Ron may technically be a Dachshund x Cocker Spaniel, but since coming to live with us, one thing has become very clear: The Dachshund genes are VERY much in charge!

Funny, affectionate, wilful and full of character, Ron has very definite opinions about how life should be run. Behind that cheeky little personality, however, is a dog who carries some fears from his past.

Ron’s Story
Ron was found abandoned at a pet shop when he was around three years old. His previous home was traced but didn’t want him back, and very little is known about those first years of his life. Thankfully, Ron then found a wonderful family who loved him dearly for the next four years. They worked incredibly hard to understand him and sought behavioural help when some of his fears began to show.

Ron can become overwhelmed in certain situations and, during those four years, there were three incidents where his teeth made contact with a person. One resulted in a puncture wound requiring medical attention. His family never blamed him. Instead, they worked harder to understand his triggers and recognise the warning signs he gives when something is becoming too much.

When their young child became mobile and Ron began showing signs that he was struggling with the change, they made the heartbreaking decision to let him go before the situation had the chance to escalate. It was a decision made entirely out of love.

Finding Paws2Freedom

Ron initially went to a wonderful foster mum who was completely committed to him. From day one we knew this placement could only be temporary, because of her future commitments. During his time there Ron had a further bite incident involving his foster mum, which did not require medical treatment. She continued to care for and support him afterwards, and when the agreed foster period ended Ron came to live with us as had always been planned.

The experience helped us understand him even better. Ron’s fears and triggers are real, but importantly, Ron communicates. He gives warning signs when he is uncomfortable, and understanding and responding to those signals before he becomes overwhelmed is key. Ron needs clear, kind boundaries and consistency… and plenty of love. And there is certainly plenty to love about him!

Life in the home gang

Ron joined Susan’s home gang, initially sharing his life with Truffle and our beautiful Spencer. Since losing Spencer it is Ron and Truffle for now, with more sanctuary friends to come after our move.

Ron has settled in beautifully and is an absolute joy to live with. He makes us laugh every day and has also revealed himself to be a rather accomplished opportunistic thief!  If Ron spots something within reach that looks worth investigating, there’s a good chance he’ll wander off with it. But however cute he is, we don’t let him take over. Ron is a strong-minded little dog and structure, boundaries and consistency are an important part of helping him feel secure. Truffle helps with that too! They’ve become great friends, and their relationship is wonderful to watch. If Ron gets a little overenthusiastic, Truffle lets him know he needs to tune it back a notch… and he listens. He respects her communication and backs off before things have any opportunity to escalate.

Although technically half Cocker Spaniel, those Spaniel genes seem to have taken a back seat. Ron is very, VERY Dachshund… determined, loving, funny, opportunistic and occasionally convinced that rules are merely suggestions!

Looking to the future

One of Ron’s biggest remaining fears is buckles. Collars and harnesses make him extremely uncomfortable and we’d like to help him overcome this. For now we’re leaving it alone. He’s experienced enough change and with our sanctuary move still ahead, we’re simply allowing him to enjoy feeling safe and settled. Once we’ve moved, we’ll begin working gently on his buckle phobia… at Ron’s pace and with no pressure.

Ron is home

As we got to know Ron, we realised that what he needs most is stability: people who know him, understand his communication and give him the structure and consistency he needs. And eventually we realised something rather important. We didn’t need to find Ron another home. He already had one. Ron became a Paws2Freedom Sanctuary Dog. He now has a family who understands his quirks, respects his boundaries and absolutely adores the funny little character underneath them.

This is his home for life.

Please Sponsor Ron

By sponsoring Ron, you’ll help provide everything he needs throughout his sanctuary life, including food, enrichment, veterinary care and behavioural support.

Your sponsorship helps us give dogs like Ron, for whom conventional rehoming isn’t necessarily the right answer, something incredibly precious: A safe, understanding and loving home for life. And you’ll become part of the extended family of one very cute, occasionally opinionated, opportunistically thieving and very, VERY Dachshund little chap.

Welcome home, Ron

RON IS A PAWS2FREEDOM FOREVER-FOSTER DOGS AND CANNOT BE REHOMED.