, Norfolk.
Ramona grew up in a private shelter in Romania. Being black she was overlooked for years as other dogs came and went. She came into our care a few weeks ago as she stands a better chance of being adopted now that she’s in a UK foster home.
Ramona is initially quite shy but when she gets used to people she’s a lovely little character who loves a fuss. She gets on great with other dogs but could also live happily as an only dog in the home.
Ramona would like a calmish environment in her forever home with no children under twelve. She is learning to walk well on a lead but will need to gain confidence out and about which comes only with experience and practise.
When you adopt a Safe Rescue dog, you MUST use a slip lead. This will keep your dog safe: your new dog will be nervous and will not trust you, and you will not know which situations might upset your dog.
If your dog panics, then a slip lead is the only way to prevent your dog from escaping (many dogs can escape from a collar and/or harness). It will take AT LEAST 3-6 months for your dog to settle in and for you to know your dog fully (longer for nervous dogs). The slip lead must ALWAYS be used during this settling-in period.
Even after your dog is settled, it is safest to use the slip lead in situations where your dog may become scared (e.g. visiting new places, around unfamiliar people, at the vet), and in situations where unexpected triggers might happen (e.g. around bonfire night). Nervous dogs may always need to wear a slip-lead as a backup safety measure.
The slip lead is a safety device and must NEVER be used as a training tool. Using the lead to apply pressure to the dog’s neck is damaging. If your dog pulls on the lead, then we can advise you on training methods that avoid harm.
Once your dog is settled, you may want to consider using a harness (together with the slip lead) if your dog is comfortable with being handled when it is fitted. Most harnesses are not escape-proof, but harnesses with a strap behind the ribcage (e.g. Ruffwear Webmaster or Perfect Fit Harnesses) are safer.
Retractable/extendable leads must never be used on our dogs.
Adopted dogs must be collected from the rescue and transported straight home in a crate.
Fences and gates must be 5ft min & secure.
