Meet the agoraphobic dog - who's terrified of 'walkies' outdoors

MOST dogs love nothing more than going for 'walkies' outdoors - but, for one poor pooch, stepping out of her front door is a living nightmare.

An agoraphobic dog is so scarred of the outside world she rarely leaves her homeAn agoraphobic dog is so scarred of the outside world she rarely leaves her home[PA]

Agoraphobic hound Whisper is so petrified of what is outside of her kennel, she refuses to leave - missing out on meeting other dogs and their owners.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was found cowering under a bush at the start of the year and has since been staying at a Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Chat show host Paul O'Grady has now lent his support to a national appeal, which it is hoped will find the "gentle" pooch a new home.

Battersea's senior animal welfare assistant Karen Slavid has slowly built a rapport with the six-year-old after sitting by her kennel and feeding her.

She said: "Whisper is a gentle, loving, kind-natured dog, and she is going to make the most amazing pet for someone who has the time and patience to slowly build her trust and confidence.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Whisper was found cowering under a bush at the start of the yearStaffordshire Bull Terrier Whisper was found cowering under a bush at the start of the year [PA]

Whisper has had a terrible start to life and she really deserves a happy ending

Battersea senior animal welfare assistant Karen Slavid

"We know that she's going to need very understanding owners but more than anything we want her to enjoy a life outside kennels like any other dog.

"Whisper has had a terrible start to life and she really deserves a happy ending."

Rescue dog Whisper is so scared of the world outside of her kennel she only leaves it at night once other dogs have gone to bed.

The pooch, who was discovered in Surrey in January, only ventures into the animal shelter's grounds during the day when it is deserted.

It is thought Whisper had been used as a breeding dog before being brought to Battersea's Old Windsor Home as a stray.

Staff said the pooch's fear of the outdoors is probably a result of being kept in a shed or indoor cage.

• Whisper's story is due to feature on ITV's Paul O'Grady: For The Love Of Dogs this Thursday at 8.30pm.

For more information, contact the dogs' home on 0843 509 4444 or visit www.battersea.org.uk

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