Buddy

🐾 Meet Buddy 🐾

Buddy is a cute-as-a-button little man with a gentle, quiet nature and a surprisingly cheeky personality. He is an introvert who takes his time getting to know people, but once he decides you're someone he can trust, he is incredibly sweet and will happily do whatever you ask. He seems to have a particular soft spot for men — when we met him, he completely deserted us to follow the male window washer around, tail wagging happily the whole time!

Buddy is looking for a calm, quiet household where he can be the centre of someone's world. He would ideally suit one or two adults who are home regularly and aren't looking for a busy or boisterous lifestyle. Older people may be particularly well suited to Buddy, as he enjoys companionship and is happiest having his people around. He can live with older children who understand that he needs to approach people in his own time, but a quieter adult home would be our preference.

Buddy is low energy and doesn't need a huge amount of exercise. He enjoys having a good zoom around the yard and patio, but is equally happy pottering around at home and doing his own thing. He has good house manners, is toilet trained, crate trained and knows several basic commands including come, sit, wait, down and off.

Buddy has lived successfully with small dogs and cats, although we would ideally like him to be the only pet in his new home. When meeting other dogs, he generally prefers to avoid them and may give an appropriate warning snap if another dog pushes past his boundaries, so any introductions would need to be calm and respectful.

Buddy has come a very long way from the condition in which he originally arrived with his current owner. He was severely underweight, covered in fleas and had extensive matting, and he has also had ongoing digestive difficulties. Thankfully, his condition has improved considerably, although he can still have occasional tummy flare-ups and will need an owner prepared to continue monitoring his digestive health.

Buddy has also recently undergone a thorough veterinary assessment, including X-rays and an ultrasound, which identified a heart murmur caused by moderate degeneration of the mitral valve. He has moderate enlargement of the left side of his heart and has been diagnosed with ACVIM Stage B2 heart disease. He started heart medication (Pimobendan) on 18 September and will need to remain on this medication and have his heart monitored as recommended by his veterinarian, with a repeat echocardiogram in approximately 6–12 months or sooner if there are concerns. There is currently no evidence of congestive heart failure or clinical signs associated with the condition.

Buddy also needs a full dental procedure, including some extractions. SAFE will cover the cost of his dental, but it cannot be scheduled until he has been on his heart medication for four weeks. This is why we are listing Buddy now rather than waiting for the dental to be completed. Once he has moved to his new home and reached the four-week mark on his medication, SAFE will organise his dental at a SAFE-affiliated vet near his adopter.

Buddy isn't the dog who will rush up to every stranger with a wagging tail. He is shy, cautious and likes to make his own decisions about when it's time to say hello. But underneath that reserved exterior is a lovely little dog who really wants to trust his people and, once he does, will happily become their devoted companion.

Buddy's ideal home will be quiet, predictable and patient, with someone who understands that earning his trust is a process — and who will appreciate just how special he is once he decides you're his person.

6 GREAT REASONS TO ADOPT FROM SAFE:

1. Lifetime Support: If you can no longer care for your adopted pet, please inform SAFE, and we will do our best to help you find a suitable solution.
2. Discounted airfares: if applicable
3. Adoption fee includes vet check, first vaccination, microchip and desexing
4. Foster care instead of cage confinement, ensuring lots of love and socialisation
5. Speak directly with my foster carer
6. Quick response to your enquiry

APPLY TO ADOPT ME

Am I the one you have been looking for? Click the link and fill out the application with as much detail as possible. The more information you provide, the easier the adoption process will be, hopefully bringing us together sooner!