The RSPCA is urgently seeking a permanent foster home for Mia, an eight-year-old Collie-cross who has been in kennels for more than 18 months.
Mia, originally rescued from Cyprus, suffered a leg injury after being hit by a car. The injury, left untreated in Cyprus, has deteriorated, and Mia now struggles with mobility.
Since arriving in the UK, Mia has been in the care of the RSPCA’s Mount Noddy Animal Centre in Chichester. Despite her long wait for a home, Mia has been overlooked multiple times, with several adoptions falling through at the last moment. The centre’s staff are eager to find her a foster family who can offer her the comfort and care she needs in a home environment.
Mia’s Journey from Cyprus to the UK
Mia’s story began in Cyprus, where she was likely hit by a car. The resulting leg injury went untreated, and she now experiences ongoing issues with mobility. The RSPCA took Mia in March 2023 after she was transferred from another rescue centre. Since then, staff at Mount Noddy have been managing her condition, but the need for a loving home where she can receive consistent care has become urgent.
Susan Botherway, Manager at Mount Noddy, explained Mia’s situation: “When Mia was in Cyprus, we understand she broke her leg – probably being hit by a car – and it was never treated. The injury has never healed properly, meaning she struggles with it sometimes. Unfortunately, her leg is deteriorating, so we’re searching for a permanent foster home where she can live comfortably, while we continue to cover the costs of her pain relief to manage her leg.”
Finding the Right Home for Mia
Mia is looking for a home where she can be the only pet and receive plenty of attention from her new family. Due to her medical needs, the RSPCA is hoping to find a local foster home to ensure they can continue to provide her with the necessary support.
“Mia is a really friendly girl who absolutely loves fuss,” said Susan. “She’s been reserved multiple times, but sadly, has always been let down at the last moment, and we’re so desperate to get her into a home. She does sometimes bark at new people, but she wants to be your best friend and will curl up for cuddles with you as soon as she knows you and trusts you.”
Though Mia is gentle and calm, she would be best suited to a home in a quiet area. While she gets along with other dogs, she occasionally barks at them. Despite these quirks, Susan insists Mia’s loving nature makes her a wonderful companion.
Mia’s Care and Activity Needs
Due to the severity of Mia’s leg injury, surgery is not an option, so her care focuses on managing her condition. Mia enjoys short, slow walks but struggles with longer outings. Instead, staff at Mount Noddy have been keeping her engaged through scentwork games, which stimulate her mentally without placing too much strain on her leg.
Susan explained: “We have to limit the amount of exercise Mia can enjoy, so instead of long walks, we play fun scentwork games with her to keep her busy. She’s a clever girl and really enjoys sniffing out her toys and playing different sniffing games for her favourite treats.”
Mia would benefit from a foster home with a garden where she can roam and sniff at her own pace. A quiet, understanding environment with owners who can accommodate her mobility issues would provide her with the stability and comfort she deserves after such a long wait for a permanent home.
Contact RSPCA Mount Noddy for More Information
For anyone interested in offering Mia a foster home, more information can be found on the RSPCA website. Alternatively, the team at Mount Noddy Animal Centre can be contacted directly via email at info@rspcasussexwest.org.uk or by phone on 01243 773359.
The RSPCA will continue to support Mia’s medical needs in her foster home, ensuring she receives the ongoing care required for her leg. The team is hopeful that a suitable foster home can soon be found for Mia, allowing her to leave the kennels and enjoy the comfort and companionship she has been patiently waiting for.
