Poor Billy has spent over half his life in rescue. Billy is a very special boy because, not only has he been waiting for almost FOUR YEARS to find his paw-fect home, he is also blind.
The seven-year-old Kelpie was rescued by the RSPCA in February 2014 with a number of other dogs.
“Billy was being kept in a small cage stacked up with many other dogs in a warehouse, living a very sad and lonely life - and missing out on the love and attention he craved,” Tony Shaw, deputy manager at RSPCA South Godstone, said.
Billy spent almost two years in boarding kennels while the case went through court and, in November 2015, finally moved to the charity’s South Godstone Animal Centre, in Surrey, to find a new home. However, it hasn’t been easy for him…
“Billy struggled with the stress of being in kennels and we were extremely fortunate to be able to place him into a foster home where he was able to start to learn about what living in a loving home was all about,” Tony added.
In June 2016 Billy was rehomed but sadly it didn’t work out. He had a year with his new owner but when their health deteriorated he had to return to South Godstone.
“Billy is a favourite with all the staff and volunteers here,” Tony said. “He loves treats and attention and loves to play with toys. Billy loves long walks and playing and loves human company. He really would love someone to be around all of the time but can also be left for short periods, however he will need time to settle and adjust before this can be done.
“He sadly has a degenerative condition which effects his sight. This has left him with very limited vision in his eyes and, therefore, he needs an understanding and loving home with people who are able to help him re-adjust to new surroundings.
“He will need to live somewhere with a practically permanent layout so he can build a mental map of his new home. He might need a little help to overcome hazards and any potential dangers must be thought about and managed carefully.
“Billy does cope incredibly well with his deteriorating eyesight and this does not hold him back! He is also learning lots of directional commands to help him, including ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘slowly’ and ‘bump’.”
Billy needs an active home where he’ll get lots of physical and mental stimulation. His eyes may have failed him but his other senses work overtime and he loves a game of fetch - sniffing out his ball.
He would be happiest in a home where he is the only dog but may be able to live with another, calm dog if they’re a suitable match, and would be best in a cat-free home. He could live in a family home with older children.
Billy is currently being fostered in London and spends lots of time in the New Forest, Hampshire, which he loves. He will stay in foster care until his ideal home is found. If you could offer Billy a new home, please visit his online profile for more information or call South Godstone Animal Centre on 0300 123 0741.
To help the RSPCA continue in its work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals like Billy, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give to donate.