Separated from her desperately ill owner and left in a dog pound, Abbie the German Shepherd was labelled as "undesirable" and listed to be put to sleep.
At just eight years old it seemed her luck had run out because having had little socialisation with other dogs, she was deemed not worth the time and effort it would take to find her the right home.
But an animal rescue group in Northern Ireland offered Abbie a reprieve and discovered a gentle giant who could offer a new family the perfect companion.
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Danielle Magee of Friends of Rescue, said: "We couldn't understand how Abbie was "undesirable" as her notes said. We decided she deserved another chance and we took her out of the pound and placed her in foster care to see exactly what she was like and she has been the perfect house guest.
"She's not keen on other dogs and that's simply because she has not been socialised with them, and many dogs can be like that. And she doesn't like cats.. that's not unusual either but it shouldn't be a death sentence.
"We know there are many families who would love a dog like Abbie as their only pet and having been with us for about two months, we can confirm she is a total sweetheart with people and she is ready to fin her forever home.
"We think Abbie has been a one-person dog in her previous life and she has really blossomed in her foster home. Her assessment in foster showed us just how ridiculous it was to have her placed at threat of being put to sleep. She does not mix well with other dogs but she has so much to give her new family. She is intelligent, beautiful and loving and she is still has many good years to live.
"Now we just need to find he right match to allow her to have the best home and the best chance of a lovely life again, to bond with a new family and feel the love.
"Abbie is a happy and friendly girl who loves humans and she is seeking a home where she is the only pet. She is also pretty agile for an older lady so your garden must be very secure. Because of her strength we believe she is best suited to live with children aged 12+ who are dog savvy, because although she is gentle, she is pretty big and jumps up for cuddles.
"She is a strong girl on the lead, has clearly never been trained before or socialised well and she needs to be the only pet.
"We believe she would thrive with a family with German Shepherd or similar breed experience although its not essential and she'd be best suited to an active family with no long working hours.
"She's a lovely, friendly girl, but we don' think she would suit a home with youngs kids primarily because she hasn't experience round them and she's a bit big for them as she will jump up or offer paw to be petted.
"When Abbie arrived with us she had several lumps tested and removed which were caused by an infection and has since been treated with medication all evidence of them has cleared up. She is ready right now for her new home, she's in good health, not on any medication, loves her food, company and big cuddles - but we have to warn you, she's a kisser, a big kisser."
If you could offer Abbie the chance of a loving home, please contact Danielle Magee by clicking here and following the link
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