Helios

Helios (dob 01.01.22) is proportionately perfect but everything is twice as big as it should be and he now weighs a healthy 26kg. Helios was first spotted by ASAP volunteers in September 2023. He was very thin and hungry but too scared to come for food. After several weeks of leaving food for him to eat, Helios plucked up the courage to follow the volunteers back to their home. He chose to stay outside of the garden for a while but then started to follow the other dogs into the garden after a walk. Helios slowly started to put on weight and he enjoyed the company of the other dogs but would not go into the house and remained timid. It was decided that Helios should go to another foster home where there were already several confident foster dogs and family pets. It was hoped that Helios would slowly observe and learn that he was with humans that weren’t going to hurt him. There has been steady progress and Helios now confidently lives in the house where he is clean at night. He will now receive strokes from Annick, his main carer, although he remains rather nervous. He is also becoming more confident with strangers and as long as they ignore him, he will often creep up and touch their hand with his nose. As you will see from the photos and videos, Helios is brilliant with cats and other dogs. Despite his size, Helios is very loving, gentle and patient with puppies. Helios is okay with kids, if these are not too stormy, otherwise he might be afraid. He loves to play and is a perfect ‘uncle’ to all of the puppies. Helios' blood has been tested and he is completely healthy and tested negative for all 5 Mediterranean diseases. He has been castrated, he has his passport, is chipped and up to date with vaccinations. Considering the abuse and neglect that Helios has suffered in the past, he is the most wonderfully, happy and playful dog who seems to be re-living his puppyhood now that he is safe. Whilst he is still quite timid with people, we believe that he is now ready to move on to his Forever Home - ideally, an experienced owner who knows how much patience and understanding will be needed for Helios to adjust to his new family and environment. Another dog or dogs would be a huge benefit to help him settle, and use up some of his energy.