Adoption information
About Ralph
Ralph — A Lovable Goose with a Beautiful Nature
DOB: 21 May 2023
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Sex: Male
Weight: 24 kg
Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/
Ralph came into care from the pound with no training, few household manners and very little reason to trust people. His back was extensively scarred by what appeared to be some form of chemical burn, and it was clear that life had not always been kind to him.
Despite that beginning, Ralph has always had a placid and affectionate nature. With patience, security and good care, he has come ahead in leaps and bounds.
Ralph is now fully house trained and crate trained. His crate has become his safe and comfortable place, and each evening he happily puts himself to bed without being asked.
He sits, drops, waits patiently for his meals and has good recall. He takes treats very gently and genuinely wants to please. He is becoming much calmer and more responsive as he learns what is expected of him.
Ralph’s foster family believes he may never have had the chance to enjoy puppyhood, so he is now making up for lost time. He loves racing around the backyard in enormous zoomies, playing with sticks and generally being a lovable goose. He may still investigate the occasional shoe or household item, but this has improved as he has settled and learnt the routines of home life.
Ralph loves people. He has progressed from being wary and uncertain to seeking affection and making friends with people who stop at the front fence. Everyone who meets him is struck by his gentle nature and expressive face.
He is happiest when he can be close to his family and very much enjoys indoor access, a comfortable place on the lounge and plenty of pats. He sometimes forgets that 24 kg is rather large for a lap dog and will happily sit on top of his people whenever the opportunity arises.
Ralph walks beautifully on lead around the yard. His walking outside the property has improved, although the wider world still offers many exciting smells and distractions. He is a strong dog, so his adopter will need to be physically capable of handling him and willing to continue his calm, consistent lead training.
He has lived as the only dog in his foster home and is very happy in that role. He has not yet been fully socialised with other dogs, although the limited encounters he has had have been encouraging. He may be able to live with a calm, compatible dog following careful introductions, but he would also be perfectly content as the only dog in the home.
Ralph has not lived with young children. Because he is strong and can still be enthusiastic, he would not be suitable for very young children.
He would be particularly well matched with younger retirees, people who work from home or a family in which someone is home for a good part of the day. He can now be left safely in the backyard for reasonable periods when his foster carers go out, but he is happiest when included in daily family life.
Secure fencing is essential to keep him safe, especially in the early days. Ralph has shown no desire to leave his foster home now that he feels safe and knows he belongs.
Ralph is not especially fond of baths or car trips, although both should continue to improve with gradual, positive exposure.
His back is now well healed, but the scarring remains visible and some of the hair may never grow back. Ralph is entirely unconcerned by his appearance, and his scars simply form part of the story of a dog who has survived a difficult beginning without losing his beautiful nature.
Ralph’s ideal home will offer:
✓ Plenty of human companionship
✓ Indoor access and a comfortable place to relax
✓ Patient, consistent and positive training
✓ A family who will see the lovely dog rather than the scars on his back
Ralph has already made an extraordinary transformation. He is house trained, affectionate, funny, loyal and increasingly confident. He loves his backyard, his crate, his couch and being close to the people he trusts.
He may still have a few things to learn, but Ralph has shown us exactly what kindness, patience and security can achieve. He is ready for a family who will continue the good work and give this gentle, lovable goose the life he deserves.
Applications are online only:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/
Medical notes
No known pre-existing conditions.
Adoption details
Dogs:
(1) The first step is to complete the online adoption application form at https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/ Please answer all questions and include photos of your yard and fencing.
(2) All applications will be considered by our Adoption Team, following which a "meet and greet" will be offered to the top-ranking applicant.
(3) If the “meet and greet" is successful, the applicant may adopt the dog and take him or her home the same day.
(4) For successful interstate applicants, different arrangements may apply and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Cats:
If you are interested in one of our cats or kittens, please click on the green "Enquire about ...", button, tell us a bit about yourself and the home you can offer the cat, and one of our volunteers will be in touch.