Hi, I'm Guinness

About me

Hi, I’m Guinness.
Before you fall in love with my face, I’d really like you to read all about me because I’m looking for a very special home.
I’m around 2 years old and I came into rescue as a stray, so nobody really knows what my life was like before. What everyone does know is that I’m not your typical dog. The world can feel like a very big, scary place to me, and I need people who will understand that.
I’m a bit of a nervy nelie, and trusting humans doesn’t come naturally to me just yet. I won’t be the kind of dog who rushes over for cuddles on day one, and if you’re looking for an instant best friend, I probably won’t be the right match. What I need is someone who is willing to let me go at my own pace, giving me all the time and space I need without ever pushing my boundaries or expecting too much too soon.
The most important thing you need to know is that I must live with a calm, confident and tolerant female dog. Having a lovely girl by my side gives me so much reassurance and helps me feel brave enough to try new things. I’m currently living in a foster home with two wonderful female Labradors, and they’ve been teaching me that life isn’t quite so scary after all.
I’m slowly beginning to show everyone the real me. I’ve started enjoying little bits of fuss from my foster mum and some of the staff I know well, and every now and then I get the zoomies and let my goofy, silly personality shine through. Those moments are incredibly special because they show that underneath all my worries is a sweet boy who is absolutely capable of love. I just need someone patient enough to help me find it.
At the moment, I can’t head out for walks like most dogs. We’re taking everything one tiny step at a time, and although my confidence on lead is growing, it will take lots of patience, gentle training and realistic expectations. I may one day enjoy exploring the world, or I may always prefer the comfort of home, and that’s okay too.
I thrive on routine, predictability and having safe spaces where I can relax. A quiet home with patient people will help me continue to blossom. Once I’m fully settled, my leaving hours will need to be built up gradually, and for now I can be left for around one to two hours.
I could potentially live with caged animals following successful introductions, and I could also live with sensible children aged 16 years and over who understand that I need space and won’t expect me to interact before I’m ready.
I’m not difficult. I’m not naughty. I’m not broken. I simply haven’t learnt that people can be kind, and I’m looking for someone who will show me that, one gentle day at a time.
If you’re the kind of person who celebrates the little victories, understands that progress isn’t always measured in giant leaps, and believes every dog deserves the chance to feel safe and loved, then I might just be the boy you’ve been waiting for.