Patch, a deaf French bulldog rescued from a life of cruelty, is searching for a special forever home with a patient family willing to teach him sign language and help build his confidence.
Thought to be between six months and a year old, Patch was bred to have a merle coat, a mottled fur pattern inherited from two parents with merle coats. This practice notably increases the risk of deafness, blindness, and skin cancers. As a result, Patch is deaf and needs a home where he can learn visual cues.
Rescue and Rehabilitation
The young dog was rescued by RSPCA officers and has been in rehabilitation with the charity's Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch. Lily Dickinson, who works at the charity, said: “Patch was very nervous and shut down when he first arrived with us.”
“Patch is deaf but he responds well to light and movement and can navigate around well so we feel he could respond to visual cues as he can’t hear,” Dickinson added.
Ideal Home and Temperament
Patch is described as a fun-loving, affectionate dog who loves to spend time with people. He needs a patient family willing to teach him sign language and support him with building his confidence to be left alone, as well as to explore the outside world, as he can find these experiences uncomfortable and overwhelming.
“In return, they will gain the most loving, loyal companion who deserves the chance to finally feel safe,” Dickinson said. The ideal home for Patch is a family home with older children. He would not be able to live with cats but may be able to live with a calm, neutered older female dog if introductions were made and successful.
Broader Issue of Irresponsible Breeding
Patch is a victim of irresponsible breeding, as outlined in the RSPCA's The Shape of Suffering report. The appeal of certain physical features in breeds has led to a generation of dogs with health issues which prevent them from being able to live a normal life. French bulldogs like Patch already have increased health risks due to being bred to have flat faces, bulging eyes, and corkscrew tails, but the desire for unique coat colours worsens the risk.
A new RSPCA strategy report sets out what needs to be done to end breeding for extreme traits across all species of animal. RSPCA Scientific and Policy Manager and lead author of the report, Ashleigh Brown, advised: "For those intending to buy, we'd encourage them not to choose pets who have been bred with harmful physical traits, which fuels this serious welfare problem."
“We'd like to see responsible breeders only producing animals with moderate features who are happier, healthier and able to perform natural behaviours,” Brown added. While the RSPCA is keen to affect change on a large scale, it is also working to help the victims of this cruel practice. Brown added: "Meanwhile, we will focus our attention on caring for those animals who come into our care, and giving them the best chance at a happy life with loving new families."
You can find out more about adopting Patch online or by contacting the Southport team on info@rspcasouthport.co.uk or calling 01704567624.
