Jim Bob is a 16 month old male Spaniel cross Terrier currently under assessment and being fostered in Gloucestershire in an adult family home with other dogs.
It is always sad when a dog comes back into our care after being rehomed. Thankfully, it does not happen often, but when it does, for me it is always the hardest part of rescue.
You can’t help but feel you have somehow failed them along the way.
Jim Bob first came into our care a year ago via another rescue. We were told that his previous owners were very anxious and worried people, and because of this Jim Bob had not been well socialised.
As a result, he became quite worried and anxious about the world around him too.
He went into foster and did really well. Over time he became more confident, settling into a busy adult household with other dogs.
His foster owner is a dog walker, so Jim Bob also met lots of different dogs, which helped him enormously. Once he knew you, he was an incredibly loving little dog and he made amazing progress.
We eventually matched him with a family who had another confident dog, and initially all was going well. Unfortunately their work commitments changed and their environment became very different.
Jim Bob suddenly found himself in a busy work space with different people coming and going, and sadly he struggled to cope with the change.
Given his difficult start in life, it was simply not an environment he was ever going to feel comfortable in.
His owner felt life was becoming too difficult to manage for both of them, and that is why the very hard decision was made for Jim Bob to come back into our care.
The good news is that he has returned to his original foster home, which has made the transition much easier for him. After a very anxious first day he is already settling down and becoming much more comfortable with the people and dogs around him again.
He has also had a good run at the secure field to burn off some of that Spaniel energy, which he clearly needed! He is now much more relaxed and settled with the other dogs.
Over the next few weeks we will monitor him and continue working with him as he readjusts. However, from knowing him previously (even though he was still just a baby then) we do feel he will need a calm, quiet home without lots of constant change or a stream of different people coming and going.
A lovely country home would suit him perfectly. He could live as an only dog or alongside an older, steady dog.
In nature he is a typical Spaniel — he wants to be close to you, touching you, loving you, and being part of your life. That was always the sweetest thing about him.
If we can find someone where Jim Bob can truly be the centre of their world — someone who isn’t too busy, who just wants a loyal companion for long walks and quiet days together, and who can continue to build his confidence — that would be perfect for him.
Jim Bob is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
If you feel you could offer Jim Bob the right home, we would love to hear from you. We will continue to update his profile as he settles back in with us.
Some videos of him at the secure field
Tummy tickle with foster mum
Out on countryside walk