Hi from The Isle of Wight

I have a wonderful rescue brown brindle Staffy called Harley who is about 4 yrs old and has been with me for 18 months. Long story how this came about but if I hadnt said i d be responsible for him the Police would have put him down. Ive only ever had one dog before which was an old rescue Bijon which was calm and dopey. And I was terrified of Staffys so I do lack experience and knowledge.

Things i do know about Harleys past is he is from Staffordshire. He was bought by his last owner from a house where he was kept outside in a kennel on rocky ground. He loves rocks!

His next owner was a drunk who has been seen kicking and beating him. He also left Harley outside some toilets in summer with a drunk woman he didnt know ... this is when i came in.... who was drunk and was bashing his head between her hands a witness said and he bit her on the nose and police were called. The police knew Harley and said they were very surprised at his reaction it being out of character but upon investigation found out about him being hit by her. My police officer friend said i could keep him if he is muzzled in public otherwise he would be put to sleep.
I guess i should write more about his problems in another area as this is just the intro.
Harley has proved to be the best dog in the world! Lol. I never thought i would say i have a Staffy as a best friend lol.. or i would ever have a Staffy sleeping on my bed. He is a great dog. Im so surprised! He loves the children, loves people, everyone he meets he is like a big soppy love machine! Lol
Other dogs dont seem to like him. He doesnt seem to like them if they bark or go for him. I just keep him away from them all. And i dont muzzle him anymore because he hates it and ive had no problems with him at all with people. He wrestles with the kids and everything. My vet said its the owners that are the problem not Harley. So here he is and is staying put. Im a Staffy convert.
Best wishes, Mandy and Harley

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Hello and welcome.
Good on you for taking on a rescue !
Tragic story but it has served him well as he’s got you now.

Hello & welcome.

What a beautiful story!

Thanks for the warm welcome. I dont tell people about the lady biting story as It might scare them. I told my children but they weren't put off. They are 16,18,19. We've had no problems with him at all... he is so gentle and cant believe how in tune with our emotions he is. He's a real blessing 1

I’d say that you try to bash my head between your hands and I’ll certainly try to bite you too !
So happy that you’ve found each other

Welcome from Misty and I. So lovely to hear a happy ending to his sad story. I mean who can blame a dog for trying to defend themselves. I certainly wouldn't blame any dog who bit someone that was hurting them.

Can't wait to hear more about Harley.

Hi from me & Katy, well done on rescuing him, he's landed on his paws finding a home with you

Aw thank you all for your kind messages. Im so glad Ive joined this forum. I feel much more positive already about being Harleys owner. Im hoping with help from here I can be the best 'dog parent' i can be for him in the future. Thanks again.

Well good on you for wanting to be owned by a Staffy, they really are softer than you think aren’t they

Hi & Welcome from Flo and me, looking forward to hearing much more about Harley

Yes they are so soft and intelligent. I cant believe it. He is like a human. In fact with his ability to sense your emotions and those of other people even before we do... he's like super human! Lol

Hi Mandyharley

Harley is a lovely looking lad.

I have a wee rescue Staffy called Lucy and she is my furry best friend too. Well done on taking him in and giving him a loving home.

Hello and welcome from Hank and I

Well done on rescuing this sweet boy! you are so right about them being in tune with our emotions any time either myself or my partner are upset (even when I'm crying at the tv which is regular ) hank runs over to use and hugs and kisses us and it instantly cheers us up. they are amazing!

To uncannyscot and Paris1990. Thank you. Lol re the tv crying. Yes they are amazing dogs. I recommend them to people whenever I can

Hi Mandy, So glad you and Harley have found each other :-)  We have a 'rescue' girl, Teigan and Bear who is now 13, we've had since he was a puppy.  Fabulous dogs.  Real family members.  Good to meet you

Yes Morag they are great family dogs arent they. Thanks for the warm welcome