Adoption information
About Horace Silvanus
TO APPLY FOR ADOPTION PLEASE SEND IN APPLICATION FORM AVAILABLE BELOW:
https://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/adopt/
Horace came into our care from a terrible hoarding situation of 67 dogs, each one in severe states of neglect and hunger. In his time there, Horace suffered untreated eye injuries, which have ultimately left him blind in both eyes.
But those days are behind Horace.
Since coming into our care, his full coat has grown back, his weight is at its happy and healthy point, and his spirit has blossomed.
Horace has turned out to be a vocal spirit, who loves to chat with his human, and let them know with little woo-woos what he likes and what he dislikes.
Some examples of Horace’s likes are:
Food (even lettuce)
Cuddles
Ball pit (love, love, love)
Chest scratches (the best!)
Being with humans
Short walks
And here are some things Horace thinks should be banned:
Rain (no thanks)
Not being allowed in the kitchen
Cold nights without a sweater or blankies
Paws being wiped (will worm away)
Horace is a great solo player, but recently he has been learning to play human games like chase and tug-of-war, which he’s been loving! He is now inviting play directly with Foster-mum, and going as far as to take her hand gently in his mouth to escort her to Ball Pit.
But his high energy days are behind him.
Horace starts the day with the morning song of joy and gratitude—as soon as Foster-mum wakes up. He eats, toilets, dances around the treat offering, before going right back to sleep. Throw a walk in there, and Horace is wiped out until the afternoon.
The couch is Horace’s favourite sleeping spot, as he is a pillow burrower, and likes to hide behind them. This might have been what he did in the hoarding house, and it makes him feel safe.
Horace is building confidence meeting new people. He is at the treat stage—where each time he sniffs or shows investigative curiosity for the new person, yummy treats are dropped. This takes a few meetings before he is feeling more confident.
Due to his insecurities and past, he will need a confident handler, someone who will continue to allow him the patience he needs to go at his own pace. Between his blindness and his background, Horace relies heavily on a confident handler to protect his space and encourage him along on the journey of his lovely new life!
Foster-mum is continuing to build his confidence through play and protecting his space on walks, and a lot of treats along the way!
Horace is a shoe collector—and while we are diligently working on correcting this indulgent behaviour, it does sprout up every now and then. Mostly, the shoes can be found in his Ball Pit. Maybe his way of luring you there?
Overall, Horace is a chill, cuddly boy. He doesn’t skimp on his vocalisations. If a ball has rolled under the couch, you will hear his gentle whines of sadness. But he will be oh so happy if you come to help!
Have you ever known a dog to cry with excitement just because you have woken up in the morning? That’s Horace. He will wait patiently for you to rise and shine—and he will let you know just how happy he is that you did. He will also complain when he doesn’t love something, like when Foster-mum tells him ‘out the kitchen’ and he gives his gentle woo-woos as he trots out of the forbidden zone.
There are three prime locations in the world, according to Horace, which are the ball pit, the couch, and wherever Foster-mum is. But don’t get confused, Ball Pit is Horace’s best friend. Ball Pit is a nap spot, a WWE opponent, and even moonlights as the treat spot, where Horace decides to take his goodies before dancing around them, then digging in.
Horace learns quickly, and he has picked up on all the commands and queues to help him thrive (e.g., no, yes, stop, go, leave it, break, wait, step up, step down, and more), so, when Horace goes to his forever home, he will have all of the tools to navigate the world.
At home, Horace doesn’t let being blind stop him from living life. His zoomies are perfectly mapped out, mostly parkour around Ball Pit, but if he knocks into something, he just goes on like it never happened.
Horace has lived as an outside doggie while his first foster family were at work, but in his new foster home, with Foster-mum working from home, he has taken to indoor life, so while he would do well with both, he does enjoy the comforts of home being safe, so indoor-outdoor access such as a doggie door would be a bonus for Sir Horace.With plenty of toys, Ball Pit, and thirty-minute walks, Horace will be very fulfilled. He’s a nap lover, foodie, cuddle enthusiast, and enjoys his solo play time—but it’s even better if the human joins in.
The Nitty Gritty of Sir Horace:
Horace isn’t the dog for dog parks, the beach or long hikes. He is a humble boy with simple tastes, and enjoys open space on long-leash to run around sometimes, and 30-minute strolls that allow him to sniff and catch up on all the neighbourhood gossip.
His ideal home will come with plenty of love, be single-level and child/dog-free. While he is good natured and non-reactive to dogs on his chill walks (because he can’t see them), his past in a horrible hoarding situation means he cannot live with other dogs, as he just gets too anxious. He has shown tolerance with birds. A quiet home is best for Sir Horace.
It is important to note that Horace has food allergies, and should remain on his hypoallergenic kibble, which is also used for treats. This should not be changed, he is a very itchy boy otherwise.
Horace is still slowly but surely learning manners when visitors come, and how to meet Foster-mum’s friends & family appropriately. He hasn’t had any slip ups in his training, he has been doing so well, such a brave boy, and his forever person should continue structured meetings.
He can bond with more than one person, is open to both men and women, but he is still cautious of small children.
For Horace to thrive with his success in this training, he needs a person who he can be confident in. If that is you, and you can give Horace all the love and care he deserves (and you don’t mind picking up after the parkour in the ball pit), then Horace could be the one for you.
If you have ever wanted a house-seal and lovebug, then apply to meet Horace via the form above! He is located in the Geelong area, come for a meet and greet with this darling boy, so you can see for yourself just how cute, funny and special he is!
Check out this video of the adorable Horace: https://youtu.be/B6Q0hm-i-5k
Not the dog you’re looking for? Please visit our website to see other
dogs waiting for a home.
https://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/dogs-for-adoption/
Have you considered foster care? For more information please click on
the link below.
https://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/foster-care/
All our dogs are desexed, C5 vaccinated with intranasal, microchipped,
wormed, and flea treated. All necessary vetwork such as dentals,
surgery, eye treatment are also carried out. We are no longer heartworm
testing as we have not had one positive test since we began in 2006. If
a dog comes to us on heartworm treatment this is continued.
Medical notes
No known pre-existing conditions. Weight: 15gs. Health: Horace sometimes have trazadone in stressful situations.
Adoption details
We are a community fostercare network, not a shelter, and our dogs and cats are cared for in private homes. Note that we are very careful where we rehome our dogs and cats and we have an intensive process. If you want a quick turnaround we are not the group for you. If you seem like a good match for the dog of your choice we will organise a telephone chat, a meet and greet and a property check. We offer free assistance for six weeks for any issues, a lifetime takeback policy with full refund of the adoption fee, and will always be available to offer advice.
We care for our dogs and cats and we want you to as well. We know that genuine applicants have no trouble with this process and understand that if we refuse you a dog or cat, it is because you are not the best match for that pet.
Our commitment to the dogs and cats in our care is total and we treat each one as if we are passing on a family pet. This may not suit you so we point out that there are equally great dogs and cats available in pounds, shelters and with other rescue groups.
If you are still interested, please download an application form from our website:
http://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/about-vicdrg/adoption-and-foster-application-forms.html
The application form must be emailed to us:
adoptions@victoriandogrescue.org.au
Please note that we do not take/make telephone calls prior to receiving an application.
Commonly asked questions and their answers are provided when you email us. Unfortunately we usually will not have time to reply to enquiries in more detail and will give priority to completed applications over enquiries. Priority will also be given to typed applications which are easier for us to read and to copy relevant parts.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Victorian Dog Rescue & Resource Group Inc is a registered not-for-profit charity.
We appreciate our sponsors and all our donors so much, as without them we would not be able to save the pets we do, or run our programs that reach into the community to give a helping hand. Are you able to donate, sponsor or want to leave a bequest?
For more information please go to the links below. We so much appreciate your kindness.
