Nicole has come to us from a breeder and is now searching for her forever home. When she first arrived, she was understandably feeling very scared and overwhelmed. It was clear she hadn’t had much handling or socialisation before, so human hands were quite worrying for her.

Nicole did move into a wonderful foster home for a short period, where she began learning all about home life. Unfortunately, she has now returned to our care following one moment where, while learning about wearing a lead and harness, she became tangled in the lead and panicked. In her fear, she nipped her fosterer. This was a single incident during a very frightening experience for her, but it is important that her future adopters understand that she may panic when she feels overwhelmed or trapped.

Since coming back into our care, Nicole has settled back in well and is trying so hard to be brave. She has a wonderfully inquisitive nature and is beginning to show us more of her sweet personality. She is still very worried about being handled and can bark when she is unsure, but she is making progress and absolutely loves her food.

Nicole will be looking for a calm and quiet adult-only home where she can settle in completely at her own pace. She will need adopters who have experience with nervous ex-breeding dogs and who understand the patience, time and reassurance she will need as she learns to trust. She loves other dogs and takes great comfort from their presence, so Nicole will need another kind and confident resident dog in her new home to take her under their wing and help her feel safe and secure.

As Nicole had never lived in a home before moving to foster, she will need patient adopters who are ready to help her continue learning everything about home life. She will need to learn new skills such as house training and will also need to learn about walking on a lead and wearing a harness. Her adopters will need to take things very slowly and be mindful that she can panic if she feels frightened or restricted.

With time, kindness and plenty of TLC, we hope Nicole will continue to grow in confidence and learn that she is safe. She is trying so hard to be brave, and we know that with the right home, she has the potential to blossom.

Our vets have noted that Nicole has a slightly unusual heart rhythm, so she underwent a heart scan at our vets which showed some mild valve changes. At this stage she does not require any treatment and is expected to live a normal, happy life, although we would recommend routine heart checks and monitoring for any future symptoms.

Nicole has been given the Gift of Life by Shirley Bourne

Can live with other dogs

This dog can be homed with a resident dog.