An unlucky rescue dog is hoping to find his happy ending after spending three long years in kennels. Many of the hundreds of dogs that find themselves at Dogs Trust Leeds every year head off with their new families within just a few weeks, but that hasn't been the case for eight-year-old lurcher Jake.
Jake is the longest-term resident at the animal shelter and currently appears to be Britain's most unwanted dog, spending over 1,000 days in kennels. The poor pooch had two homes before the age of one, then was rehomed with Dogs Trust Leeds in 2016, but returned in 2019 after a change in his family's circumstances.
The good boy has a heart of gold, and yet has had three homes and been in kennels twice in his lifetime.
Animal carers are urging local animal lovers to consider opening their homes and hearts to the lonely pooch.
Amanda Sands, centre manager, says: "Jake is one of the sweetest dogs you could ever wish to meet, and we really want to find him a special home to call his own.
"He lacks confidence around dogs and people because he had a tough start to life.
"He had already had two homes by the age of one through no fault of his own, so that important time when he should have been building his confidence, learning to trust people, developing his social skills around other dogs, he really missed out.
"He first came to us when he was just one and went on to live happily in a home, but he came back to us in 2019 after a change in his family's circumstances meant he could no longer stay with them.
"He is very happy here, and of course we love spending time with him, but we want to find him a home of his own once more, with the special owners he deserves."
Because of his lack of confidence, Jake is looking for a calm, adult-only home with no other pets or visiting children.
He also needs access to a secure garden to burn off some of his energy, and access to walks in quieter areas.
Unfortunately, Jake can't be left at home by himself, and he will need a home within driving distance of Dogs Trust Leeds so his new owners can visit him several times at the rehoming centre to build a bond with him.
Amanda added: "During his time with us we have done lots of training with Jake to help him overcome his anxieties and he's a very happy boy.
"We know him really well too, so as a team we know exactly what he needs if he is to be happy in a home and we are committed to getting it right for him, as we are with all of our dogs.
"We're looking for patient owners who will give Jake the space he needs to get to know them in his own time.
"Whoever gives this lovely boy a new home will soon find they have a four-legged shadow as he likes nothing more than knowing what's going on.
"He is fun, playful, affectionate and loves to snuggle. We can guarantee that Jake is worth the effort, and we know there's someone out there who will love having Jake in their life – and on their sofa!"
If you think you could give Jake the home he longs for, please visit Dogs Trust's rehoming page.
Over recent months, Dogs Trust has received a record number of calls from people needing to rehome their dogs in the face of the new cost of everyday living.
Whilst some require a lot of extra support, many residents are looking for a dedicated foster carer who can offer immediate support and help out with the cuddles and a comfy sofa until they find their forever home.
Dogs Trust covers all costs involved in fostering.
By becoming a foster carer, you'll help many more dogs by freeing up a kennel ready for the next dog who has nowhere else to go, as well as enabling staff to free up really valuable time to provide specialist attention to dogs who need a little extra help.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
