Dachshund-cross Clarence was brought in because his owners weren’t able to keep him anymore. As a very energetic and playful dog, he was becoming too much to handle, especially for two senior dogs in the home.
For the first six months of Clarence’s life, he had lived in a breeder’s shed, the last puppy left among his siblings. Before his owners came along, the breeder couldn’t sell him because Clarence was born blind in one eye. His owners were delighted to welcome him into their home, but sadly things didn’t work out as they’d hoped.
Clarence was very unhappy when he first arrived at Woodgreen. He didn’t know how to cope with lots of new dogs around him and spent most of the time in his bed. Our team kept him busy with activities such as agility, which became one of Clarence’s favourite things to do, giving him something to focus on.
Clarence needed a lot of support to understand how to act with other dogs. As he hadn’t spent a lot of time on a lead, he became frustrated when he couldn’t play with other dogs and could lunge, bark or growl in frustration. The team trained Clarence to wear a muzzle, which really helped him on a lead, and also acted as positive reinforcement. Whenever he saw the muzzle, he knew it was time for a walk!
Clarence has been blind in one eye for a long time, but our team noticed his eye kept flaring up and appeared cloudy and swollen at times. As concerns began to grow about his wellbeing, he was booked in for an urgent procedure where our veterinary team removed his eye to prevent the risk of any infections in the future.
To help him recover from his operation, we placed him in the care of a Woodgreen fosterer who was able to continue his training, while giving him plenty of support and affection one-on-one. Clarence recovered quickly from his operation and came to life living in a home with his fosterer. He was able to grow his confidence without the distraction of other dogs around him, revealing an intelligent, playful dog who loved tricks and enrichment activities, such as puzzles and find-it games.
Clarence hit it off with childhood sweethearts, Holly and Dom, on The Dog House. However, after taking him home, Clarence struggled to settle and started displaying behavioural issues. With a heavy heart, they decided it was in Clarence’s best interests to bring him back to Woodgreen. However, all was not lost…
After more than 200 days in our care including extensive training and a stay with a fosterer, Clarence was ready to leave us for a home where he could enjoy an active life with patient owners willing to dedicate time towards his ongoing training needs. And although he didn’t find a match on The Dog House, we were delighted to find him a new home just in time for Christmas. He’s living in a rural location where his family enjoy taking him on quiet walks in the crisp countryside.
Our team works tirelessly to provide safe shelter, specialist care, and a brighter future for thousands of dogs, cats and small pets. Whatever the reason for a pet coming to us, we don’t turn them away. At Woodgreen, our priority is to help every animal, no matter what their background or how challenging their care.
The festive season is a wonderful time for us all. But it's important to ensure that pets are kept safe and relaxed during the festivities. Read our advice on how to keep pets safe with our top tips. From the importance of creating a quiet space, to what festive treats and house plants are toxic to pets. Read our advice below.
Woodgreen’s animals are given the best possible care, but many feel happier in a loving home where they can get some extra love and respite. Our volunteer fosterers take in vulnerable dogs, cats and even small animals while we look for their next forever home.