A shy pooch has become so timid after nearly two years in a kennels she is scared of baths, houses, cars and dogs.
Petra is looking for a new home, having spent most of her life in RSPCA care. During the last 720 days - nearly a year and 10 months - the German Shepherd has become so timid she is afraid of going in cars and other dogs.
She even gets nervous when she needs a wash.
But RSPCA staff at the Warrington, Halton and St Helens branch are convinced she'll make a great pet and are desperate for her to find a loving home.
She likes to chase tennis balls and is building up her confidence.
Katie Buckley, animal care manager at the centre, said: “All the staff have understandably grown very fond of Petra as she’s been with us for the vast majority of her life.
“And we’ve invested so much time in training her, building up her confidence and introducing her to new experiences.
“She was anxious about many things to start with and even giving her a bath is something that still makes her nervous.
"So she’s going to need owners with time, patience and understanding who are prepared to put in a lot of work to gain her trust and carry on the training we’ve started."
Petra is on anxiety medication, which typically has a sedative effect on dogs. A study in 2020 found nearly three in every four dogs showed at least one anxiety-related behaviour.
So the RSPCA team understands how dogs behave when faced with new challenges, and crucially, how to overcome these.
Ms Buckley added: "Petra was only young when she arrived but her love of tennis balls soon became apparent.
"If you find Petra, there will be a tennis ball - or 10 - in sight.
"She remains frightened of other dogs, however, so this is something potential owners will also need to provide ongoing support for.
"Although she’s getting better and we feel this is something that will improve over time once she’s out of a kennel environment.
"Even though she has her fears, the amount of love she has to give is endless.
"We’d love to see her happily settled in her own place now we’re finally in a position to be able to rehome her."
Contact the RSPCA's Warrington, Halton and St Helens branch for more information about Petra.
