A 12-year old Shar-Pei cross who came into RSPCA care underweight with scars on his face is loving life after being rehomed just before the UK went into lockdown. 
Wallace went into RSPCA care in Chobham, Surrey in September last year and was very underweight and was suffering from a skin allergy which had left the skin on his ears and tummy very sore.
He weighed just 20.8 kilos and had scars across his face which it is suspected were a result of an attack by another dog.
Wallace desperately needed some care and attention to bring him back to full health before he could be rehomed. He was in RSPCA care for six months and put on four kilos to get him back to a healthy weight during that time.
Just three days before the country went into lockdown and the charity had to pause rehoming, he was spotted by Clare Seymour.
On March 20th, Clare and her family, who live in nearby Knaphill, rehomed the golden oldie. Clare said: “I fell in love with him instantly. We were actually looking at another dog but then we spotted Wallace in reception. I saw him and I knew we’d give him a home. He has such an adorable face.”
Clare is a keyworker as a carer for the elderly so Wallace, like many pets, has provided fantastic companionship through the Coronavirus crisis.
Clare’s husband designs and installs irrigation systems and has also been working hard throughout the crisis, and their two sons have been keeping Wallace company during the day.
She added: “He has been lovely company during the lockdown, and we can’t imagine life without him now. He’s settled in really well. He even sleeps in my bed. He’s basically a little old man, but he does have some playful moments where he gets excited which is lovely to see. Wallace is deaf but he adapts well, he can certainly sniff out when his breakfast. He’s a typical 84-year old man but the vet says he is in great condition for his age.”
Pets provide vital companionships, they can help to relieve stress and have a positive impact on our mental and physical wellbeing, so it is unsurprising that so many people want to rehome or foster a pet during these challenging times.
However, if you are considering adopting a pet, it’s important to consider whether you can provide for a pet for their whole life and not just for the lockdown.
The RSPCA has now started to rehome and foster animals again, whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines.
For more information visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
