Age: 3-4
Breed: American Bulldog
Vaccinations: Up to date
Suitable environment: Children from 13 up, Dog Friendly, Cat Friendly, Small Furry Friendly
Personality
John is one of our longest-staying residents, and frankly, we don’t understand why. He’s deeply loved by the team and dogs alike, with a cheeky, playful personality that makes everyone smile.
John originally came to us from a council pound after being adopted and returned—and was heartbreakingly placed on the euthanasia list. From the moment he arrived, he’s been nothing short of fabulous. He’s full of character, adores his toys (especially squeaky ones!), and often falls asleep with one in his mouth like a dummy. It’s hard not to fall for him.
But John’s story took another devastating turn. After a long wait, in October 2024, we thought he’d finally found his forever home. He passed every part of our adoption process and left us with wagging tails and full hearts. At first, everything seemed perfect—we received updates and videos of him playing on the beach, being called “the best dog I’ve ever had.” Then, without warning, he disappeared.
We were horrified to learn—after a night of no answers and endless calls—that John had been handed into a vet as a stray, with bleeding paws. He’d allegedly been given away online to an unknown person. It was only through persistence and luck that we were able to trace him, confirm he was alive, and drive 2.5 hours to collect him from a council pound. He greeted us with kisses, climbed into the car with a stuffed carrot from the pound, and looked so pleased to be going home. It broke our hearts.
John is so much more than the bad luck he’s endured. He’s loving, goofy, affectionate, and playful. He deserves better. He deserves everything.
Health & Behaviour
John has a slightly wobbly walk that we’ve fully investigated with a CT scan and blood tests. All results came back clear—it’s just part of his unique charm and doesn’t cause him any issues.
He’s great with other dogs and has lived alongside cats and small furries, though, as always, any introductions should be done slowly and sensibly. He can be left alone for reasonable periods and enjoys his walks. He’s fantastic off lead, sticks close by, and is generally well-mannered, though he can get overexcited when the lead first comes out and may need reminding not to mouth it.
John has been neutered and is fully vaccinated.
In his first foster home, he once growled when he felt cornered and intimidated by a man. Nothing came of it, but due to this and his sensitivity, we think he’d be happiest in a calm, understanding home.
Perfect Match?
John is looking for an adult-only home, or one with older teens, where he can be part of a relatively active household—though he doesn’t need hours of exercise.
He needs someone who sees past the bad luck and recognises the dog he really is: funny, affectionate, resilient, and full of love. Someone who won’t give up on him. Ever.
If you can offer a forever home to a dog who’s never truly had one, John will reward you with loyalty, laughter, and a love like no other.
You can fill in the online application form below or, alternatively, if you would prefer to download the form, fill it in and email back to us please download the Word Doc version, and email to: celandinewood@gmail.com
Donate via PayPal
We are setting up our donation link. In the mean time please use our email: celandinewood@gmail.com via your PayPal account to donate to our rescue.
Thank you
