Sam - Crossbreed (Merseyside)

Sam is a very handsome 11 year old Crossbreed boy who came into Oldies Club care when his owner moved to sheltered accommodation. Sam is now in an Oldies Club foster home in St. Helens, Merseyside, where he is settling in quite well with the resident dog. However, Sam would be happier as an only dog and so we would be delighted to hear from anyone with a dog-free home who would either like to adopt Sam or foster him whilst he finds his permanent home.

Sam has lived quite a sheltered life and he is a quiet and gentle boy. Sam’s previous home was a canal boat, and so if you happen to be looking for an oldie to skipper a vessel, Sam is your man!



Settled gradually: Sam started to settle at his foster home within a couple of days and he is gradually becoming more settled as the days go by. Sam’s owner used to be with him most of the time and so Sam is used to being a close companion. He spent some time alone at the canal boat after his owner had to move out and he must have been very confused by this. His foster carer is therefore getting him used to being left for short periods gradually, but Sam will probably be happiest in a home where he has company a lot of the time, and he will need to be allowed time to settle into his new life. His foster carer told us “We left him for 2 hours on Saturday with the radio on low and a hard hide type chew, and he was fine!“. Sam has been clean in the house. He is happy to sleep downstairs in his basket at night now so this is a good sign that he is feeling more secure.



Might be able to live with cats but happiest as an only dog: Sam was used to cats being around his canal boat and so he might be OK to live with dog-friendly cats, given careful introductions. Sam is gradually getting used to being with the male dog in his foster home (who could be his twin!), but seems as though he would be happiest as an only dog. He’d much prefer to be your best friend!



Not used to children but OK with visiting ones: Sam isn’t used to living with children and so it wouldn’t be fair for him to start living with them now. However he seems fine with visiting children and ones he’s met outside.

Only needs short walks: Sam only wants to go for short walks and enjoys the sniffing more than the walking! In fact he would probably be happy with just exploring a big garden. On the lead he is ahead of you but not really pulling, and he stops right away if you say Wait. On walks he has met a couple of dogs that he has seemed wary of and barked and growled at them, but he has led a sheltered life so this might improve over time with confident handling.

Anxious in the car: Sam is anxious about getting in the car, but he will get in if you get in first.

Sam’s favourite pastimes: Sam enjoys chasing a ball and is very good at giving it back to you. He will play a little tug with a rope toy and run around with it. He likes to gather his toys together! Most of all, Sam enjoys devoting himself to his owner.

Sam’s dislikes: Sam is adjusting to living in a house, so a slamming door startles him. He is frightened of loud noises such as thunder and fireworks.

Sam’s perfect home: Sam would love to be the companion to an older person once more. He would be very happy to have a nice large garden to sniff around in several times a day, and someone to throw his ball for him in the afternoon. He would be perfect for someone who isn’t able to go for long walks. He’s a quiet dog so would prefer a quiet home, but he does seem to get used to people quickly and, despite being nervous of men he doesn’t know, he has adjusted to 3 men in his foster home



Health notes: Sam is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea-treated. At his vet-check he was found to be a healthy lad and in good condition. He has slight weakness in back legs, but the vet thought it not a problem. He can still walk and play and has no signs of arthritis or pain, and has good flexibility. His teeth show signs of having chewed stones when younger and one tooth has a slight fracture, but again, no attention is needed and they are quite clean.

Foster carer’s summary:
“Sam is the perfect companion. He’s gentle, quiet, and clean.

This boy needs a new best friend, and time to adjust and feel loved. He doesn’t ask for much, and has a lovely wiggle when he greets you! He has been brought up on doggy foods, and it has kept him in good condition. He likes his chews and treats, and has a good stomach and is very clean in the house. He sleeps downstairs in his basket nicely and is very pleased to see you in the morning! He enjoys his breakfast and his tea and a few dog treats and the occasional stroke, particularly a head and ear massage. He will steal food off a kitchen counter if left unsupervised around food (like many dogs!). But he hasn’t shown signs of being destructive. We are still testing various situations out at the moment.

Sam was such a very sad and confused boy when he came in. Simply with patience and not fussing him unless he wants it and he is showing he has a lovely personality. He enjoys skipping through the snow outside for five minutes as you can see from the photos”.





If you can offer Sam a permanent home, please refer to our Adoption Procedures for information about the adoption process. You can then contact an Oldies Club rehoming co-ordinator as follows:

Email: rehome@oldies.org.uk
Telephone: 0844 586 8656

He can be rehomed anywhere in the UK, subject to a satisfactory home visit, but note that you will be required to travel to the foster home to meet him.

Sam is reserved

Sam has gone to his new home

Sam