Staffie and Stray Rescue’s campaign – Staffies. They’re Softer Than You Think – aims to raise awareness of the plight of the Staffie, challenge negative perceptions about the breed and show the true soft character of these loveable dogs, that were once known as ‘Nanny dogs’ for their affinity with children.
Centres like Staffie and Stray Rescue and Battersea are the last hope for thousands of unwanted and abandoned Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffie crosses. To date, Staffie and Stray Rescue has rehomed 54 Staffies and Staffie crossbreeds; they currently have 20 looking for new homes.
Calli Byrne, Founder at Staffie and Stray Rescue, explains: “We see a large number of Staffie and Staffie crosses coming into our centre. Any dog can be trained to be aggressive, and sadly Staffies are the victims of a minority of irresponsible dog owners. Staffies adore human company and we are determined to show that they make fantastic family companions.”
Rob Young, Head of Dog Rehoming Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, adds: “Battersea has seen a huge increase in the number of Staffies coming into its care and around a third of the dogs we take in are Staffies and Staffie crosses. We know what wonderful family pets they can be and it’s great to have the chance to work with Staffie and Stray Rescue to spread the word and give Staffies the second chance they deserve.”
As part of its campaign with Battersea, Staffie and Stray Rescue is working with many proud, responsible local Staffie owners to champion the positive qualities of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Calli Byrne adds: “Thousands of proud and responsible Staffie owners will tell you that Staffies are gentle, friendly dogs and a million miles away from the hard image they have been unfairly tarnished with. We have some great local residents who have rehomed Staffies from us who are tremendous ambassadors for the breed.”
If you can give a Staffie a second chance please contact Staffie and Stray Rescue at www.staffieandstrayrescue.co.uk or visit the rescue’s section on dogsblog.com for regular updates.