Can you be Duke’s hero? (Picture: Blue Cross/Metro.co.uk)
National pet charity Blue Cross wants a loving home for their loneliest dog Duke – who has patiently waited for a new home for more than a year.
The ten-year old Staffordshire bull terrier came to the charity towards the end of January, as his owner was ill and could no longer care for him.
Yet, more than 460 desperate days later and despite numerous appeals, he’s yet to find his forever home.
‘Duke found kennels so tough, to the point it was affecting both his mental and physical health,’ said Laura Coveney, Rehoming Supervisor at Blue Cross Bromsgrove.
‘He was so stressed and was not coping at all.’
The unlucky pup was given ‘bed and breakfast’ foster care – which avoided the need to stay in kennels overnight – but still found that difficult to cope with.
Who can resist this adorable dog? (Picture: Jack Fairey)
He’s a loving and happy dog, but hasn’t had the chance to show off his personality to a potential owner (Picture: Jack Fairey)
In 2022, Duke went into permanent foster with Christine Tilt and her late husband, and thrived in a family environment.
As a sweet and lovable boy brimming with personality, the team thought he’d find an adoptee to change his life in no time – but to no avail.
‘It’s frustrating that we can’t show what a lovely companion he is, and how easy he is to live with,’ said Laura, who visits due every week for training sessions.
Little Duke has so much love to give (Picture: Jack Fairey)
He’s now spent over 16 months in Blue Cross care (Picture: Jack Fairey)
She continued: ‘It’s such a shame as he would perfectly fit into so many families’ lives.
‘He’s the dog that people are looking for – they just don’t realise it, and so don’t look in his direction. If you ask them what they want from a dog, it’s Duke.
‘He’s the ultimate rescue dog. He’s just been really unlucky. It’s heartbreaking.’
A dog is a man’s best friend, but Christine is Duke’s best friend (Picture: Jack Fairey)
The foster carer thinks Duke will make a perfect pet (Picture: Jack Fairey)
Duke’s the dog who proves wrong the saying ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’, and Christine knows beyond all doubt that he’ll make a wonderful pet.
‘He’s got so much character. He just wants to be loved,’ she said. ‘It will just be so lovely to see him go to a new home.’
Christina added: ‘I know he’ll be happy and know that he’ll settle down easily as he’s so loveable, and very easy to live with.’
Could you give Duke the forever home he so deserves?
Visit the Blue Cross website to find out more, or to make a donation to help the charity care for more animals like Duke.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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Duke has a lot of love to give.