xxlynne
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Shiva American Bull Dog 4 yrs Farnham Surrey Kennelled
Her story: Shiva grew up in Holland with a cat and a toddler. However change of work meant Shiva would be left long hours and so she was homed in with a grown up family working from home. She hasn't had the same confidence behind her but since being in kennels her dog skills have been regained- a wonderful dog
Salient points: Pedigree American Bull Dog. Grow up with toddler. Good in gentle meeting with dogs rebuilding her confidence in this area. Not for cats.
Advert: Shiva is a 5 yr old American Bull Dog who has had 2 good homes in her life. The first developed her into a highly sociable competent 'Must have dog'. She was rehomed in a family who have given her a really good life, but she lost confidence. Since being in kennels she has mixed with dogs on her walks and proven to be a star.
Shiva is a wonderful wonderful dog. We are looking for a family who have had bull breed experience to maintain her full confidence. She is so loving, so social and so beautiful. She would suit being an only pet.
Shiva now enjoys chasing cats and squirrels, loves her toys, isn't destructive, adores the car. Doesn't go on furniture and is a joy to have around. She needs a high exercise regime. Spayed, vax'd and chipped. Full pedigree papers with pet passport. Kennelled in S. Croydon.
Please visit Shiva's individual thread, in Dogs needing homes in our care on this forum to find out more about her and follow her progress.
If you are interested in re-homing please complete our homing questionnaire so we can ensure our dogs are matched and will suit your circumstances/lifestyle.
"Please note that this dog is currently in kennels and is also available for foster until a 'forever' home is found".
Shiva's thread below: 
Shiva has always been loved. She has had 2 homes both with lots going on and has proved herself versatile and loyal. In her current family she has just recently shown herself to be a little guardy with less familiar people and as a new baby is due in the family they feel they could not risk her telling the baby off; not that she would or has ever nipped. She just on occasions can be assertive and obviously family feeling nervous of the new born.
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xxlynne
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There she is Shiva the God of the Dance
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Dee
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What a stunna - she looks so lovely 
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nicciandandy
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Will Shiva be going into kennels at any point. i would like to foster a dog, possibly making it a permament thing if all goes well, but i would like to meet them first and for them to meet my daughter as she is young.
thanks
nic
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xxlynne
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Shiva is being kept in her home until her new home turns up. She was living with a cat; young child and couple when i first rehomed her. She was homed in with ?guniea pigs and she coped but she seems to have got a little guarded with people if her owner isn't around which has made the family nervous. I wonder if any dog isn't a little on edge. We wouldn't move Shiva unless her home came up or a fosterer who would stick with her 'til her homing appeared
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EmmaSemple
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What a stunning lady. 
Emma
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Dee
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Shiva coming into Kennels with Emma and the gang on thursday 
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Sharonr - Admin
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Ah bless. Am looking forward to meeting her
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newie244
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ShivaI met Shiva for the first time today, as previous posts stated what a stunner!
She was perfectly behaved in the run, no jumping about. Just used a lead and collar today, she pulled initially but once on the walk eased up a bit, just keeping tension on the lead.
Upon approach of traffic she understood 'wait' and 'stay' and after two attempts with biscuit rewards we got 'sit' right as well. At the turnround point we even managed a 'sit & paw handshake'.
She loved walking on the grass verges, sticking her head into the rabbit runs and the foliage, we did have a brief pull on the lead when a rabbit shot across in front of us about 10 metres away, but it was very brief and she underrstood 'No'.
All in all a very enjoyable walk and a very nice introduction
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EmmaSemple
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Shiva is a Sweetie!
On arrival she was guardy in the large run and kennel she was first in, but it turned out that this was down to nerves and nothing else. She is far happier in the main kennel block surrounded by dogs it seems. Normally the dogs prefer the one to one that the larger kennels away from the blocks offer. But not Shiva! She has really come round to be a sweet natured dog with both people and other dogs alike. She has been walked with various dogs (Tiger-Lily and Wallace were two of them) and showed no nastiness to either.
When she first arrived she was suspicious of men. Mark walked her today with no problems and she was very happy and relaxed on her return.
People can walk up to her when she is on the lead and she shows them no animosity. We are sure to mix and match her handlers so that she does not bond with just one person, but this was only as a precaution. She hasn't even glared at anyone whilst on lead as yet!
In the main kennel block she does not guard her kennel. She is very quiet and sits and watches people walking about and past her kennel.
She has shown no aggression to other dogs through the bars whilst they are racing about and enjoys a relaxed and happy environment which we do try to ensure at the kennels.
Tomorrow I am going to cat test her to see if she still is happy to have them around her. I know that once upon a time she did live with cats and I am hoping that with the new leaf that she seems to have turned over, that she will ignore them.
She is such a laid back girl and I am hoping that this good behaviour will continue. I see no reason why it shouldn't.
I think it is important that Shiva has a relaxed handler as being that she is a Bulldog breed they are extremely sensitive and any type of nervousness will be picked up on by her and that is when she would feel the need to protect. If you are relaxed, she is relaxed and she is proving this over and over again with many different people.
Emma
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ali12345
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Shiva had a lovely walk with Alfie and Zack today. She was not happy with Alfie on at first meeting but had settled by the end of the walk and they walked nicely together. (maybe Donna will update later) Understandably she was a bit annoyed when he got over-amorous at the cafe. Greeted Zack nicely and met under the table well, but after Alfie misbehaving I think she was a bit put off the boys for a while! Did a lot of marking for a girl.
Alison
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Sharonr - Admin
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I was looking forward to meeting Shiva today and she didn't disappointment me - she is gorgeous. She is a stocky girl, but she wasn't as big as I thought judging from the original photos. Lovely colouring, nice to walk and she enjoyed a roll and tummy rub on the way back.
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Sharonr - Admin
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oops and one more ... nicely trained, gentle girl waiting patiently for a treat - just the meerest of waffles on your hand and they are gone!
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Sharonr - Admin
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More photos of Shiva from Saturday's Photo Shoot ...
    
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newie244
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ShivaShiva was my 3rd dog to walk today and by this time we decided it was too hot to walk any more dogs, so I took Shiva out to the paddock to play.
I bought a very nice pink frisby on the way to the kennels this morning, so I took it with us and Shiva loved it. She was dashing around after the frisby and brought it back (most of the time) to me on command.
She did get a good run out today and some good exercise, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with her and I think she enjoyed it too.
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newie244
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ShivaShiva and her pink frisbee.........
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Sharonr - Admin
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Aw wow, what a good playmate! Have used the video on her threads. Thank you
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ali12345
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Shiva went out with Donna C earlier in the week too. Today both Mark and I were so sad we didn't have time to take Shiva - she looks you directly in the eye - the paw goes up in a forlorn way and she pleads to come out for a walk. Next time sweetheart.
Alison
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Sarah C
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I walked Shiva for the first time on Saturday, and she was smashing. Very well behaved in her run - just sat down and waited for me to put the harness and lead on - and although she pulled a bit on the lead, it was only from the excitement of going for a walk.
I walked Shiva near to Winnie (who was out with another walker), and although Winne wasn't overjoyed at Shiva's presence, Shiva was very calm and just got on with her walk.
Lovely girl! Am sure she will find a lovely home.
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newie244
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ShivaTook Shiva into the paddock for a bit of 1-2-1 again today, her pink frisby is no more, it only lasted about 5mins this time 
We then changed over to a nearby football which Shiva gladly chased and retrieved every time I kicked it for her.
After 10 mins or so of that she was blowing a bit due to the heat so we sat down with some water for her, she really loves human contact. She appears to prefer to drink water as it's poured rather than from the bowl which was fine until she stuck head under the flow of water, soaked her head, then soaked everyone when she shook it off
With a little bit of encouragement from titbits she does a brilliant 'sit', 'paw' and 'down'.
You gorgeous girl!
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newie244
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ShivaAhhhh Shiva, I took her out last today, she is so well behaved on the harness, trots along just in front of you, keeping the lead taut but not pulling.
She will sit on command if a car approaches, and if you say 'stay' she will wait patiently looking at you until you tell her 'come on'.
At the halfway point we had a fuss and a play, she does a brilliant 'sit', 'paw' & 'down' as well as a 'double paw' which looks like a beg!
On the way back we got as far as the chicken farm and the heavens opened, we got soaked  Shiva didn't mind the rain at all and paid no attention to the thunder either.
Once back in the kennel, she got a good rubbing down with a towel to dry her off and a few snacks to reward her for being such a good girl
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EmmaSemple
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Shiva has developed a small skin rash near her belly.
It may be over grooming, but she makes it very difficult to let us see it because it is sore.
Shiva has been changed onto Arden Grange or James Wellbeloved as it is possible that she has a bit of a food allergy.
Because of sensitive skin we have decided that it is best that she is not walked on a harness, just a collar and lead.
Emma
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newie244
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ShivaOooops didn't see that last post before I took Shiva out today, so I had her on the harness, sorry Emma.
As always, Shiva was perfect today, she walks just in front of you, waits patiently if traffic approaches. We had a great fuss at the halfway point, again she rolled over into her water bowl
When we set off back she was jumping about with excitement but that stopped after a few paces, she really is a beautiful dog, how she hasn't been snapped up I don't know 
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ali12345
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Shiva has been getting out most weeks with Donna C who doesn't post much. I am glad about that because she tugs at my heart strings every time I see her. She is so sad to be sitting in her kennel when she could be getting out walking. You just want to give her a big hug and tell her she will find a home soon. But instead I have to walk on by. She isn't pushy , just looks sad and pleading.
Alison
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newie244
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ShivaWe took Shiva out today for a lovely walk, she was beautifully behaved as usual.
For a change we took her over to the nearby garden centre so she could meet different people on her way.
When my wife went in to get a sandwich, Shiva sat outside with me staring unflinchingly at the door until she came back.
She very well behaved around other people and cyclists today, she did get a little spooked when a loud motorcycle shot past us, but apart from that she was perfect.
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newie244
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ShivaI hadn't managed to get Shiva into the paddock for a while, so inbetween walks I took her in with the new frisby I'd bought her.
We had 15 minutes of Shiva tearing around the paddock chasing a green frisby, trying to chew it to pieces and then bringing back to me covered in dribble, lovely 
She didn't manage to bite any lumps out of it but it did look a little worse for wear at the end!
We stopped after 15mins as it was quite hot and she was starting to blow a bit, we had a little quiet 'downtime' where I watered and fussed her, before returning her to her kennel.
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Mycavyangels
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Walked Shiva yesterday she loved a fuss
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Sharonr - Admin
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Met up with an old friend today ... Shiva. Far too long in kennels already. She always reminds me of a girl I used to have and really miss. Same colouring you see. Anyway, we had a nice walk, just the two of us. I was thinking to take her a bit further than normal and really let her blow off some steam, but she got to a point on our journey and turned round ready to go back. So we walked comfortably back to kennels and stopped for a while outside for some cuddles, to re-acquaint ourselves and catch up on old news. She partook of a drink, a few nibbles ... well she finished the bag and who could blame her ... a little more chitchat and we had a friendly kiss and a cuddle. There is something about this girl that is quite majestic. Here she is ...
 
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ali12345
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Shiva is very good at getting you to take her out - she has such a hopeful look that is hard to resist - sad but hopeful. She was very excited to be going out and was quite bouncy at first and on leaving the cafe when she did a huge bounce and frightened herself by landing in a big puddle! She was impeccably behaved at the cafe and did some lovely 'give paw' to get some scraps of bacon. She still comes across as a dog from a home and not a kennel dog. Sniffed noses nicely with Karl. Can get excited but mostly quite calm. Could do with some lead training . I got a lovely lick back in her kennel.
She is a lovely girl.
Alison
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newie244
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ShivaI took Shiva out this afternoon, is it my imagination or has she put on a bit of weight? I haven't walked her for a while but she definately seemed a bit more stocky.
As always she was a bit bouncy with excitement about going out on her walkies, but once into her stride she was brilliant, she sits and waits on command and doesn't pull at all.
I always look forward to the halfway point with Shiva as I know I'll get as much attention from her as I give her, today was no different, I was washed, nuzzled and finally had her sitting on my lap  She has also taken to rolling on her back and thrashing around in the grass, which can be entertaining.
Another bit of quality time with a lovely girl, I've bought her some new frisbees so next week I'll try and get her into the paddock for some fun and games.
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xxlynne
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Shiva had her booster vax today. Specatular dog cant believe she has been overlooked.
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ali12345
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I wasn't sure if Shiva had been out with her regular walker this week so she came for a trip with me. I had to drive home to sort something unexpectedly. She sat beautifully in the back of the car - hopped straight in the boot. Enjoyed the ride with sights and smells. Had great fun in my garden with a Kong and a ball. She is very playful, affectionate and attentive. I sat and had a cup of tea while she enjoyed a new space. Took her back and again she was as good as gold. She ignored the screeching of next door's puppy and just looked at my 2 dogs through the conservatory doors. She is such a lovely girl and would be a joy to own.
Alison
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newie244
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ShivaDue to the above comments I made a point of taking Shiva out this afternoon. She was excellent in the kennel and allowed me to put the harness on easily, once outside she was quite bouncy in the compound but once outside the kennels she was very calm.
On the walk she really did look the part, trotting along with her head held high surveying everything. There were loads of cars up and down the road today (taking very sullen looking girls back to school) but Shiva was brilliant, she wasn't fazed at all, sat and waited on command.
A the halfway point she threw herself on the grass and spent a couple of minutes rolling about on her back, before drinking nearly 1 litre of water and then proceeding to dribble loads of it over me when she made a big fuss of me
She really is adorable, next time I go to the kennels, I'll make time to take her into the paddock for some frisbie fun, and maybe even a bit of a grooming.
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newie244
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ShivaSue & I took Shiva out as our last walk today, I got the harness on really quickly and we were off.
She was very keen to start with, a taut lead, but not too 'pully'. She sits and waits like a dream, so well behaved on the lead, she kept stopping a waiting for Sue who was begining to lag behind a bit, as if to say 'Come on '!
A big fuss at the halfway point, loads of cuddles and licks, then she managed to stand on the water bowl and flip it right over my lap soaking my trousers
On the way back she was great until we stopped to talk to Alison and Tiger Lily, at 1st they were fine, but there was a little bit of an episode between them, it was only later I found out the two girls have a bit of history and don't like eachother very much, so noted for future reference. Apart from that she was her usual beautiful self.
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newie244
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ShivaAnother lovely walk with Shiva today, as always so well behaved in the kennel, harness on with ease.
On the walk she was keen as usual, but not over eager, as always sits on command and will walk alongside you if you so desire.
At the halfway point she took on plenty of water then had a mad couple of minutes rolling about on her back like a puppy, she loves a fuss and will recipricate with licks and a facewash
A beautiful girl who is desperate for a new home, whoever takes her will not be disappointed.
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xxlynne
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Shiva becomes our Staffie of the month on Staffie Rescue (Honorary staffie!)
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newie244
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ShivaI took the new Honourary Staffie of the Month out at lunchtime on Friday as she'd only been out once this week.
As always she was perfect in the kennel and on the walk, she is obviously house trained as she always manages to do 1's and 2's on the walk which is a good sign.
She had another mad 5 minutes at the halfway point rolling about like a lunatic, and making a fuss of me.
On the way back just before the end, two scooters flew past us, Shiva obviously doesn't like motorbikes as she had a lurch at one, as she did once before with me. I calmed her down and she was fine but something to be aware of if near traffic.
She is a lovely dog, and hopefully with the promotion next month, someone will give her a chance to shine through.
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ali12345
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I forgot Shiva was out yesterday so took her again today. such a lovely girl - my daughter loves her and asked if we didn't have another dog already, would we take Shiva home. Anyone who wants only one dog should consider this kind, gentle girl who is almost a ready made pet - she is housetrained, quite well trained, calm, loving but also up for a good game with the ball
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xxlynne
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xxlynne
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Shiva's been on my mind all day...oh I wish your home comes sooon
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xxlynne
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Shiva..was taken from her dark kennel yesterday..she is so lovely I had to shower her with kisses whilst I put her harness on. She crunched up into a small crate and was a sweet, and calm as ever. She has lost weight so we will build her up. Really felt I was rescuing her and bringing her into the light..bless her Shiva and I go very deep!
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ali12345
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My daughter persuaded me to take Shiva out today and I am so glad we did. She was just so happy We had such a good walk - I had her on my waist harness long lead set up and she went up and down the ditches and bounced around saying come on let's play. Tail wagging and generally so happy. This girl is a joy to be with and needs to be back in a loving home.
Alison
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xxlynne
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Shiva loves to sit by her kennel door and is like a person ready to say hello and offer herself for head strokes. Wont be for much longer Shiva..your home will come soon.
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xxlynne
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Walked into the kennels to choose the last walk had 2 other dogs in mind but caught Shiva's eye and "It had to be you" Pictures came out blurred but these were OK
Oh I wish the kennels were nearer..
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Heather
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Tom and I walked lovely Shiva today. Once we'd got the harness on she burst out of her kennel and was eager to get going, then in a few seconds had totally destroyed a small tree branch lying on the ground! We were desperate to let her run off the lead but it's not possible in that huge field.
Lots of saved-up energy was gradually used on the walk and on our way back she was calmer, rarely pulling. She didn't like a bunch of sheep hanging around together in the field and soon saw them off. She was interested in sniffing loads of leaves, sticks, trees - everything.
Back in her kennel she had lots of water, then rushed into her basket and settled down, lifting her paws to help us take the harness off. I crouched down to give her a cuddle and stroke her face and she put one paw on my arm and her other on Tom's, looking at me with such a sweet expression that we couldn't leave her for another few minutes. I've never seen a dog so obviously say 'thank you for taking me out', she's beautiful.
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reclaimingrebus
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Bless her, she thoroughly enjoyed her walk today, finding sticks, paddling in the ditch and generally being interested and interactive.
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ali12345
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It takes so much self control not to take Shiva out every time you go past her kennel She is so appealing when she looks at you. This girl is such a treasure - used to home life and with the right family would slot in so nicely. Can't believe her home hasn't come along yet.
Alison
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Heather
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Shiva is becoming one of our favourites. Tom and I discovered a new incredible skill of hers today - she's amazing at catching! Remembering how she took her energy out on a small tree branch last time, he kicked a stick for her and she was straight in and caught it.
This happened again and again, with Shiva turning round to ask why the next one hadn't already been chucked. She did shred one but was calmer than last time, and we took her on a longer walk up into the vilage. We wish we could have let her off the lead - she was desperate to chase a stick and I'm sure would have come straight back. She was great at waiting at stiles and sat patiently while we clambered over.
Going round the sheep field, Shiva wasn't bothered about them but did badly want go in the ditch - it was too slippery for me to object and actually was less muddy in there so I followed her! This turned into another stick searching quest. We witnessed her amazing strength when she got hold of and tugged a rather long 'stick'... which was actually a protruding tree root still attached to the tree. She managed to pull out a couple of metres' worth from the ground.
Back in her kennel, once again Shiva rushed for the basket and sat down for us to take the harness off. Again gazed at us both in turn and gave me her paw. I went to put it back down and she wouldn't let me - gave it to me again. When Tom went to leave her kennel she gave it to him. So absolutely lovely. I had to give her more cuddles before I could leave. She would be so wonderfully happy with her own family to throw sticks for her every day. 
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xxlynne
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Shiva had a run in the paddock, game of footie and short walk today. She is very slender and I believe has dropped muscle bulk particularly noticable on her back legs. I couldn't get her to smile today..but then perhaps she is losing hope.
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Zack 'n' Me
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I have no idea why this girl has not been snapped up by someone.
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xxlynne
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Shiva joined me today on the front seat...keenly looking on the traffic in her intelligent all knowing way. She lent against me and then began to snore about 5 mins before we arrived. We have moved her to Farnham Kennels so she can enjoy near daily walks..and a higher profile on the Forum as her admirers begin to swoon!
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ali12345
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She will love the extra walks and company - just the right medicine I think until she finds that new home
Alison
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Janet
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Looking forward to meeting her tomorrow
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Janet
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Well Shiva greeted me with a waggy tail and a happy face this morning. We went for a long walk in the woods and it she was like a child in a toy shop. I used a long lead and let her run for as long as I could keep up with her, which wasn't very long! She was interested in birds, very interested in squirrels and wanted to run through the biggest, muddiest puddles.
For the first half an hour I let her investigate her new surroundings and after that kept calling her back for treats and cuddles and she came to me straight away every time - I found her very responsive and really good company.
Looking forward to doing some stick throwing tomorrow - I bet I run out of energy before Shiva does! Sorry no photos, but I lost my camera in the woods today 
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Janet
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Managed another long walk with Shiva today before it started chucking it down. Definitely an easier walk today so I think she's setting down in her new surroundings.
We met a few dogs today and Shiva was really good with all of them. A couple of off lead springer spaniels mobbed her and one of them even tried to nip her bum to get her to play - she was very calm about it and I got the feeling she wanted to join in with them.
Thanks to Tom and Heather for the info about sticks - she's fantastic to watch when you throw a stick in the air - she jumps and twists to catch it. Needless to say I threw so many I lost count.
Shiva has such an appealing face and such soft loose fur around it that I find myself stroking and stroking.................
Karen and I were saying that she's nowhere near as big as she looks in the photos - she comes up to my knee. Photos to follow.
I love this girl already 
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xxlynne
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Shiva had a wonderful puppihood lots of socialisation, grew up with a baby and cat. She had fantastic recall; trained to the ball or stick or whistle. She was off lead all the time with her first owner. Unfortunately her subsequent home lost faith in her probably over an incident or the like. All dogs have incidents in their lives but most people recognise it just for what it is. When you have a bull breed and you have public anti reactions you are on to a loser to nothing, without inner faith in your dog.
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