Winston (also known as Win or Winny) is an 11-year-old Maltese x Shih Tzu boy who came into rescue because he was having to be left alone for long periods. He is in an Oldies Club foster home near Woodbridge, Suffolk, while he waits for someone to offer him a permanent home.
Summary: Winston needs a home where he won’t need to be left on his own until he has had time to settle in. Having a canine companion helps Win feel secure, so a home with at least one calm old dog for company is needed. He’s frightened of traffic in towns, so a quiet, countryside home is best for Win. He likes to sleep in his own bed in the bedroom, but can’t see too well to negotiate stairs, so a bungalow would be ideal. He enjoys time in the garden and having walks on country lanes.
Needs someone home most of the time: Winston used to howl and cry when left on his own. He even became upset when his favourite foster carer (female) left the home when her husband was still there. Over time this has improved and Win is now not stessed at all when she goes out. Win has also been left by both carers, for up to an hour, and he seems fine. They leave a toy by the door to give to him when they return and he has an excited play with it. He certainly has the potential to keep improving and is also much better with another dog around for company.
Wants to live with dogs: Win is very good with other dogs. He would like a home with a mature, peaceful dog or two, for friendship and companionship.
Not used to cats: Win hasn’t lived with cats before and so he’s looking for a cat-free home.
Older children only: Winston is fine with older children (aged 11+) who will respect him and won’t expect him to play with them!
Enjoys walks: Win is very good on the lead. His foster carer has tried his recall using a 50ft training lead and he comes back when called. He likes to go out for a walk early in the morning, for about 30 minutes. In the afternoons he’s having a 1-hour walk either in the woods, or on the common or beach.
Good in the car: Winston is very good in the car. He travels in a cage in the back, or on the back seat in a harness.
Favourite pastimes: He loves walkies and lots of cuddles. Win is a true companion dog.
Dislikes: Towns and cities! When walked around a town, Win is unhappy and doesn’t like the traffic or crossing roads. He’s a true country dog and is happy in quieter surroundings.
Manages stairs but eyesight not great: Although Win can manage stairs, his vision is not good, so he might not be too safe, especially when descending. As Win likes to sleep in the bedroom, in his own bed, his foster carer thinks that a bungalow might be best for him. He sleeps right through and wakes around 8am.
Health notes: Winston is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and worm/flea treated. He has had an eye ulcer in his right eye which has been treated and is now healed. The eye is now scarred and cloudy though and Winston cannot see too well out of it. He has dry eye (both eyes) and so needs to have Optimmune drops twice a day for life. Bought online this currently costs around £35 per month.
Winston’s foster carer says: “Win is happy, loyal and loving, but needy. He loves human companionship, and is quite happy to go to the pub or out for coffee or lunch. He loves to be made a fuss of and likes to be the centre of attention. He has been taught not to go out of the front door unless told to, so opening doors is not a problem and he doesn’t run away.”
If you would like to offer Winston a permanent home, please read our Adoption Procedures for information about the adoption process. You can then contact an Oldies Club Rehoming Coordinator as follows:
Email: rehome@oldies.org.uk
Telephone: 0844 586 8656
He can be rehomed anywhere on the UK mainland – the closer to his foster home the better – subject to a satisfactory home visit. Note that you will be required to travel to the foster home to collect him.
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If you would love to offer a home to an oldie but your circumstances aren’t suitable, perhaps you would be kind enough to sponsor one of the special oldies we are caring for that, due to health problems, are unlikely to be offered a permanent home.