Case study: Staffie terrier lover has vision

MICHAEL Rose, 51, a joiner from North Cookston, near Ellon in Aberdeenshire, made a 500 mile round trip to the SSPCA's Caithness Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre to offer a new home to Cody, a two-and-half year-old Staffordshire bull terrier.

And he believes he has no reason to regret his decision.

"We had been left without a dog after our last pet was run over," said Mr Rose. "And like everyone else we didn't want a Staffie.

"I thought they were in the same league as pit bull terriers and the rest.

"But once I had driven all the way up to Caithness, my heart sort of sank when I saw this wee dog looking at me.

"I thought, 'I'll be in trouble when I get home with him' but I decided to take him home anyway.

"And he has been a terrific pet. Since we've had Cody, everywhere we've been and I have seen people with Staffies, I have stopped and asked them about their dogs and everyone has said it's the perfect family pet. And they're right.

"Cody is no problem at all. Cody is most concerned about knowing where we all are and settling down on the sofa with us. He just adores being with you.

"After 30 years of owning collies and labs and thinking they are the only dogs we would have, my gamble with Cody has been a revelation.

"I would say to anyone thinking of rehoming a Staffie - give it a go. They are lovely dogs."