Dogs Trust on lookout for Moray adopters
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Rescue dog Ozzy is celebrating a year of the quiet life thanks to an Elgin couple and an animal welfare charity.
The loveable Labrador was just 10 months hold when he was handed into to the Ballymena Rehoming Centre in Northern Ireland.
From there he was transferred for training at the Dog Trust's rehoming centre in Glasgow.
But while quick to learn and very eager to please, Ozzy wasn’t so keen on other dogs.
Therefore the trust decided a home in a rural location was required if he was going to fully flourish.
And that's when Elgin couple John and Mairi McDavitt spotted Ozzy's online profile.
Having owned Labradors for over 30 years, the pair were instantly attracted to his likeable personality.
Following numerous successful meets at the rehoming centre and at their home in Moray, the couple then rehomed Ozzy a year ago.
John said: "We knew straight away Ozzy was a clever dog who had already been very well trained at the Glasgow Rehoming Centre by Carrie, Chloe and Kate, but over a year later they might not believe he is the same dog.
"His confidence has grown as the months have passed. He used to be very wary of strangers but now loves a few of our friends and is comfortable visiting their homes.
"He is also more confident when he sees other dogs, rarely reacting as he previously did.
"In recent months he has slowly been introduced to friend’s dogs, and he now plays off the lead with his new friend Juno.
"We’ve successfully reached every milestone we had hoped for including climbing three Munros – Geal Charn, Beinn á Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach.
John continued: "To anyone considering rehoming a rescue dog I would say you need to have the time.
"Expect to put in some effort and be patient and consistent.
"It is impossible to imagine Ozzy living in a city.
"As the Dogs Trust advised, he very much required a home in a rural location. With a quieter life, the changes we have seen have been remarkable.
"It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness them.
"It really is a pleasure being in his company every day and there is no doubt Ozzy has brought a lot of joy into our lives."
Sandra Downie, Glasgow rehoming centre's manager, said: "It is fantastic to hear how well Ozzy is doing. He is clearly a much-loved part of the family and is loving life in the country.
"Our staff work so hard to achieve these happy outcomes for every dog that comes into our care, so it’s always a lovely boost to hear about happy dogs in happy homes.
"Thankfully John and Mairi were prepared to travel to meet and get to know Ozzy from their home in Elgin.
"We currently have lots of dogs like Ozzy who require a quiet location. Many aren’t suited to life in a busy town or city.
"Instead, they require regular routines and a much quieter life with minimum interaction with strangers, which includes being exercised in areas that are largely free from other dogs.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who can offer a quiet, rural life to any of our current residents."
The Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy and will never put a healthy dog to sleep.
Its list of those in need of new homes in the country currently includes Jupiter, Leo, Haiti, Casper, Captain, Edward, Jack, Jonny, Rocky, Toffee, Joey, Billy and Ollie.
View their profiles the Dogs Trust website HERE.
