Description
This is, without question, the hardest thing I have ever had to write.
Bowser is not being rehomed because he isn’t loved. In fact, quite the opposite. He is one of the most loving, affectionate and loyal dogs I have ever known, and making this decision has broken mine and my 11-year-old son’s hearts.
Bowser came into our lives unexpectedly as a young puppy when my son’s father brought him to my home after contact with our son. My son instantly fell in love with him, and from that moment I made a commitment to give Bowser the best life I possibly could. For the last three years I have genuinely tried my absolute best, but I have reached the heartbreaking realisation that loving him isn’t enough if I can’t give him the life he truly deserves.
Bowser is the biggest softie you’ll ever meet. He absolutely adores people and wants to be as close to his humans as physically possible. If he could spend every minute snuggled up against you, he would. He loves skin-to-fur contact, cuddles, fuss and simply being involved in everything you’re doing. He forms incredibly deep bonds with his people and has so much love to give.
He has a huge personality and keeps us laughing every day. He loves playing chase, fetch (although bringing the ball back and refusing to let go is all part of his game!), tug of war, racing around the garden and using a flirt pole. He loves his walks and thrives when he has opportunities to burn off both physical and mental energy. Baths are not his favourite thing in the world, but being towel dried afterwards and wrapped up in cuddles is definitely one of his favourite activities. Rain, however, is absolutely unacceptable in Bowser’s opinion and turns him into the saddest dog imaginable!
Bowser is healthy, active, unneutered and, to the best of my knowledge, has no medical issues. He had all of his puppy vaccinations and annual boosters until he was one year old.
Sadly, as Bowser has matured into adulthood, his needs have become far greater than I am realistically able to meet. I work full-time with a long commute, and despite trying everything I can, I know I cannot provide him with the level of exercise, structure, training and mental stimulation that he deserves.
Within our home, Bowser has become increasingly possessive of me, toys and food, and his relationship with my older 8-year-old Lhasa Apso, Ralphie, has deteriorated. Ralphie is now visibly stressed and anxious around him. Bowser has never shown aggression towards my son and has not shown aggression towards other dogs outside of our home. The issues are specific to the relationship between Bowser and Ralphie.
This decision has been made before a serious incident occurs because I believe that is the responsible thing to do. I refuse to wait until either dog is injured before accepting that Bowser deserves an environment better suited to his needs.
I truly believe Bowser would flourish with someone who understands bully breeds, has experience with training and behaviour, and can provide the structure, consistency, enrichment and active lifestyle he needs. I feel he would be happiest as an only dog, or with someone who is very experienced in managing multi-dog households.
This is not a first-come, first-served rehoming. I will wait as long as necessary for the right person because Bowser deserves nothing less.
I am looking for someone who understands that bully breeds are incredibly intelligent, sensitive and people-orientated dogs. Someone who will see past the label and appreciate the beautiful soul that Bowser truly is.
He isn’t just a dog.
He is family.
And because he is family, I owe it to him to make sure the next home he has is his forever home.
Experienced bully breed owners only, please. Home checks, references and multiple meet-and-greets will be required. I reserve the right to refuse any application if I don’t believe it is the right match for Bowser.
Adv. ID:VnuDGnBkA