Meet Polo, the clever five-year-old crossbreed who’s mastering sign language and winning hearts!
Polo was rescued by the RSPCA after being found chained in a yard on an industrial estate in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Now, after a tough start in life, she’s learning new skills and is hoping they’ll help her find the loving home she deserves.
Polo was taken in by the RSPCA in April 2023 when concerned members of the public raised the alarm about her welfare. RSPCA Inspector Joanne Taylor recalls the day she found Polo: “She was suffering from a prolapse that needed immediate attention, and to our surprise, a vet check revealed she was pregnant! Polo gave birth to one puppy, Daisy, while in our care.”
Both Polo and her pup Daisy were moved to the RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch, where Polo has been shining ever since. Daisy has already found her forever home, but Polo is still waiting for her moment in the spotlight.
Lily Dickinson, the Fostering and Adoption Co-ordinator at the Southport branch, believes Polo’s deafness might be causing potential adopters to hesitate. But, as Lily points out, Polo is nothing short of a superstar: “We’ve been teaching Polo sign language, and she’s picking it up so quickly! She knows signs for sit, lie down, drop, and even recall with hand gestures. Polo absolutely loves training and enjoys every bit of attention she gets.”
Despite her tough beginnings—Polo’s ears were cruelly cropped before she arrived at the RSPCA—she’s a kind, friendly, and playful soul. In fact, she’s the go-to dog for introducing new arrivals at the centre, showing just how calm and sociable she is.
While Polo is a large dog, she’s also a gentle giant, travelling well in cars and enjoying walks with her canine friends. She just needs a special someone who will continue using her sign language and give her the happy ending she so deserves.
Lily adds: “Polo is such a lovable girl with a heart of gold. She’s got lots of energy and needs someone who understands her strength but also sees her incredible potential. She’s playful, laid-back, and has so much love to give. We really hope the right family comes along to offer her the forever home she’s been waiting for.”
Polo’s journey comes at a critical time, as the RSPCA faces a rehoming crisis. With 42% more animals arriving than being adopted in 2023, rehoming centres are bursting at the seams. That’s why the RSPCA is encouraging animal lovers to consider adopting during its Adoptober campaign—because dogs like Polo are waiting for their chance to shine.
Interested in learning more about Polo? Check out her online profile or contact the RSPCA Southport team on 07469 760975 or info@rspcasouthport.co.uk.