A nervous lurcher who is approaching his one-year anniversary in kennels desperately needs a new owner who can help bring him out of his shell.
Eight-year-old Bandit was rescued by the RSPCA from a multi-dog household where his needs were not being met.
When he arrived with the team at Great Ayton Animal Centre, in County Durham, he was very nervous.
Emma Cosby, who takes care of him, said: “Bandit really struggled and didn’t even like to be touched.
"It took us a lot of time and patience to gradually introduce him to different people and how to be handled positively but now he’s built some wonderful bonds with the team here.
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“He enjoys a fuss and loves to spend time out and about with our staff and volunteers.
"He’s also a sociable boy and likes to go out for walks with his doggy friends but can still find the world and new people scary so needs an understanding owner who can give him the time and space he needs to settle and gain in confidence.”
Bandit loves to run and zoom off-lead and then head back to his bed for a long snooze.
"While he’s been enjoying walks with other dogs he is nervous with bouncy, boisterous dogs and we’d ideally like to find him a home as the only pet.
He’d benefit from having his own quiet area in his new home where he can have space to himself.
"He can be nervous about being touched so any adopters will need to work with him slowly and use positive reinforcement to gain his trust. For this reason, he’s not suitable to live with children.
Bandit has been muzzle trained and is happy wearing his muzzle. The RSPCA team recommend he wears his muzzle in any situations where he might feel uncomfortable, such as visits to the vet.
Emma added: “I just don’t understand why Bandit has received such little interest, it’s heartbreaking. Bandit dreams of the days he will find his new cosy home.
“We understand that he’s nervous and he’ll need committed owners who are willing to come and meet him multiple times before taking him home.
"But we fear that people are being put off of applying for him because of his muzzle and the misunderstanding around their use.
“He has so much love to give and we’re pleading with anyone who has been thinking of getting a dog to please consider him and give him a chance.”
The RSPCA is urging people to adopt an animal in need rather than turning to breeders when wanting to welcome a pet into their family.
"While it may be easy to find animals on the internet or even spend hundreds on an expensive breeder, you could risk heartache or huge vet's bills if you don't do your homework," a statement reads.
"By adopting and not shopping you'll also feel good for doing good - by giving an animal a second chance at life in a loving home!
"Plus, adopting from us means that you can relax knowing that all our animals are healthy, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
"As with all the animals we rehome, we'll pass on the details of their behaviour and veterinary treatment. You'll likely know more about your rescue animal's history than if you were to buy an animal online!
"We've taken the time to get to know each animal as an individual, to understand their likes and dislikes and to prepare them for life in a loving family, which means there are less likely to be nasty surprises when you get home!
"When you adopt a cat or a dog from one of our centres, you'll also get four weeks free pet insurance, which is vital to protect your pet's future as well as your bank balance! There's so much to gain from rescuing an animal in need."
Find out more about Bandit online or contact the team on greatayton@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0743. To send in an application please fill in this form.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
