Nora has come to us from a breeder and is now looking for a very special forever home. She is a scared girl who is understandably feeling overwhelmed to find herself here and is desperately in need of kindness, patience and TLC as she begins to settle and learn that the world can be a safe place.

When Nora first arrived with us, she was showing some neurological symptoms and ataxia, and her back legs would occasionally slide from underneath her, causing her to stumble. Following investigations with our vets, it was found that her proprioception was delayed in all four limbs. She was trialled on a course of medication alongside crate rest and has made wonderful progress. Her proprioception is now normal, she is able to get around and play happily, and she enjoys life much more comfortably. She does still have a slight amount of ataxia and can occasionally limp still. Our vet feels that she may have suffered an acute injury at some point in the past which has largely resolved itself, though she will likely never present like a normal dog.

Nora will be looking for adopters who will love and cherish her just as she is. Due to her mobility history, she will need a home without slippery flooring, or one where plenty of rugs and runners are in place to help her move around confidently and safely.

Since arriving with us, Nora has slowly begun to show glimpses of the gentle and affectionate dog she has the potential to become. Like many nervous dogs, she can be vocal when she feels unsure, and her deep, defensive howl is very much in keeping with her Beagle heritage. However, with patience and a calm approach, she soon settles and begins to reveal her softer side.

Although Nora is still learning to feel comfortable around people, she is making steady progress. She is beginning to choose to settle near her carers and, once she has had time to relax, becomes much more accepting of gentle interaction. In these quieter moments she has allowed us to stroke her and handle her gently, which is a hugely positive step for a dog who finds the world so overwhelming.

It is clear that Nora's worries stem not from a dislike of people, but from uncertainty. Having had such limited life experiences, she simply does not yet understand who we are or what to expect from us. As her confidence grows, she becomes increasingly willing to be approached and reassured, and each small step forward is a testament to her resilience.

Nora would be best suited to a calm and quiet home with adopters who have experience of nervous ex-breeding dogs and understand her worries. She will need time to settle at her own pace and will thrive with patient adopters who are happy to let her progress in her own time. We believe that what Nora needs most now is the stability, security and reassurance that only a loving home can provide.

She takes great comfort from the company of other dogs and will need at least one other kind and confident resident dog in her new home to show her the way and help her build confidence. While Nora has successfully shared her kennel with smaller dogs, we feel she would be happiest living alongside a dog of a similar size or larger.

Nora has never experienced life in a home before so her new family will need to be understanding as she learns all about home life and new skills like house training. She does not yet walk on a lead and harness, and while she remains with us we will be working on introducing her to a harness and helping her gain the confidence she needs to begin exploring the outside world safely. Initially, she will need to practise wearing her harness and exploring safely within the home and garden before she is ready to venture further afield.

Although Nora is still very worried and unsure of the world around her, beneath her fears is a sweet and deserving little girl who simply needs someone to believe in her. Watching a scared dog slowly learn to trust is one of the most rewarding experiences, and with love, patience and understanding, Nora will blossom. The day she greets you with a wagging tail and a sparkle in her eyes will make every moment of that journey worthwhile.

Nora has been given the Gift of Life by Judie Fisher

Can live with other dogs

This dog can be homed with a resident dog.