UK's loneliest dogs searching for homes this Christmas - find your match
The UK's most loneliest dogs are on the hunt for a new home as the perfect Christmas present, after spending years being overlooked, abandoned and recovering from their tough experiences as strays.
Unfortunately, abandonment cases are at an alarming three-year high and these adorable pooches have harshly been at the brunt of abandonment. But with the new year being just days away, the RSPCA is hoping to showcase their quirks and charms as they ramp up the search for loving environments.
The animal welfare charity recently highlighted how the the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the cost of living crisis have created a "perfect storm". They warned that animals are facing a "bleak winter" ahead. Up to the end of October this year, the charity had received 17,838 reports of abandoned animals.
Sadly, re-homing rates have dropped. Between 2019 and 2022, rehoming rates of RSPCA rescue pets plummeted by 30%. But the team are hopeful that these dogs will find their match. Esme Wheeler, dog expert at the RSPCA said: “There’s someone out there for every animal and it’s our mission to find them; but, sadly, sometimes it takes a little longer. And for some, it can take months - or even years - to find that perfect match. We never give up and we do everything we can to help our wonderful animals find the home that’s right for them, so we’d urge anyone who is thinking of taking on a pet to consider giving a rescue a new start."
Zeus - more than 365 days
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Zeus is a quick and clever learner (RSPCA)Zeus is one of the RSPCA’s longest-staying dogs in the north of England. The four-year-old Staffie currently lives at the charity's Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch animal centre. The poor dog arrived at the East Ardsley centre suffering from mange, which was successfully treated.
He has been described as a happy and playful boy who loves playing games and enjoys cuddling on the sofa. The charity believes he'll make a wonderful companion and says he will be the perfect fit for a family, with no dogs. The team said they have spent the past year helping him overcome his fear of other dogs. Zeus is also a quick learner and has gone on leaps and bounds, so much so, that he has even worked out how to open his handler’s treat bag and steal all the tasty ones.
Charlie - 300 days
Charlie has an 'on the go' personality (RSPCA)One-year-old lurcher Charlie has spent 300 days without having a family of his own. He is said to be a real charmer and is a firm favourite with staff and volunteers at the RSPCA Danaher Animal Home. He was found as a stray but was adopted soon after he was first taken into RSPCA care. However, he was sadly returned to the centre, where he is currently based after two other foster placements didn't work out.
Despite having a turbulent year, Charlie remains "content" but has also been described as having an "on the go" personality. He will need an owner who can offer him tons of walking and playing opportunities. The pooch also loves travelling in a car and going on adventures with his handlers, who often take him to the local park where he usually lays next to them so he can relax. Charlie will need some basic home training as he hasn't had the chance to consistently learn about what a home is. Luckily, he is a clever animal and is known to pick things up quickly.
Stanley - 6 months
Stanley has been described as an 'eager student' (RSPCA)This "friendly-natured and lovably daft" dog has been constantly overlooked since he arrived at the RSPCA's Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Branch over six months ago. Stanley was rescued by the team after he was discovered living outside in May. He was strolling around with infected ears, severe fur loss and self-trauma wounds which needed veterinary treatment. Stanley is said to endear himself to people with ease and only has a few scars from the wounds he had on his body. The personable pet will need experienced owners and an adult-only home with no other dogs. He needs some basic training but staff say he is a “willing and eager student."
Tess - 16 months
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Tess was found crammed in a tiny cage (RSPCA)This Staffordshire bull terrier has been searching for her forever home for 16 months after she was found in shocking conditions inside a property in the North West in June last year. RSPCA officers from the Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch found the nine-year-old with several other dogs living in crates. Officers removed them due to concerns over their welfare. Although some of her friends have been adopted, Tess required ongoing support and was only ready to start her search this September.
But staff at New Cut Lane in Southport have been left baffled because no one has shown interest. Officers believe Tess will benefit from positive reward-based training. She also has a minor dry skin condition, which can cause her to feel itchy from time to time. Tess can also be rehomed with children over the age of 10, but not with other pets.
Sophie Hubble, from the Southport, Ormskirk & District branch, said: “Tess had been living in a very small crate in wholly unsuitable conditions and her mental and physical health had suffered as a result. But she’s made tremendous progress since, and despite what she’s been through she’s a really friendly girl who is full of beans and really enjoys human company and meeting new people. She also loves toys - especially her tennis ball - and she’d be quite happy playing throw and fetch with you all day. We think her age is possibly putting people off, but we’d urge people to look beyond that as she’s a dog who still has so much love to give. She’s really blossomed and deserves to be in a loving home of her own - she’ll make a wonderful family pet.”
To find your paw-fect match, you can visit the RSPCA’s online Find A Pet search function here.
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