An abandoned puppy born with a cleft lip has beat all the odds to land a loving adoptive family. Lottie the 10-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier arrived at Dogs Trust Kenilworth with a wonky smile, but quickly stole the hearts of carers and visitors. Rescue staff instantly nicknamed her Elvis, as her crooked smile made her a dead ringer for The King and his trademark sneer.
The team feared her unusual looks would make it hard to find her a new home, but they needn't have worried as for one couple, it was love at first sight. Debbie and Kevin Pitt, from Walsall, were looking for another dog after their 12-year-old rescue dog Billy passed away. Debbie said: "The house just didn't feel right without a dog and so we decided that we could just continue to feel sad about Billy, or do some good and rescue another dog in need of a home.
"We loved her straight away. She jumped into my lap and snuggled into my neck, then she wanted to say hello to everyone, then she jumped onto Kevin's lap and I think all the excitement had tired her out so she really calmed down and just settled. She is gorgeous."
Lottie is now settling happily into her new home, and Debbie says she is a "great dog".
"The lip is not affecting her at all currently and she eats and drinks normally. She asks to go outside to go to the toilet which is incredible, and she is so loving," Debbie explained.
"We are over the moon. We were so sad after we lost Billy but Lottie has made us happy again."
Tristan Smith, deputy manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, said: "Lottie is a really lovely girl. She made us smile every day and we are so pleased that she has found her forever home. She will bring the same sunshine to her new owners as she brought to us here."
WAGONY AUNT
Dogs Trust expert Dr Rachel Casey answers your canine conundrums...
How can I stop my dog from chewing things he shouldn't?
Dogs, particularly when they are young, will pick things up as they explore their world. Chewing things is fun and helps with teething in pups.
Because these are normal behaviours, we need to give our dogs plenty of opportunity to do this in a safe way without ruining our furniture or shoes.
Make sure your dog has plenty of things he is allowed to chew. The more interesting these are, the less likely he is to chew other things.
Keep swapping toys around so they are new and interesting. It's also important to reward him for picking up his own toys.
Tell him how amazing and good he is every time he picks up his own chew and he will prefer to pick these up next time.
It's also good to know when your dog likes to chew. It might be when he's back from a walk and settles down, or when he's excited.
Make sure you have a toy with you when you anticipate a problem and give this to him before he picks something up. Keep anything particularly valuable or hazardous out of reach or use baby gates to restrict access to certain areas.
Sometimes dogs chew items because they are frustrated, bored or worried. Make sure your dog has plenty to do, and enough stimulation in his life, with walks, games, training and attention.
If chewing persists, occurs only when you are out, or your dog seems to take items off or guard them, ask your vet to refer you to a qualified behaviourist for advice, as these could be indications of other more serious issues.
For more information and expert advice, visit dogstrust.org.uk. Do you have a question for Rachel? Email petclub@mirror.co.uk.
CATS CORNER
As temperatures drop, vets are warning pet owners to check their cars before setting off in case an animal has squeezed into the engine bay in search of warmth.
Last week, a one-eyed cat called Josie was found under a car bonnet in Fife, 10 days after going missing from home 150 miles away in Newcastle.
Garage worker Conor Crawford had driven to work in Kirkcaldy when he noticed a burning smell coming from the car.
He opened his bonnet to check the engine, and Josie jumped out.
Apart from a little weight loss and a burn to her tail, the tabby was otherwise unhurt and returned to owner Amy Bosworth, who said: "She's definitely got nine lives."
PET PIC
This is therapy dog Amadeus who travelled to Buckingham Palace for a unique canine salute in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II last Sunday.
The two-year-old cockapoo took part in the homage which has become known as The Corgi Parade because of the Queen's love of the breed and is organised by Corgi owners and royal fans.
A procession of pooches - primarily corgis - took place at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Sandringham, and Balmoral.
Amadeus, who was invited due to his work with special needs children at Skerne Park Academy in Darlington, went along with owner Jo Beaton, who said it was "truly a special occasion."
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