A huge and lovable dog has found a forever home after spending most of his life in a rescue centre. The 60kg mastiff has always struggled to find an owner because of his massive size, but finally his big heart won somebody over.
Two-year-old Basher was rescued as a small stray in January 2020 - but quickly grew to be an impressive 6ft when standing on his hind legs. The human-sized pooch has since been living in RSPCA Cornwall kennels, until his new owner picked him up this month.
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The RSPCA animal welfare team shared the news on Twitter, writing: "We said the fondest of farewells to our big boy Basher recently as he's set off for his new home.
"We're so grateful to Basher's owner for taking him on, we know you'll be so happy together."
It will be second time lucky for the gigantic 9st 4lb hound, who was adopted for a short period of time last November - but his owner couldn't cope and returned him.
This time round, Basher will have seven acres to play in, which is perfect for him as he "gets a bit excited around birds".
Basher has been described as "one of the most handsome, loving dogs there is" who "loves a good cuddle and a good fuss".
Nicole Doige from RSPCA Cornwall, said: "He's one very happy dog at the moment. He was with us a long time and he was part of the family, but it's great to see him in his new home."
Basher's adoption comes at a time when rehousing pets is particularly difficult amid the animal welfare crisis.
Ms Doige said: "We are incredibly busy, demand for kennel space has gone up with the cost of living. It's generally due to the cost of living, with rising bills and people working longer hours to pay the bills.
"We have lots of puppies coming in because people can't sell them."
On Saturday, a little of five newborn puppies were dumped on a doorstep in South London and taken in by the RSPCA.
Heartbreaking photos show the young litter huddling together in a blanket to keep warm.
It's estimated three of the dogs are around five weeks old, and the littlest two pups just days old.
It comes days after another little of puppies with umbilical cords still attached were abandoned in the woods in Sheffield.
They were only hours old and "extremely vulnerable", but thankfully received emergency round-the-clock care.
Deputy chief inspector, Sara Jordan, said: "Times are tough at the moment and we understand that many families are struggling to cope, particularly given the rising cost of living, and we fear that we'll see many, many more pets being relinquished to charities or abandoned because their owners simply don't know where to turn.
"But abandoning tiny puppies like this is so irresponsible and cruel. Please, please never abandon your pet but ask for help before things get so desperate."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
