Hi, I’m Cilla.
I’m sweet and child friendly and need to be a solo pet.
More About Me
Available to Foster or Adopt
Breed - Boxer crossbreed
Size - Large
Sex - Female
Age - 6 years
Colour - Tan & White
Live with children - Older 12+ (will consider younger if used to large bouncy dogs)
Live with other dogs - No
Live with cats / small animals - No
Temperament - Sweet, Friendly
Knows basic commands - Sit, Paw, Down
Able to be left - 2- 4 hours
Adoption fee - £250
All of our dogs come neutered, vaccinated & microchipped, unless stated otherwise.
My story so far…
I was originally adopted from the Sanctuary as a 8 month old puppy years ago, but sadly I was returned after some changes and an altercation with one of the other dogs in the home.
I absolutely love people having cuddles, giving kisses and showing you my toys! When I was at the Sanctuary I was a firm favourite with the volunteers as I just love to spend time with you.
Sadly I really did not cope in the busy kennel environment at all, despite my carers trying everything like letting me live in the office with the staff during the day, I just couldn’t cope with the busy day-to-day at the Sanctuary
Luckily one of the Sanctuary’s amazing supporters who fostered another dog previously said she would take me and I have been loving life in my foster home ever since! (Over a year now!!)
I’m still not a fan of other dogs but this is easily managed by avoiding dog busy areas like parks and using my muzzle when out on walks, I’m really happy just having a good sniff on my walk and running around and playing in the garden.
Home I am looking for…
I would really love a home with someone who would love an affectionate playful dog like me! I have so much love to give, my carer and foster family say I bring so much joy into the lives of everyone I meet! <3
After my last home I no enjoy the company of other dogs so I need a pet free home where I can get all the love I so deserve! I enjoy quiet walks away away from parks or dog busy areas where I can relax, sniff & amble along with my human, happily wearing my muzzle. Sometimes I can be a bit strong on the lead if I see something like a cat or dog but I have gotten much better since being in foster (especially if there is a tasty snack to distract me!). I can be dog reactive but this is very manageable by making sure I am set up for success and not put in situations I am likely to react in. My carer can discuss & show potential adopters the best way to help me with my reactivity and training management in place.
I really love my play time in the garden and sunbathing so a good & secure garden to play and chill in with you is a must for me!
I could live with children 12+ years or potentially slightly younger if they are used to big playful dogs like me. I can be very playful and bouncy at times or I can get a bit silly and jump up if I’m really excited so I could knock or scare some children if they are not used to this. Especially as I find noises and lots of activity very exciting so I can get swept away with my mad zoomies or trying to play and tumble with you.
I could be left up to 4 hours in a home but this should be built up over a period of time. In my foster home someone is generally around most of the day so I’m not used to being left for long. I think I would be ok as long as I’ve got a comfy bed and tv to listen to & watch, but I do enjoy having people around all the time too!
Behaviour & Training
When out on walks I stay on a short lead and wear a muzzle because of my history and dog reactivity just in case a loose dog ever ran up to me. My adopters would need to keep up with my muzzle use & training to make sure wearing my muzzle is always a positive experience for me. It is such a useful tool and it helps keep me and other dogs safe, especially if I do need to go through an area where there may be other dogs like at the vets.
When I find something very interesting like a cat or noisy dog barking I can be strong on the lead but I have been working on this in my foster home. I have improved, but I do need someone who is able to handle me if I do pull and who will continue my training so I continue to learn and get better.
My dog reactivity is much better than when I first came back to the Sanctuary. After the altercation in the home and then coming to the Sanctuary with lots of noisy dogs, I really struggled any time I saw a dog nearby on my walks. However by avoiding busy dog areas like parks and keeping a good distance from other dogs (crossing the road or turning around), I realised seeing a dog didn’t always mean a confrontation.
Now I can cope quite well by just maintaining plenty of space between me and other dogs and having tasty treats to distract me. Any adopters must understand I just prefer to stay away from dogs and I am much happier having quiet on lead walks and a good play in the garden.
It might sound like a lot if you don’t know me but I promise I am such an easy dog to look after when you follow my carers advice and my fosterer always says what a good girl I am!!
Medical history…
Back in my previous home I had two fatty lumps removed that were thankfully benign. However, a while afterwards one of the lumps appears to have come back. Once I returned to the Sanctuary I had it tested by fine needle aspiration (FNA) and the cells seem to be benign and appears to be just a fatty lump. When I had surgery in the home previously I found recovery after surgery very stressful and even ripped out my stitches and would mess with the area even after it finally healed. Because of how stressed I was previously the decision was made to avoid having surgery again to remove the new fatty lump and instead to carefully monitor the lump and if it changes or bothers me in the future then I may need this removing but so far I seem to be leaving it alone in my foster home.