Shy American bulldog in an RSPCA kennel in Essex seeks patient new owners
Lockdown has made it more difficult for Eric to meet new people and get over his issues
Do you have the time and patience to help an abandoned American bulldog overcome his shyness?
6 year old Eric has been cared for at an RSPCA kennel in Essex since October last year.
But the latest lockdown has meant it's been a struggle for him to meet new people and get over his social anxiety.
Staff at Danaher Animal Home are appealing for help to find him a forever home.
"Eric found coming into kennels really difficult and was obviously distressed by being separated from his owner. He's displayed some anxious behaviour while he's been with us but our staff and behaviour team have been working really hard to help him settle in and gain confidence. However, this has been really challenging due to the lockdown restrictions.
"He can be really nervous meeting new people and, unfortunately, due to the centre being closed to the public because of Covid, it's been a real challenge for us to get him out to meet new people and have positive interactions with strangers in order to build his confidence. Ideally, he needs a new home where his owners can help him in this area.
"Eric is such a wonderful, loving lad who has really started to come out of his shell here in kennels," Craig added. "But he is incredibly shy and it takes him time to trust new people so we're really concerned that this will make it difficult for us to rehome him during a time when we're unable to arrange several meet and greets like we would in normal circumstances.
"We're hoping that there is a family out there experienced with nervous dogs who knows what it'll take to help Eric and is willing to give him a chance and spend some time during lockdown building his confidence. It'll certainly be worth it because he's a truly wonderful dog."
Animal welfare manager Craig Horsler
Eric is looking for an adult-only home where he'll be the only pet. He'd like owners who have the patience and time to let him settle at his own pace and can very gradually introduce him to being left home alone.
Eric loves going on long walks and sniffing everything! His favourite activities involve running around the paddocks and playing football.