A “loving and affectionate” dog saved from a filthy house with his mum and seven siblings nearly three years ago is among the RSPCA rescue pooches who have waited the longest for new homes.
Dutch herder Eric has seen his whole family adopted but is still waiting for his perfect match.
Over three million households bought a pet in the first year of the pandemic alone – but many more remain in need of a loving home.
Some dogs in RSPCA care, like Eric, take significant periods of time to be rehomed due to health problems, behavioural challenges or long-running investigations.
Kelly Legg, from RSPCA Birmingham, said: “Eric has spent almost his entire life in our care and all he knows is life here with us.
“We’ve struggled to find the right match for him. He really is the most loyal lad once he gets to know you. He’s extremely clever and needs to have his brain challenged but he needs time to adjust to new people.”
The RSPCA says a rural home would be best for Eric who, though nervous at times, is full of energy.
Here are another eight pooches the RSPCA is desperate to re-home...
Bandit, 513 days
This eight-year-old lurcher is still hunting for a home more than one year after being rescued in County Durham.
Carer Emma Cosby said: “Bandit didn’t even like to be touched. It took us a lot of time to gradually introduce him to people but now he’s built some wonderful bonds.
“He’s nervous and he’ll need committed owners who are willing to come and meet him multiple times.”
Bandit would have to be the only pet in his new home and cannot live with children.
Charlie, 513 days
Charlie has been waiting for a new home since he and 44 other dogs were rescued from a rundown barn in Ceredigion, west Wales, in January 2021.
The five-year-old crossbreed is Newport RSPCA’s longest-stay dog, despite “coming out of his shell”.
Deputy manager Kathryn Logan said: “It was four months before he was confident enough to take his first steps outside the kennel.”
He likes rolling in the grass, long walks and lots of attention.
Dotty, 333 days
Staffordshire bull terrier Dotty was taken in by the RSPCA in July 2021 after being rescued underweight and suffering from a skin condition in Dorset.
She’d been kept locked in a bedroom with little socialisation.
Now eight, Dotty is desperate for a home where she’ll be the only pet and will have a garden.
She can be reactive when out and about, so she needs to wear a muzzle and go for walks in quiet locations.
Hades, 271 days
This cute two-year-old Labrador cross has struggled to find a match since arriving at the RSPCA centre in Gloucestershire in September last year.
Although he has some specific needs due to his difficult start in life, staff at Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home say he’s a “lovely, bouncy” dog who’d make a great pet.
Haley Medlock said: “He can now manage busy areas but there are some things he can still find daunting, so his new owners will need to be patient with him.”
Zac and Joe, 424 days
These Alaskan Malamutes have been waiting for over a year to find a home.
Joe, six, and Zac, eight, were found among a large group of dogs living outside.
They were filthy, had matted coats and would not interact with people.
Now at the Birmingham centre, they need a patient owner who will take them as a pair.
Scout, 940 days
Scout, who is a lurcher, has been in the care of Bath Dogs & Cats Home since November 2019. The eight-year-old dog was found by an RSPCA Inspector.
Chief Executive at the home, Rachel Jones, said: "He is a lovely older boy. The team here love him but he just hasn't found a home yet.
"He is shy so he's looking for a quiet home, obviously with lots of love. It does take time for Scout to get to know new people so that can make it harder for him sometimes.
"Once he knows you and trusts you, he is lovely."
Snowy, 544 days
This bouncy Staffordshire bull terrier hasn’t met her match after nearly 18 months in kennels.
Kelly Legg of RSPCA Birmingham said: “Snowy loves a fuss and has lots of energy, so she’ll need someone who can keep up with her. She loves to play but soft toys don’t last long around her.”
Snowy loves playing tug and long walks – and would need a garden.
