The RSPCA is hoping it will be third time lucky for five-year-old crossbreed Charlie. The pooch arrived at the charity’s Newport Animal Centre after being rescued from a run-down barn in Ceredigion, Wales, along with 44 other dogs.
Poor Charlie had never been outside, worn a collar or gone for a walk before he arrived at the kennels.
Since then he has come on in leaps and bounds but is still waiting to be picked by adopters.
Poor Charlie has been waiting for a forever home for almost 500 days
Two potential offers of homes came to nothing and he is now the centre’s longest-staying resident.
Deputy manager Kathryn Logan said: “We were feeling so hopeful that Charlie would be enjoying life with new owners by now, but sadly the two offers of homes have fallen through and we find ourselves back at square one.
The RSPCA is hoping it will be third time lucky for the five-year-old crossbreed
“He’s come such a long way from the scared and nervous dog he was when he arrived at the centre back.
“He had never gone outside, worn a collar or been on a walk, but his transformation has been quite incredible.
“For the first few weeks he wouldn’t move from the corner of his kennel, and it was only when he began to trust his carers and feel more at ease that he would place his chin on our hand, although it wasn’t until four months later that he was confident enough to take his first steps outside the kennel.
“Charlie really is a different character now, his beautiful personality shines through and he loves a cwtch from his carers.
Charlie pictured with volunteer Danni Wilson
“We all think the world of him, but of course we’d love nothing more than to see him finally settled in his own home.”
Volunteer Danni Wilson, who regularly walks Charlie and has built up a close bond with him, added: “It’s been wonderful watching Charlie come out of his shell and start to enjoy life.
“He wouldn’t let us go near him when he first arrived, but now he can’t get enough attention and showers me with kisses and affection.
Charlie is still waiting to be picked by adopters
“I think his favourite pastimes are rolling around on the nearest patch of grass when we go out walking and then wrapping himself up in towels when he’s had a bath.
“Despite what he’s been through, he’s exceptionally friendly and he would definitely enjoy, and benefit from, the company of another canine companion.”
Charlie is looking for a quiet adult-only home as he can find new things scary.
Charlie arrived at the charity’s Newport Animal Centre
He would ideally like to live with another calm and confident male dog, or neutered female.
His new family will need to visit him several times at the centre before taking him home so he can get to know them.
