RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk & District Animal Centre is searching for loving homes for two dogs with distinct personalities and needs: Bella Bear and Luna. Both animals have been waiting patiently for families that can provide the right environment for them to thrive.
Bella Bear: A Calm and Independent Dog Seeking a Quiet Adult-Only Home
Bella Bear is described as a lovely, calm dog who has adapted remarkably well to kennel life, despite spending a considerable amount of time there while an ongoing case is resolved. She is friendly and independent, with a strong personality that gradually emerges as she gets to know people.
When first meeting Bella, she may appear a little aloof. She is not a dog who needs to be the centre of attention and much prefers doing things in her own time. According to the RSPCA Centre, Bella knows what she wants, so she needs people who are willing to give her the time and space to explore and settle at her own pace. Once that trust develops, her lovely, cheeky and funny personality really shines through.
Bella loves exploring her surroundings, with her nose often leading the way. She enjoys plenty of sniffing and investigating, making walks an exciting opportunity to discover the world around her. She generally walks nicely on the lead, although she may pull when she finds something particularly interesting. For Bella, being allowed a little time to stop and investigate is important. She also has a wonderfully playful side, with zoomies being a particular favourite. Toys do not interest her much, but treats certainly do. Bella has been known to throw a treat around the garden and play with it, giving a wonderful glimpse of her quirky personality.
Bella's Experience in a Home Environment and Ideal Home Requirements
Bella has already spent time in a home environment and adapted extremely well. She explored the garden, slept soundly overnight, was toilet trained and happily relaxed on her bed. She has also spent time off lead in a paddock alongside other dogs, showing little interest but remaining comfortable around them. On occasion, she even gave another dog a little nudge to encourage them to play. She has also walked off-site with compatible dogs without issue and travels very well in the car.
Bella is now looking for a quiet, calm, adult-only home with no other pets and someone who has some knowledge or experience of her breed. With an owner who understands her independent nature and allows her to build a relationship at her own pace, Bella could be a wonderful addition to the family.
Luna: An Affectionate Mastiff Cross with a Tough Start and a Big Heart
Luna is a beautiful, affectionate Mastiff cross with a huge heart and an endearing personality. This gentle giant has already been through a lot, but she has continued to show just how loving, resilient and rewarding she can be. Luna arrived at the centre in poor condition with six puppies who were just three weeks old. Despite being underweight herself, she was a devoted mum and successfully raised her puppies until they were old enough to be weaned. Since then, Luna has been able to concentrate on herself, and her body condition has improved significantly. She is now healthier, more confident and ready to begin the next chapter of her life.
She has adapted well to kennel life and loves spending time with people she knows. Luna is incredibly affectionate and enjoys interacting with her favourite humans. Her idea of happiness is leaning her big body against your leg while enjoying a cuddle. She also has a real soft spot for praise. Talk to Luna, tell her what a good girl she is or even sing to her, and she quickly turns into a wonderfully soppy dog. She is also good to bathe and groom, enjoys playing with toys, knows her name and will sit when asked. With no distractions, she can walk nicely and loosely on the lead.
Luna's Needs: Experienced Owners and a Secure Environment
Like many Mastiff crosses, Luna has a naturally watchful side. She can be cautious around unfamiliar people, dogs and new experiences, but she often warms up quickly once given a calm and appropriate introduction. Her new owners will need to understand her guarding-breed instincts and give her time to assess unfamiliar situations. Luna has met a variety of dogs at the Centre, both on and off lead. Her reactions can vary, and she can sometimes become frustrated or worried around other dogs. She will benefit from continued positive training to help her learn that she can calmly ignore other dogs unless invited to greet them. With patient, experienced owners, this is an area where she can continue to make progress.
Off lead, Luna enjoys running, exploring and stretching her legs. She is surprisingly athletic for such a substantial dog and has been known to jump a two- to three-foot fence, so secure fencing will be essential. Food is also important to Luna. She was underweight when she arrived, so her future family will need to manage her diet carefully to maintain her healthy condition.
Luna's ideal home will be calm, secure and experienced with large breeds. Mastiff crosses can be large, strong and protective, so her owners need to be confident handling a big dog and understand the importance of consistent, positive training. A securely fenced garden, plenty of space and a realistic budget for food and veterinary care will all be important. Most importantly, Luna needs someone who will appreciate the wonderful dog she is becoming. She has already made tremendous progress and, with the right guidance and a stable home, has every opportunity to flourish.
Bella Bear and Luna may have very different personalities, but both have so much to offer. Bella needs patience, peace and the freedom to be her independent self, while Luna needs experienced owners who can help her continue building confidence. For the right homes, both girls could become cherished companions and finally enjoy the happy endings they have been waiting for.
