Namibia

Dog name: Namibia       Nicknames: Nami

History: Namibia was rescued by The Animals Home from Albacete together with her eight newborn puppies. She had reportedly been living abandoned for over a year and would not allow anyone to catch her. Once safe at the shelter, she proved to be an exemplary mother to her puppies. More recently she began losing weight despite being reported as otherwise healthy, and it was felt that she was struggling with shelter life. She is now in foster in the UK, where she can begin to decompress and discover what it means to feel safe in a home.

UK arrival date: 26/09/2026

Breed: Whippet mix

Colour: Brindle and white

DOB: 14/12/2017

Height: 56cm

Weight: 14kg

Neutered: Yes

Mediterranean disease: Leishmaniasis positive, treated; otherwise clear

Health condition: Improving. Namibia has a good appetite and loves her food, although she is a slow eater – and apparently rather likes carrots! Her foster carer has noticed that she can seem a little stiff in her back legs after she has been lying down for a while, so this will need to be kept under review.

Character: Namibia – or Nami as she is affectionately known in foster – is a very gentle and sensitive girl who is still learning that she is safe. Having spent so long surviving without a home, she understandably arrived in foster extremely nervous and remains cautious around people. However, there are already encouraging little signs that she wants to connect. She is inquisitive and likes looking around the house, can relax with her foster carer in the room, and although she is not yet confident enough to approach simply for affection, she will accept gentle strokes while settled in her bed. Her foster carer can see her gradually beginning to come around. 

Likes: Food and treats, carrots, sleeping somewhere she feels safe, the company of other dogs and quietly exploring her new surroundings. She is beginning to reveal a playful side too: she has tried to initiate play with the other dogs in the garden and, once the household is quiet at bedtime, has started playing with toys.

Dislikes: Namibia is still frightened by unfamiliar people and can become unsettled when there is a lot of movement around her. She is particularly worried about having her collar or harness put on and may either move away or freeze. She was initially frightened by the hoover too, although she is already learning to tolerate it from a distance. Everything needs to be introduced gently and without pressure while her confidence develops. 

Special talents: Quietly showing us just how brave she is! After everything Namibia has experienced, she is gradually starting to explore home life and trust the people around her. She walks nicely on a long line in the quiet field near her foster home and is showing that there is an inquisitive and playful girl underneath her initial nervousness.

Specific needs: Namibia needs a calm, patient and empathetic home who can give her time to process new experiences. She currently struggles with being left on her own, so a family who can manage absences collectively to help her feel more secure is essential

Cat workable: Yes. Namibia is currently living with a cat and has been fine with them. She has occasionally given a playful growl, which the resident cat isn’t particularly impressed by, so introductions and interactions should still be managed appropriately. 

How long they can be left for: Not at all at the moment

Current area: Blackpool, UK