Blaze - Staffie Labrador Cross, Dog (2 Years)

Blaze is an exuberant young chap who's tail never stops wagging! He is very friendly and loves everybody, especially if you are holding a nice toy for him to chase!

Blaze can get a bit excitable so he will need an owner with a calming influence, who can continue his training.

Blaze is one of my new loves at the kennels. His joie de vivre is infectious and you just find yourself playing the ball or tug of war with him feeling absolutely certain there is nothing more enjoyable to do in the whole wide world. He gets quite excited when playing and likes to give big bear hugs but at no point does he get overwhelming. He is quite a big dog and I am only 5'2" but I never felt like I could not handle him as he calmed down when I became firm with him. He is basically just a big, sweet, warm-hearted teddy bear.

Nina your description of Blaze sums him up wonderfully : ) x

He is sooo handsome I can see why you all him, great write up Nina, would love to meet him next time I can come & walk

This is Blaze playing the other day, thought the picture really sums him up. Look at the face, it just shines. x

Great picture will hope to meet Blaze on Thursday

This is a wow photo Nina : ) x

Thanks, I think it captures his spirit really well xx

......so well named, Blaze tangles you up while trying so hard to please you, yet wanting to get out there now.....he is fun, strong, handsome and an real addition to the home as he hoovers so well!!!

When I first started at Forest Dog, I walked Blaze and I have to say, he almost killed me! I was like 'My God! What was that?!' He was so excitable and energetic he just drained me! He was like a mini hurricane!

Over time, I've grown to love walking Blaze, even though he is a bit excitable at first. He is always first in line to give you a kiss (face slobber!) and first in line for treats!

Blaze is so easily overlooked and it is so sad, because he is a loving chap and is definitely deserving of a new home. He has been so patient and it would be lovely to see him go. He would make someone a loving and friendly companion, and anyone whop had Blaze would never feel unloved again!

What can you say about Blaze. The boy is such a bundle of life, joy and happiness.

I took him out for a walk on Wednesday morning, first time in a few weeks. He is walking so much better these days. When he first arrived he was jumping around you in circles...left, right, behind. But now he walks really well. Dont worry though he hasnt lost that fun side, when we sat on the bench for some fuss I was showered (literally) with his affections...a real star..hopefully someone will give this lad a home soon!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.133754440046203.35764.100002349431880&l=eea7034a56&type=1

Blaze has a way of making u feel special..that he only loves u and he proves this by giving u slobbery kisses,huggles and more kisses.. any sad day would be brightened by blaze and his glorious presents... i really believe that if he was given the chance of a home he would shine and become your best friend and great companion. Everyone that meets blaze im sure will give you the same feed back.. that they dont understand why he's been over looked, couple of visits to see blaze and im sure your love him and see the potential the same way i do! x

Hi elka you are so right in what you & the others say about Blaze I cannot believe I only walked him yesterday for the first time & then I got 2 goes lucky me.



He needs firm directions from the start & then you are on to a WINNER, he is lovable, fun, wanting to please you but just needing that show of direction to get it right & then remember, one bright boy is Blaze & so different when out of his kennel, no pulling & really good manners with his games in the play pen, you can see he is just ready to become a great family dog or someones loyal companion.



A little full on at treat time but again just lack of direction two sharpish no's & as gentle as a lamb although perhaps heavier than one cos he does like to think he's a lap dog.



I really enjoyed my time with this truly handsome boy & hope that soon he has someone to call his own they will be very lucky people.

So pleased there are more people starting to take blaze out,he really is a star and like jesses mum has said he just needs direction...remembering him from when he first came in he was a bit of a mad hatter..he was very pully,had harness and choker on but now ..well its WOW.. hes growing into a mature,stunning fella- still daft and slobbery which i wouldnt change- listens to commands a lot better and loves to cuddle- wot a dog!!

It was a wonderful Dog Show today at FDR BUT the star was Blaze....twice in the pen with Tim & walk round the field to burn off a little energy then Blaze was ready to meet his public & boy did he make the most of his day out of his kennel......First a walk round the field with Tim Me & Jess my dog love at first sight(after she did say she was not for jumping on).....then a sit and chat with all who said "Is that really Blaze"....Off to the SHOW RING & a second prize for THE HAPPIEST RESCUE.....Tim really looked as if he enjoyed it as much as Blaze (he certainly won't need a wash tonight)...another bout of socialising with his girlfriend & many others then back in the ring with Jess for a miss matched pair (Jess obedient & Blaze just Blaze).....how wrong were we I walked them both round the ring Perfect...they sat side by side while the judging went on...Perfect...not a prize this time, but much better for Blaze than another rossette..the realisation of what a FANTASTIC boy he will be in a home with a little guidence & a nice steadying influence like Jess.....a few more patient monents while we all stood and chatted, introduction to a little pug dog who he greeted so gently...then off back to his kennel for lunch which by this time was really tea.....At the end of his day a good cuddle with Helena & me before we left him with a treat in his bed.....



These sort of days are so wonderful to show what lovely family dogs the rescues are with time ,patience & continuety, if anyone is looking for a loving boy come & see Blaze, he may be bouncy when you first meet him (remember he has been in his kennel for hours) but today just showed that doing the things we take for granted with our own dogs are achievable with even the bounciest boy...A TRUE STAR:heart:

Fame spoils some but not our Blaze,he was today still the same happy, smiling, lovable boy who has touched mine & others heart's...We battled through the rain today did it bother Blaze no...still the same polite manners for his lead, a wait at the doors & then just a slight slip when the lure of the PEN (or mud slide) was in view...a little correction & he walked beautifully to the gate, a lovely sit for his lead off & then the fun part...loads of ball throwing a quick return each time,ball dropped at my feet & off again...when my arm ached & others needed a turn we had a good stroll round the paddocks & the rain stopped so a good sit & watch the world go by before a little snooze in his bed then away to go again this afternoon.....I love this dog & just do not understand why no one has been to see him.

If you had ventured into the forest today you would indeed have been in for a surprise...

Blaze resident of FDR for upwards of 10 months of his short life was Out

What a boy...sat in the car by Jess...no problem

Walked MILES in the forest, jumping streams, paddling & playing in the mud, having a roll in some thing probably not too savoury, & generally having a good sniff around all the smells & looking at the sights.

We met pushchairs, dogs, children & people, no problem Blaze was far too intrested in Jess, Helena & myself constantly returning to us for I think reasurance & probably to check he was not dreaming!!!!



We found one or two things which were obviously new to Blaze ,a large water bowser & the enourmous carved Gorilla at Go Ape, he stood & was not too sure but with his NBF Jess was soon sniffing & jumping up to have a look.



At the end of probably the longest walk he has ever had( still going strong) we went for tea & cake to the Cafe as we sat at the table Blaze was a little jumpy & pushy for a share however with Jess on best behaviour he soon found that Good things come to those who wait!!..he shared his food with Jess no problem even eating off the same plate, however he needs a little practise in tea drinking it all got a bit messy (see photos).



We hope Blaze enjoyed his day I know he was delighted to see all his friends when we returned he was also pretty pleased to see his dinner which had now become Tea!!!! when I went to say goodbye he was tucked up in his bed having a rest.



Just hope that this might show someone looking for a really nice all round good dog that with Love, Time & guidence Blaze is pretty close to being that boy...Looking forward to next week unless he has been snapped up.



My IT skills are none existant so I hope Helena will put her lovely photos on this reply if not they are on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150303815684915.347830.503904914&l=36306de912&type=1

I can't believe it is so long since I have written about my very favourite boy..so much has happened since our first adventure in the forest... Blaze now waits & then jumps into the boot of the car with no problem (unfortunately it was Jesse's side so she gave him a bit of a talking too & he climbed carefully into his own side lol)..he hasn't made that mistake again!.. he sits quietly looking out when you drive, no squeaking or jumping about...he waits at the forest for you to put his lead on before he jumps out & now waits patiently for you to get your ticket.

He met two very nice ladies who gave hin lots of fuss & said how lovely he was...he only left a small pawprint on her cream trousers honest... He walks really well on his harness he comes back to walk with you when you say "This Way " responds better to this than heel at the moment..he has become so much more aware of his surroundings & started really using his nose smelling out all the things our dogs take for granted...He sat very nicely with our two dogs while the kind lady in the cafe cooked them some sausages..while they were cooling was hard but he managed..the only let down was Jess who took exception to a small dog showing her teeth..she got a withering look from Blaze as if too say "What was all that about".

He has been Off lead in the paddock at the kennels..it was exciting after 10 m0nths but after two good laps where yo do have to shout steady as he hurtles himself towards you at a hundred miles an hour he settles & walks well with you (he did have a lapse yesterday & have to go & say hello to Mary & Alison ) but I stood my ground & shouted "This way "& ran away & he soon returned...He has walked Off lead with Jess I don't know who was more frightened Me or Jess!! he chased after her & she & I both got in a good "Manners " command, her's a little more forcefull than mine obviously as we then all walked away & they chased around really nicely.

Unfortunately this week we have not been able to be out & about, but Blaze has tried really hard to please at the kennels & now Walks very well towards the play pen & is nothing like as jumpy when playing ball...all in all a really good boy. he had fun with Helena's bubbles she bought in yesterday & was so comical when they all disapeared.

Blaze has come so far from the hyperactive clown he was..everyone is working to help him become a sensible companion but still full of fun, he really does make a grey day so much better, I just wish his special person would give him the chance he deserves.

There it is then my boy has done it & bagged himself the very best of homes, he's away next week & I have to say I have shed a few tears (loads actually)of happiness that someone else has seen what a star this boy is & how he is going to blossom in his forever home...i tried to think why I love him so..it's hard to put into words but he is always upbeat...long days & nights behind bars have not taken his spirit, his love of life or his love of us, his friends & carer's...

This week we were unable to go out to the forest again, this lad loves his ride in the car,walks in the forest & sausages in the cafe...for two weeks he has taken me (& Helena) to the gate only to have to say "not this time Blazy" does he hold it against you no..smiles gives you a slobber & then off to go again, so at lunch time we had a bit of fun in the fields off lead just ambling about, practicing recall ( good except when helping Wendy with the bonfire!!) & generally hoovering up all the treats others had left..then a good sit in the sun & a brush & Massage for Blaze a load of kisses from the largest lap dog for me...

So good luck lovely lad I hope your new Mum & Dad will keep us updated on your adventures, & may your life be long & happy x

I don't think anyone will be surprised when I borrow Sir Brucie's words & say "You are my Favorite" to Blaze thanks to kennel cough we did have an extra week so yesterday was spent spoiling my boy rotten...a long walk & play in the pen in the morning....Lunchtime enjoying the freedom of a good run about with Helena & I, Blze his usual self mad for the first few moments of delight at being able to run & run, thencoming & trotting along with us round both fields whizzing through the gate, we hid by the hedge & in a few seconds he was back tail going big grin as if to say "Whew where were you, thought you'd left me." A good game of ball & then lunch, what more could a boy want.

Then just time for another jaunt out in the sunshine before it really was time to say goodbye ( Cannot believe after all this time neither Helena or I will be able to wave this wonderful boy off ) We had a quiet sit on the bench & this lovable buffoon was so calm he climbed onto my lap & just leaned in for a cuddle & slobbery kisses.

Blazes new Mum & Dad you have a truly fantastic boy..thank you for seeing that with love, training & patience you are going to have a great fun companion, may you all enjoy each others company for many years to come.

Well the boy was a little overwhelming for his prospective Mum's dog...such a shame, so we are now working on gentle! play & good manners when greeting others ...yesterday we were allowed into the forest & as this was the first time for ages everyone (Jess,Blaze,Wolfie & Bonsai were naturally rearing to go...Blaze now knows which side of the boot he sits in,helped by Jess who tells him off as he would like to sit in with her...he travels beautifully not a sound & waits while you open the boot before coming out ..all this has been learnt in such a short space of time I feel Blaze would be so easy to train into a wonderful companion.
He met Wolfie really nicely & off to go, I think Helena is training us for her next Marathon as we trekked up & down by the stream in the forest ..I would say Blaze is not going to be a great swimmer but he has copied Jess & learn't to shake when he gets a paw wet...hilarious...
Next week hopefully we will be able to let Jess & Blaze have a run together..Jess is a wimp & does tell him off when he get's in her face he seems to take it really well & looks quite hurt...anyway that's our next mission...unless some lucky person realises like us the terrific potential in this loving handsome boy...if not will update our progress soon.

had a fab day yesterday walking miles and miles round the forest and to delves brook with sarah our pooches and blaze..he behaved very well- got a little bit excited at the beginning meeting new friends but with sarah's commands he soon listened and followed suit..this is all positive stuff for blaze showing he can mix with other dogs that are not high energy and hopefully have more confidence to become a balanced socialable dog which i believe he is...just needs a few tweeks especially on his hello's...he has a lot of energy stored up in kennels and so his meet and greet can be a little over whelming but our dogs took it in their stride a few strong commands and blaze was in line..and off we went to walk miles (sorry sarah)..we saw horses in a field stopped for a quick look- he wasn't too bothered by them which was great and just scurried on his way. He just preffered to investigate in the undergrowth with his nose and every now and then check we were all still together! cant wait for our next adventure! x