Remarkable transformation for neglected dog

An elderly dog who spent his whole life in a concrete kennel without windows and only straw to sleep on is searching for his first loving home.

Poor Jeremy, now 10, barely experienced human interaction over the years and had never known a comfy bed or toys until he was rescued from a breeding facility.

The lhasa apso arrived at our Suffolk rehoming centre last year badly matted, petrified of people, and was even scared of eating from a food bowl as he’d never had one of his own.

But the team has worked hard to help him overcome his fears during more than 200 days in Blue Cross care – and his transformation is nothing short of remarkable.

Hannah Ward, Rehabilitation Trainer and Behaviour Advisor, says: “Jeremy was in such a sorry state when he first arrived and he was terrified, we didn’t know what the future held for him. It was heartbreaking. 

“He had never been around people and wouldn’t come near anyone; he hadn’t been walked and as far as we are aware had slept on straw in his concrete kennel and shared a bowl with other dogs in the facility. He’d never had toys or his own bowl or known a comfy bed. 

“For the first week or two he would not move and would shake if someone went into his kennel. He’d never had his own bowl so he was scared to eat out of it.” 

The team took things slowly with him and gradually Jeremy started to relax in his new surroundings and show curiosity. 

Hannah continues: “For the first time we saw him play with a toy – it was really magical – and then after another month he was taking walks on his own. Before, he wouldn’t leave the kennel by himself and had to go with other dogs.” 

The team took the decision to move him into one of our crucial foster homes and was over the moon to see him blossom further. 

Hannah explains: “He has come such a long way in his foster home with Linda. He used to be scared of traffic but he loves going out for a walk now and will settle in the same room with her and sleep around her, whereas before he would take himself away on his own and not want to be around anyone. 

“Linda cooks him a fresh chicken and sits on the floor with him and feeds him out of her hand so he’ll now come and take it – he wouldn’t approach anyone in the beginning.” 

The team is hoping to find Jeremy a calm, understanding, and relaxing retirement home where he can enjoy the rest of his time.

Hannah adds: “After 10 years of damage, despite our work, his fears are still very real and his new owners will need to respect that, understanding that he may never want to be touched. 

“He still doesn’t really enjoy being approached but he likes to be in the same room as people. 

“We’re looking for someone who will be patient and allow him the time to settle into his new surroundings and find his paws and to let him just be Jeremy and to enjoy the companionship and love he brings. 

“His ideal home would be one where there is another dog who is good with people and with adults above the age of 16 who can give him the space he needs.” 

Read more about how to give Jeremy the love and home he deserves.