Dogs Trust Manchester is appealing to dog lovers to think big when it comes to welcoming a four-legged friend into their home.
Although the Denton-based rehoming centre cares for dogs of all shapes and sizes, larger dogs sometimes take a little longer to find their new homes, and that is certainly the case for five-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux, Mila.
Mila has been waiting for her special someone to come along for 18-months but she is now more than ready to head off to a new home, following in the paw-steps of many other smaller canine companions who the team have waved a fond farewell to since she arrived in 2022.
Lisa Eardley, Manager at the rehoming centre, says: “Mila has had a tough time but she is a gorgeous girl. We think she is struggling to find a home as she can be a little nervous when meeting new people, so her true personality doesn’t shine through straight away.
“Also, she is big and strong which isn’t a good match for everyone hoping to adopt but she really is wonderful and once she knows you, she comes out of her shell and her cheeky side shines through. People just need to give her time so they get to know the real Mila!”
When Mila arrived at Dogs Trust she had very sore skin around her face and ears, and double entropion, meaning her eyelids were growing inwards causing severe irritation. As a result, she sadly struggled to see properly and her face and ears were very sore to touch. The conditions have now been treated but understandably she can be anxious if her face is touched too much so the team have muzzle trained her so that if she needs to go to the vets or if she is anxious in any situation, she can be handled confidently.
Lisa says: “Mila has come on in leaps and bounds. When she first came to us, because her skin had been so sore she didn’t even like having a harness on, but she is fine with that now and loves to head out on a walk. She particularly likes having a good roll around, wherever she is and whenever the mood takes her, especially if she spots mud!
“She is used to her muzzle and she knows that wearing it tends to mean fun times and foodie treats. People often react to muzzles negatively, but it’s useful for all dogs to be able to wear a muzzle comfortably and they can learn to enjoy wearing one in the same way that they learn to wear a collar or harness. For a dog like Mila who can be nervous around people she doesn’t know, or at the vets for example, it’s the perfect solution.
“Fear, pain or illness can affect the way a dog feels and behaves so if your dog is muzzle trained it helps de-stress situations which is good for everyone and the dog. Plus, Mila is a real foodie so wearing a muzzle means when she’s on her walks means she can’t eat anything that may be harmful to her.”
The team say Mila is a clever girl who loves to learn and picks up new things really quickly. She loves jumping into the car for an adventure but likes to head to quieter places so she can explore to her heart’s content without being bothered by off lead dogs. She is an affectionate girl once she knows you and loves a back scratch. She would like an adult only home where she is the only pet and she would love a secure garden to relax in with her new family.
If you would like to find out more about Mila or any of the dogs, large or small, waiting to find their forever homes at Dogs Trust Manchester, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester
