Second Chance Dog Rescue

NAME: Astrid
LOCATION: Canvey Island, Essex
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Romania
AGE: 9 months (Feb 26)
SEX: Female
BREED: Lab mix
SIZE/WEIGHT: Medium/large
NEUTERED: No too young
OTHER DOGS IN HOME: Yes with well-matched, playful, confident dog, or fine as only dog
CATS IN HOME: No
CHILDREN IN HOME: Yes, age 8+

Astrid (formerly called Denise) was rescued as a lone pup on the side of the road in Romania. Despite her uncertain start, she has grown into a confident, joyful and affectionate young dog.

Unfortunately, although Astrid was adopted into a loving home and is very much adored, she has not been able to settle well alongside the cats in the household. Despite her adopters doing everything possible to manage and support the situation, it has become clear that living with cats is simply too challenging for her.

They have made the heartbreaking decision to seek a cat free home where Astrid can fully relax and thrive. This difficult decision has been made purely in her best interests.

From the moment she arrived, Astrid settled beautifully. She is incredibly confident in the home, happy to entertain herself with toys (especially anything that squeaks or rolls, soft toys have a very short life expectancy!) but she is also equally content to switch off and relax for 2 to 3 hours after walks or play.

Astrid is happy to be left home alone for 2 to 3 hours and would likely manage a little longer if needed. She has never been destructive, although tissues and cardboard are far too tempting if left unattended! She is crate trained (used initially to help her settle) but now sleeps soundly on her dog bed from around 9pm until 7:30/8am.

She has been wonderful with visitors and has shown no issues meeting children out on walks. Astrid has previously lived with younger children in foster and has been lovely when meeting children out on walks. Given her playful nature, we think she would enjoy a family with sensible children to run around the garden with.

Astrid absolutely loves to play. Balls, flirt pole, tug, cardboard shredding, etc. She adores playing with other dogs in enclosed fields and has lovely social skills. If she gets a bit overexcited, she responds well to appropriate management and reads social cues nicely.

She also enjoys enrichment games like 'find it' snuffle balls and frozen Lickimat or Kongs. She's a clever girl who enjoys using her brain.

Astrid has learnt to walk to heel beautifully on the lead. She automatically sits at every road crossing without being asked. She is slightly cautious of large vehicles such as buses and lorries, but she will sit and watch them pass before continuing calmly.

She has a lead walk and a long lead walk daily. Her recall is developing very well for a her young age using her long lead for training, she especially loves bounding through long grass in parks and woodland, hopping along like a little deer! She explores but checks in regularly and rarely reaches the end of her long lead.

Astrid currently attends weekly obedience classes and thrives on learning. She loves working with her humans and would make a brilliant trick-training companion.

She currently knows verbal cues such as Sit, Down, Wait (with distance and distraction), Touch, Middle, Paws up, Bed, Crate! Which is a huge achievement at her young age.

Astrid waits politely for her food and doesn't eat until released. She learns quickly and is very receptive to positive reward training. Continuing her training classes once settled isn't essential, but she would really enjoy it if possible.

Astrid is everything you would expect from a fun, cheeky 9 month old, funny, affectionate and a fantastic companion. She may occasionally steal something just for fun but she will happily swap it for a treat.

She isn't a big barker (aside from the doorbell), but she does have adorable little grumbles. One when she wants to go in the garden, when she's playing, and a very sweet 'comfy groan' when she's settling down to sleep.

She loves cuddles and would enjoy a sofa to snuggle up. She also settles well independently and loves being outside sunbathing when the weather allows it!

Astrid would do well living as an only dog with doggy friends for playdates and adventures, this may actually be her ideal home. However, she could potentially live with another very well-matched, playful and confident dog who can offer appropriate social feedback and set firm boundaries.

Astrid would suit an active family who enjoy walking, training and are looking for a super bright young dog who will be the centre of their world. She is a very beautiful, well-rounded girl with so much love and fun to give.