Ricotta – A Sweet Young Girl Looking for a Home

Ricotta arrived at the pound in February 2025, when she was around six months old. She is a gorgeous crossbreed who was found, presumably abandoned on the streets, and brought to safety at the pound.

Even in what must have been a very overwhelming new environment, Ricotta quickly showed just how adaptable and special she is. She settled in with other dogs with ease, sharing her cage without any problems, and from the very beginning she impressed everyone with her sweet and friendly nature.

We had hoped Ricotta would quickly find a loving home where she could grow up and blossom. Instead, she has spent most of her young life waiting behind the bars of a pound.

Just a couple of weeks after arriving, Ricotta and Firulais went into foster care together when the pound was at risk of flooding. They adapted beautifully to home life.
During the day they had free access to the outdoors and had no accidents. At night, there were a couple of minor accidents, but they were clearly learning quickly and trying their best. Ricotta is an intelligent young dog who learns fast and adapts well when given the opportunity.
She quickly became comfortable walking on the lead and enjoyed her walks with confidence. Neither Ricotta nor Firulais barked at night or reacted to other dogs barking, showing just how calm and well-mannered they were in a home environment.
Ricotta’s affectionate personality truly blossomed in foster care. After walks or playtime, she was perfectly happy relaxing indoors or curling up on the sofa for cuddles. She was great with farm animals, including horses, cows and goats, although she may bark if the horses start running. She enjoys playing with toys, especially balls and tug-of-war, doesn’t chew things she shouldn’t, and absolutely loves giving kisses.
Both Ricotta and Firulais also travelled extremely well in the car and clearly enjoyed their little adventures together.

Sadly, after just three weeks, they both had to return to the pound… once again behind bars.

In May 2025, Ricotta and Firulais were chosen for a special day out in town. They travelled calmly in the car before confidently exploring parks and streets. Ricotta was completely unfazed by people, children, traffic and even off-lead dogs approaching her. She was especially fascinated by children playing with balls and looked as though she would happily have joined in the fun herself.

After exploring, both dogs happily relaxed in the shade, enjoying treats and cuddles as though outings like this had always been part of their lives. It was honestly heartbreaking to bring them back to the pound.

In April 2026, Ricotta’s best friend, Firulais, finally found his forever home. Since then, Ricotta has made new doggy friends and is now happily sharing her cage with two male dogs, with whom she is doing really well.

In May 2026, Ricotta also attended one of our adoption events. Surrounded by lots of people, music, food, children playing and a busy atmosphere, she took everything in her stride. She spent the day together with one of her dedicated volunteers and was incredibly calm and relaxed. Most of the time she could be found lying comfortably on a sunbed, watching the world go by while enjoying cuddles and affection. She was also very happy to greet visitors who came into her pen to meet her, showing everyone her gentle and friendly nature.

Despite everything Ricotta has shown us—her adaptability, her affectionate personality, her confidence in new situations and her love of both people and other dogs—she is still waiting for someone to choose her.

She has spent most of her young life growing up in the pound. We hope that very soon someone will finally see what a truly wonderful, playful, intelligent and loving companion she is and give her the forever home she has deserved all along. 💛

www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk

This gorgeous dog is available for adoption in the UK. Homecheck and adoption fee apply. Adoption fee includes neutering, passport, microchip, all vaccinations, blood tests to screen for diseases, worm and flea treatment. Adoption cost in Spain (if no transport required) 155€ for males and €165 for females.

Adoption costs to the UK are £595. This includes all DEFRA paperwork and transport by DEFRA registered carrier ( using the TRACES system) direct to your door, except London, within the M25 motorway, Highlands of Scotland beyond Perth, and all off islands (if we cannot deliver direct, a mutually convenient meeting place will be arranged). We sort out all the arrangements and delivery/ meeting times will be advised in advance by the transporter.

For dogs brought to the UK by SSDUK to go initially into foster care, adopters will still be required to pay the full adoption fee of £595 to cover the above expenses.

In some cases, for example a failed adoption of a dog already in the UK, the fee may be reduced to £350where the initial transport costs from Spain have already been met. This is to cover transport within the UK, kennel fees and any checks required. 

For adoption costs elsewhere, or for help and advice please e-mail adoptions@spanishstraydogs.org.uk

For more information about this dog, including advice and custom made video contact adoptions@spanishstraydogs.org.uk now.