Ernie

🧡 ERNIE NEEDS YOU 🧡

Some of you will remember Ernie—he arrived with us as a tiny puppy, his femur shattered, his future uncertain. Thanks to your incredible donations, we were able to get him life-saving surgery. You gave him a chance. You gave him hope.

But Ernie’s journey hasn’t been simple.

Now over a year old, Ernie began showing deeply out-of-character behaviours in his adoptive home. He underwent surgery to remove lumps from the scar tissue, but the behaviours continued—and escalated. Eventually, Ernie became extremely aggressive toward the other dog in the home. It was heartbreaking, but returning Ernie to us was absolutely the right decision. The other dog had become terrified, and neither could relax or feel safe.

When Ernie came back, we noticed a limp. His behaviour was erratic and worsening. With huge thanks to Ddole Road Veterinary Clinic Ltd, further investigations revealed the likely cause: the pins and plates in his leg have shifted, causing fluid build-up and—without question—significant pain.

Ernie is now preparing for another operation.

To support his recovery, we’re looking for a dog-free foster home—ideally with a view to adopt. He cannot live with other dogs or cats. He cannot live with children under 16. He needs a secure garden, and people with experience in behavioural challenges—people who understand the importance of muzzles for safety, especially during medical examinations.

Ernie is an incredibly well-trained boy with brilliant recall, lead manners, and a solid grasp of general commands—he’s a pleasure to have in the home, where his behaviour is good and he relaxes with his chews. He’s reactive to some dogs and must be muzzled around them for everyone’s safety, but he handles this well and is used to it. Ernie also shows guarding behaviours around his leg and can occasionally resource guard, so he needs an fosterer who understands canine body language and is confident managing these behaviours with kindness and clarity. He’s a loyal, loving companion with so much to give—he just needs the right person to meet him where he is.

Ernie needs love and care. He needs someone who will work with him, not against him. Someone who sees past the pain and believes in second chances.

It goes without saying: Ernie will never be a sheepdog. But he is still a dog worth fighting for.

If you think you could be that person, please reach out via our website:

👉 https://www.hayanimalrescueteam.co.uk

If you have questions please send us a message on Facebook messenger.

Thank you for loving him then. Please help us love him now.

—Hay Animal Rescue Team