Biografie

I'm Achilles, a small quirky dog with a big personality. Born with malformed hind legs, I've learnt to shift my body weight to my torso and front legs to be able to move about without any help.

The first few months of my life were harsh and traumatising. On my arrival to the SARA farm refuge I was aloof and fearful, flinching at the slightest touch and sneaking off into the bushes whenever people showed interest in me. I didn't like being picked up and carried either. Over time, the daily routine at the farm refuge and the team's efforts to gain my trust bore fruit. Now a grown dog, I'm far more serene and approachable than I used to be. Sharing my space with a dozen other dogs has also taught me to stand up for myself. I spend a lot of time resting and observing, but don't let that fool you: When the mood strikes I race around in zig-zag patterns like a rabbit.

My adopter should take his time to gain my trust and provide me with a confortable and tranquil environment to explore at my own pace. Ideally, my home should have a garden for me to zoom around. Since I don't walk like "normal" dogs do, leashed walking won't come natural to me and unless I have a garden I will absolutely need off lead spaces nearby to move freely.

Hintergrund

We brought Achilles back from a dog pound, where he had no future in his condition. Due to a congenital deformity his hind legs are crooked, preventing him from standing up straight or walking normally. Despite his handicap, Achilles moves about on his own and does not require any help to eat or defecate. We don't have the capacity or veterinary expertise available to fit him with orthopaedic aids to improve his posture and mobility. At 14kg, Achilles is one of our smallest dogs.