A misunderstood dog who was almost put to sleep has been given a second chance at life after a rescue centre stepped in and saved him.
Eight-year-old Rex was originally trained to be a security dog, but his abusive owners withheld food and would regularly beat him.
Rex ended up fearing his job and was surrendered to kennels, where he spent nearly two years in four concrete walls.
The rescue centre "didn't know what to do with him" and booked him in for euthanasia.
Natalia George, founder of Flori's Friends Rescue in Kent told The Mirror : "A volunteer trainer at the rescue approached us and explained that Rex wasn't a bad boy - he just needed a second chance."
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Natalia saw how bedraggled and sad Rex looked and couldn't let him go to die.
She took him on and spent months working on his behaviour with the charity's resident trainer Harry.
Rex has since come out of his shell and developed a real character. He loves playing tug of war, doing zoomies and going on short walks.
Natalia says he was "completely misunderstood before" and is the loveliest boy in the right hands.
She is now looking for a very special person to adopt him.
His perfect match would be a home without children or other dogs. He will need a garden and an owner experienced with German shepherd breeds.
Rex is happy wearing his muzzle and "doesn't even notice it's on". He walks well on the lead and can be taken out in quieter areas for exercise.
Due to his guarding experience, Rex will guard the home and let you know when someone's arrived or intruding.
Natalia said: "It's important to stress that Rex isn't aggressive and he is genuinely just a nervous dog. All of his problems have been human-inflicted and he doesn't deserve any of it.
"It's sad that his life is now finally beginning at the age of eight, but we can't wait to watch him flourish in a very special and loving home."
Rex is currently being cared for in Hounslow and is available to meet with any potential adopters.
If you'd like to take Rex home, please get in touch with Flori's Friends Rescue on 0800 002 5052 or visit their website.
Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
