Key Takeaways
- Brody, a six-year-old Pyrenean mountain dog, weighs 66kg and is considered enormous, but has responded well to changes in his care after being handed over to a sanctuary.
- The charity, Animal Concern Cumbria, is looking for someone with experience of the breed to adopt Brody, who is stubborn but loving.
- The pandemic has led to an increase in dog ownership, but also an increase in abandoned dogs, with some breeds being more likely to end up in shelters.
- The charity is also trying to rehome other dogs, including mixed-breed dogs who may not be as attention-grabbing as Brody.
Introduction to Brody
Brody, a six-year-old Pyrenean mountain dog, is a giant of a dog, weighing in at 66kg. Despite his enormous size, he is a gentle giant, with a loving and affectionate personality. However, his size and breed require a lot of care and attention, which his previous owners were no longer able to provide. As a result, Brody was handed over to Animal Concern Cumbria, a small sanctuary for abandoned pets in the western foothills of the Lake District.
Brody’s New Life
Since arriving at the sanctuary, Brody has undergone a transformation. His double-coat was matted and had to be shaved, and he was put on supplements to help with arthritis. His diet has also been changed, with his usual kilo of kibble a day being cut down to 900g. Despite these changes, Brody has responded well and is already on his way to reaching his target weight of 55-60kg. He has also become a favorite among the staff and visitors, with his loving and playful personality making him a joy to be around.
The Challenges of Rehoming
Brody’s story highlights the challenges of rehoming dogs, particularly those of larger breeds. The charity’s rehoming manager, Lauren Pickthall, notes that many people take on breeds they don’t know much about, only to realize they are not suited to their lifestyle. This can lead to problems such as separation anxiety, reactiveness, and even biting. The pandemic has also contributed to the problem, with many people buying dogs during lockdown without realizing the long-term commitment involved.
The Importance of Experience
Pickthall emphasizes the importance of finding an owner with experience of the Pyrenean mountain dog breed. Brody is a stubborn dog who requires a lot of patience and understanding, and the charity wants to ensure that he goes to a home where he will receive the care and attention he needs. Since posting a photograph of Brody on Facebook, the charity has received enquiries from people with experience of the breed, which is a positive step towards finding him a new home.
The Bigger Picture
Brody’s story is not unique, and the charity is currently caring for several other dogs who are in need of a new home. These dogs, including mixed-breed dogs such as Storm, Memphis, Titan, and Timber, may not be as attention-grabbing as Brody, but they deserve just as much love and care. The charity is working hard to find new homes for these dogs, but it’s a challenging task, particularly for those dogs who may not be as well-known or charismatic as Brody.
Conclusion
Brody’s story is a heartwarming one, and it highlights the importance of finding the right home for dogs, particularly those of larger breeds. With the right care and attention, Brody is thriving, and the charity is confident that they will find him a new home where he will be loved and cared for. However, the bigger picture is a more complex one, with many dogs in need of a new home and a lack of experienced owners to care for them. As we consider our own relationships with dogs, it’s worth asking whether we should be allowed to have dogs at all, given the challenges and responsibilities involved in caring for them.
