Staffies, they're softer than you think.

Children screaming and running into oncoming traffic, women screeching and running wild on trains, men stopping dead in the street in terror before crossing the road and hurrying away.  An asteroid?  A tornado? A contagious disease?  No, just me and Suki out and about.  

Honestly, this is what really happens. 

I think the thing that hurts the most is when fellow dog owners spot us in the park and instead of coming to say hello they drag their dog in the opposite direction.  Shouldn't they know better? 

Suki thinks that everybody loves her and as such a sociable dog seems puzzled and somewhat surprised when people scream in her face and seem terrified of her.  We always shout to the people running away in hysterics "she won't hurt you!" or "she'll only lick you to death!" but I don't think the message gets through.  

At this point I must mention that some people gravitate towards Suki and show no fear as she attempts to lick them clean, often shaking their heads and saying "People don't realise how lovely Staffies are!" Some family members were quite wary when we first adopted her but after meeting her they are as obsessed as we are!

Despite all this, there is still such a bad perception of Staffordshire Bull Terriers amongst many people.  This is due to the minority that are dangerous because of the behaviour of their owners.  Aside from trying to educate people and show them what a loving, soppy, cuddle monster Suki is I am at a loss as of what else to do.  That is why I was thrilled to hear of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's new campaign Staffies, They're Softer Than You Think.  The campaign encourages people to find out more about Staffies (such as the fact they are called "the Nanny dog" due to them being so gentle and good with children) and even consider adopting one of the many that are currently residing at Battersea.

I'm going to have to stop looking at the website, otherwise Suki is going to end up with more brothers and sisters than she can manage!


Go on, Snuggle a Staffie!


P.S. ~ Staffies in the news.

Get To Know A Dog

A while back I received an e-mail from the RSPCA featuring their new campaign entitled Get To Know A Dog.  They are referring to Staffordshire Bull Terriers and asking people to challenge their misconceptions and consider adopting a Staffie.  When I met Suki I was amazed at how affectionate, loyal and frankly sloppy she was, if I believed everything I heard in the media I would never have had the good fortune to meet such an adorable and loving companion.  

Most of the time when walking Suki people approach us and without hesitation reach out and stroke her, some even fall to their knees and give her a big hug!  Unfortunately some people see us coming and quickly move away, over the weekend one lady gave a squeal when Suki attempted to sniff her feet and another uttered "That dogs scary".  I am being a bit presumptuous really as these people may just have been scared of dogs in general, but if they were discriminating against Staffies it is their ignorance and their loss, Suki would have loved to give them a big cuddle!

If you have time, take a look at the RSPCA campaign here and learn more about Staffies and read some of the stories, if you hear anyone talking about Staffies in a negative way please direct them to Get To Know A Dog.

Hello Suki!

Despite my vow to keep up with the blog as much as I can I'm afraid I haven't done very well at all, I have made quite a big change in the last month and moved out of home and in with my boyfriend, I have a new home and new job. Ten days after we moved into our flat we added something new to the mix... A dog! She is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and her name is Suki. Isn't she adorable?


We wanted a Staffie in particular because so many of them are being dumped and regrettably having to be euthanised as people aren't rehoming them due to the negative press they have received. We know little about Suki's history, just that she was used for breeding, dumped at the pound and luckily rescued by a charity called Knine and Kitty Rescue. It was technically Suki that found us as Julia from Knine (Suki's foster Mum) saw my boyfriends advert offering to rehome a Staffie and she felt drawn to telephone him.

We went to meet Julia and Suki and immeditaely fell in love with the black and white bundle of fun with her soulful brown eyes and forever wagging tail. We took her home with us for a weeks trail (mainly for her benefit) to see how we all got along. Despite a few flatulance issues and training Suki to not cry when we went to bed we all got along like a house on fire and within a few days had decided we could give her the life she deserved. A few weeks ago we took her to say goodbye to her Foster Mum (we will be keeping in touch) and Suki is now a permenant part of the family and a real character!

We have learnt so much in the past few weeks about Suki and dogs in general. It has been a few years since my beloved Lucky passed away but Suki reminds me of her in so many ways, that adoring look in her eyes, her soft fur, the doggie smell, pink tummy and wagging tail. Like Lucky, Suki wants to cuddle ALL THE TIME and we are happy to oblige. A few days after we took her home we realised Suki was in heat and although initially didn't have a clue what that meant we now know a lot more about it and although Suki won't be experiencing that again as she is being spayed it was an experience for all of us (it even involved doggie pants!)

I'll be updating you regulary on Suki and Rusty (who I miss terribly) and I have some interesting articles planned for The Animal News so hope to see you here later on.

Give Staffies a chance!

With all the bad press over Staffordshire Bull Terriers it can make people form a negative opinion, challenge your misconceptions.