We rehomed Cleo in 2021 after we rescued her as a terrified stray that had been left tied to a gate on a country lane. She spent 4 very happy years in her home until a new baby arrived early lady year and Cleo was struggling to adjust. We tried rehoming appeals whilst Cleo stayed with her family but, sadly, Cleo didn't receive any applications and so in mid December Cleo had to return to our kennels.

Its been just over 3 weeks now since Cleo came back and the last week we are starting to see a change in her. She is struggling greatly and it breaks our hearts to hear her constantly stressed, to see her start to lose hope and grow more depressed and anxious with each day.

Cleo is now 5 years old. She travels well in the car, walks calmly on the lead, is fully housetrained and has a sweet and affectionate nature. She is a little wary and untrusting when meeting new people but once given the time to process it all she is gentle and loving and has no issues with different staff and volunteers at the sanctuary walking her. She also has a touch of sleep startle which again is just about letting her know you are there before touching her whilst sleeping (the issue with the toddler in the home starting to crawl).

She has always lived as an only dog and is happy to do so. She did have some doggie friends in her neighbourhood that she liked to play with but, again, Cleo likes to know a dog before feeling fully comfortable around them as she was previously attacked by an off lead dog, though she walks past and ignores dogs when out and about. We are looking for a small child free home. Ideally a home with a person/couple working from home or a retired active person/couple with quiet homes without too many visitors.

Sadly we see it time after time in rescue where dogs who may not be considered "perfect" in every way are overlooked and left behind. Cleo is a great girl, her little quirks are so manageable and easy to live with in the right environment. She deserves to be seen and hopefully given another chance..

In compliance with DAFM legislation, the GalwaySPCA unique certificate number is GPT200022C.

**December**

Very sweet Cleo was rehomed by us 4 yrs ago to a couple who have done amazing work with her. She arrived as a terrified wreck and whilst she overcame a lot of that fear during her stay, her family have really brought her on to the girl she is today.
They are utterly heartbroken at having to rehome Cleo but she just isn't happy with a newborn baby in the home despite having worked hard at making it work and having had sessions with a highly experienced trainer (he himself sadly agreed rehoming was best in this situation which is not something he would usually say as he is one of the best problem fixers).
Cleo suffers from sleep startle so needs to know when you are entering a room if she is asleep and before she is touched (more common than people may think and very manageable once you know).

This is what Cleos parents have said about her:-

Cleo is a sweet 5-year-old rescue mix that has been part of our family for the past 4 years but, sadly, with a newborn in the house she needs to find a new home. She is a loving and loyal girl who loves being the centre of attention with lots of rubs and play. She is friendly, affectionate and full of personality. Cleo is house-trained with good recall, she also knows her basic commands and is always eager to learn (specially if there are treats involved!)
Cleo is happy to hop in the boot of the car for an adventure and loves playing in water and running in open fields. She is energetic but her favourite things are curling up at your feet, after a walk, and stretching out in a sunny spot for a snooze.
She would do best as the only dog in the house and, because of her sleep startle reflex, she’s not suited to living with small children. In the right home, she’ll be the most loyal and loving companion you could hope for.'

https://youtube.com/shorts/L6wda3sfZ0E?feature=share

In compliance with DAFM legislation, the GalwaySPCA unique certificate number is GPT200022C.