SNDogs' deaf collie Harper is in need of a home

Now SNDogs wants to find a home for its one-year-old male collie called Harper.

“He originally came from a farm, where the farmer was going to shoot him because he wasn’t any use for working because he’s deaf,” said Jess Bascombe, founder and trustee of the charity, who is currently fostering Harper.

As the hound is from working stock he is very active.

“Harper originally went to a home but they didn’t really understand what they had taken on. He’s a working dog, so he is very active and keen to work,” added Jess.

“He’s a very lively dog and needs as much mental stimulation as physical stimulation.

“Harper would be great for agility or flyball or something like this because he is just so on the go all the time,” said Jess.

She recommended the pooch to an owner who is also active and would perhaps enjoy taking him running.

The charity also suggests Harper is rehomed in a household where there aren’t young children or other small animals. But he could go well with another dog if slowly introduced.

“His previous owners said they thought his hearing was improving,” said Jess.

“If you walk into a room and he’s asleep he won’t notice you. But if he’s in the garden and you call his name, he will swing his head around and look at you. So he can obviously hear something,” she added.

The pooch is well trained and can sit and fetch a ball.

Harper does need more training to walk on a lead, but it is thought once he has had a sustained period of exercise this will settle down.

“He won’t be so wound up and will have settled into a routine,” said Jess.

“Harper is just the most fun dog and gives great cuddles,” she added.

If you want to give Harper a home, visit sndogs.uk/adopt-a-dog and fill out the application form.

SNDogs runs a foster organisation based in Pinehurst, where homeless and rescued dogs are looked after in a network of volunteer homes.

It asks for a £200 donation for each dog adopted, to help it cover the cost of previous care.