This gorgeous Staffordshire Bull Terrier was found wandering the streets as a stray with a nasty tail injury.
He was clearly in a lot of pain and was very distressed when he arrived at Woodgreen. We took him straight to the veterinary team to get him some pain relief, where the vets cleaned his wound and assessed the damage. After examining Vinnie it was clear his tail couldn’t be saved, so the decision was made to amputate it as soon as possible.
Even after such an ordeal, he was very good-natured and the whole team took a shine to him. Gemma, one of our dog handlers, was particularly smitten and even volunteered to take Vinnie home to look after as a fosterer, on top of her busy role. Now happily putting his paws up at Gemma’s, Vinnie was able to rest in a comfy home environment and take some time to heal.
"Vinnie was so forgiving, despite whatever he had gone through. Initially, he had seemed worried, yet he still did his best to trust us. As he settled in, he quickly took to my routine and it became clear what a wonderful pet he would be."
Loveable Vinnie was the first pick for our experts when florist Jess said she was looking for a four-legged companion at work. She wanted a pooch to keep her company in her busy shop, who would be happy with lots of people coming in and out, but also a dog who she and her flatmates could cuddle up with on the sofa. The team thought Vinnie would really enjoy the companionship and attention Jess’s lifestyle could offer.
Although Vinnie clearly missed fosterer Gemma when left in the pen, it was a matter of moments until he relaxed and was soon jumping up for cuddles with Jess and flatmate Zoe. It was love at first sight for both Jess and Vinnie and by all accounts, he’s loving the cuddles and fussing from shop customers and Jess describes him as the “perfect” dog. We’re delighted they found each other and Vinnie’s found his fairy-tail ending.
Staffies have a bit of a bad name and some people believe them to be naturally aggressive dogs. This couldn’t be further from the truth. They are one of the most affectionate, loving breeds and are usually great with people.
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.
Clarence the Dachshund-cross was brought to Woodgreen because his owners could no longer keep him. As a very energetic and playful dog, he was becoming too much to handle, especially for the other two senior dogs in the home. Find out how he got on in the Meeting Pen.
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.