A THIRSK rescue centre has changed the fate of a 'pandemic puppy' and is urging owners struggling with their pet's behaviour to seek help.

An 18-month-old poodle cross puppy called Peggy, who was taken on early in the pandemic, was handed over to Blue Cross in Thirsk up by her owners who could no longer cope with her behaviour and were at their wit's end.

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The owners were struggling with Peggy’s behavioural problems, including severe separation anxiety and aggressively guarding objects and areas of the home.

Her owners were anxious about not being able to leave Peggy as they were soon returning to work and after speaking to the local Blue Cross animal behaviourist decided to hand her over to be rehomed.

Due to her anxiety, Peggy could not be left in the kennels and the team could not assess her behaviour while she was so worried at being left alone.

Volunteer coordinator and animal welfare assistant at the centre, Jenny Day, took on the challenge of fostering her and worked with the centre’s animal behaviourists to find out what was wrong with Peggy and how she could be helped.

Jenny said: “It took a lot of patience to help Peggy gain some confidence and find her feet.

"We took our time for her to settle in and start to trust us.

"We worked with her slowly until she started to show her true self - a fantastic little dog who is playful and very clever.

"We are delighted to have found her an understanding home where she will continue to feel supported.”

Blue Cross will continue to provide behavioural support to her owners, if needed, for the rest of her life - as do all pets rehomed by Blue Cross.

Jenny continued: “Peggy’s previous family did exactly the right thing by contacting us.

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"We fear many other owners who took on a pandemic pet will find themselves in a similar situation as more and more return to their workplaces.

"Some owners may even consider having their pet put to sleep so we urge anyone who are concerned with their pet’s behaviour, or just struggling to cope, to contact Blue Cross for advice and support.”

Blue Cross helps pets at its rehoming centres and animal hospitals across the country and more details can be found at bluecross.org.uk/christmas

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