Description
To us, Bailey has never just been a dog — he is family. That is why writing this is absolutely heartbreaking, but our worst nightmare has become a reality, and we have reached a point where we need to consider what is best for Bailey.
Bailey came to us at around six months old from a couple who were unable to cope with him, as he wasn’t the breed they had expected. Bailey is a mix of multiple breeds, and unfortunately, we don’t know much about his background.
Bailey was confident, happy and playful, and he quickly formed an incredible bond with our other dog. We have had Bailey for almost four years, and during that time he has given us some of the most wonderful memories.
Bailey currently lives with myself, my fiancé, our three children aged 1, 9 and 16, our other dog and our cat. He has been part of our family for almost four years and has shared our home, holidays, adventures and everyday life.
Bailey has always been loving and affectionate with our family and has been wonderful with my older stepchildren. However, since having our youngest child, who is now one, we have seen a change in Bailey’s behaviour. He has become uncomfortable around the baby and has started to growl when the baby is near him. This is something we take extremely seriously, and although it is heartbreaking, we cannot put our child or Bailey in a situation where anyone could be at risk.
Bailey was once a very sociable dog who was friendly with adults, children and other dogs. Over time, however, he has developed significant problems with his ears and skin, becoming extremely red, itchy and uncomfortable. We have taken him to the vets numerous times and have tried everything we can to help him, including specialist and very expensive diets and allergy testing. Bailey is crate trained, he loves his own big bed/crate on a night time and if we are out at the shops for example. Bailey is vey greedy and will look in bins, eat off the dining table if you turn your back etc which is behaviour we have struggled to control. so we use safety gates and positive reinforcement, telling no etc but this is something he needs further training with.
Unfortunately, Bailey’s experiences at the vets have become extremely distressing for him. He becomes so frightened that he shakes, growls and has even soiled himself. He will not allow the vets to examine him, and he refuses to be muzzled. Even with sedation given at home, he remains extremely alert and difficult to handle. As a result, it has become incredibly challenging to get the medical help he needs.
His allergies and itching have also become a huge problem. Bailey scratches himself so severely that he makes himself bleed, and we feel that he has become increasingly miserable because we have been unable to break this cycle.
We have also worked with professional trainers and sought help with his behaviour. However, since the arrival of our baby, Bailey has become uncomfortable around the baby and has started to growl when the baby is near him. For the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved, we cannot ignore this change in behaviour.
There have also been issues involving other dogs. Bailey and our other dog have become increasingly protective of one another. Our other dog became reactive following an attack and has since attacked other dogs herself, with Bailey then following her lead. Sadly, Bailey and our other dog have also been involved in an incident where another dog was attacked.
When Bailey is walked on his own, he is a completely different dog and is wonderful to walk. However, because of what has happened, we have understandably lost confidence in allowing him to socialise freely with other dogs. He is never allowed off lead unless he is in a secure, enclosed field that we have specifically hired for him.
We have been advised by our vets that, because of Bailey’s behavioural and medical challenges, finding a suitable home for him may be extremely difficult. We have been told that euthanasia may be the only option available to us, and this has absolutely devastated our family. We desperately want to find another solution.
We want to be completely honest about Bailey’s needs because, above all else, we want to find the right person and the right home for him.
Bailey is a beautiful, loving and protective dog. He loves going for walks, running, playing, having cuddles and spending time with his people. He has so much love to give, and we truly believe that, with the right person and environment, he deserves the chance to have a happy life again.
Bailey needs a very specific home. He must be the only dog in the household and must live in a home with no young children. We feel this is essential for his wellbeing and for the safety of everyone involved. We are looking for someone who has significant experience with dogs and behavioural challenges, who understands that Bailey will need time, patience, consistency and compassion.
This is not a decision we are taking lightly, and Bailey will not be going to just anyone.
We would expect to meet any potential adopter in person, visit and see where Bailey would be living, learn about your experience with dogs and understand what support and environment you can offer him. We would also want to ensure that you fully understand Bailey’s history and needs before making any commitment.
Our only wish is to find Bailey the right person — someone who can become his best friend for life and give him the second chance he so desperately deserves.
We love him more than words can say, and letting him go would break our hearts. But if there is someone out there who can give Bailey the life he needs, we would do everything we could to make that possible.
Please, if you think you may be the right person for Bailey, or if you know of an experienced rescue or behaviourist who may be able to help, get in touch.
Adv. ID:K_8TRAglY
