Howl about a home? Casper and Buffy seek a happy ending this Halloween
They have names fit for Halloween, but the only thing these rescue dogs want to disappear is their wait for a loving home.
Casper and Buffy are among the dogs the RSPCA hopes will find their perfect match as its Adoptober rehoming campaign draws to a close.
The charity says it has more animals in its care than space in its centres and branches, and is urging prospective owners to consider adoption or fostering.
For four-year-old Casper, a white German shepherd-cross named after the famous friendly ghost, the right home could make a world of difference.
He is being cared for at the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton and St Helens Animal Centre after struggling to cope with family life.
When he arrived, Casper was frightened of everything. Now staff hope a patient adopter can help the intelligent dog build his confidence and discover how reassuring life with the right person can be.
He needs a peaceful, low-stress, adult-only home where he can settle at his own pace. Although nervous at first, he has the potential to become a deeply loyal and affectionate companion.
Meanwhile, in the Cotswolds, Labrador retriever-cross Buffy is waiting for someone to fall under her spell.
The bright, food-loving dog is in the care of the RSPCA’s Cotswolds, Gloucester and District Branch.
She enjoys walks, playing with soft toys and tucking into treats, with her enthusiasm for food offering a useful way for her future family to help her learn.
Buffy needs patient owners who will use encouragement and positive reinforcement to help her feel secure and allow her confidence to grow.
RSPCA chief executive Jo Rowland said: “We currently have more animals in our care than space in our centres and branches - and it’s a heart-breaking situation that other animal charities and rescue centres are also facing - that’s why we are asking people with space in their home for a pet to consider adopting. Not only does it free up vital space so we can rescue more animals in need, but it’s so much better for the animals to be out of kennels and in a loving home.”
People considering adoption can also explore Pet Remedy’s UK Charity Partners Map, which brings together rescue organisations signed up to its welfare-focused ethical framework.
The map offers a starting point for finding rescues that put animals’ physical, emotional and mental wellbeing first: https://petremedy.co.uk/charities-map/
But while Halloween provides a playful theme for the rehoming appeal, the celebrations themselves can be unsettling for dogs.
Andrew Hale, emotional wellbeing expert at Pet Remedy, advises owners to look at the evening from their dog’s perspective, with unfamiliar costumes, sudden noises and repeated knocks at the door all potentially adding to their distress.
His six tips can help dogs enjoy a quieter Halloween.
1. Leave fancy dress to the humans
Before putting a dog in a costume, consider whether it restricts movement, covers their eyes or ears, or interferes with sniffing.
Andrew distinguishes practical clothing, such as a suitable coat in cold weather, from dressing dogs up for entertainment. Owners can enjoy their own costumes while letting their dogs stay comfortable.
2. Keep trick-or-treating a human outing
Excited children, strange silhouettes and unexpected noises can make a door-to-door outing overwhelming.
Andrew recommends leaving dogs at home and avoiding Halloween parties or events where costumes could frighten them. An earlier walk along a familiar route can help preserve their usual routine before celebrations begin.
3. Take the pressure off the front door
A steady stream of strangers can be particularly difficult for a nervous dog.
Put up a sign asking trick-or-treaters not to knock or ring the bell, explaining that a frightened dog lives inside.
A secure, comfortable space away from the entrance can also reduce the chance of a dog slipping out when the door opens.
4. Give them somewhere to retreat
Prepare a quiet, familiar spot with their usual bed, water and favourite belongings.
Let your dog choose whether to stay with you or withdraw. If they move away from a visitor, allow them that space rather than bringing them back for a greeting or photograph.
Guests should understand that the dog may prefer some peace.
5. Make treats dog-friendly
Offer a little of a familiar dog treat, or put some of their usual food in a favourite food toy or gentle sniffing game.
Keep chocolate, sweets and discarded wrappers safely out of reach. Halloween treats intended for children can pose serious risks to dogs.
There is no need for unfamiliar festive food: a familiar reward and time together can be a welcome treat.
6. Let your dog set the pace
Watch how your dog responds to visitors and changes around the house, and make sure they can move away.
Avoid insisting on greetings or keeping them close to something frightening. A dog does not have to join the party to be part of the family.
