Dog News

Agoraphobic Dog Needs Forever Home

by Katherine

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Whisper suffers from Agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder in which a person has attacks of intense fear and anxiety, yet Whisper is not a person, she is a dog living in Battersea’s Old Windsor Home in Berkshire, England.

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The extremely timid, six-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier was found back in January under a bush. Shelter workers believe she was used for breeding and was probably kept in a shed or indoor cage. She had limited to zero access to the outside world, and therefore Whisper is terrified to interact with humans and other dogs.

“Whisper is a gentle, loving, kind-natured dog, and she is going to make the most amazing pet for someone who has the time and patience to slowly build her trust and confidence,” Battersea senior animal welfare assistant Karen Slavid told The Mirror. “We know that she’s going to need very understanding owners but more than anything we want her to enjoy a life outside kennels like any other dog.”

It has taken a lot of time and patience, but Slavid has been able to build just a little of trust and confidence in Whisper. The animal lover sits quietly in Whisper’s kennel for hours and feeds her. When it comes to going outside, Whisper does it at night time when all shelter volunteers and visitors have gone home, and when no other dogs are in the yard.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is at a loss with Whisper, they have encountered and helped rehabilitate other dogs with different behavioral issues but this is the first time they have dealt with agoraphobia. The organization hopes the right home and owner will come along and help Whisper overcome her fears.

For more information on Whisper, contact visit www.battersea.org.uk.