An eight-year-old lurcher has been dubbed ‘the loneliest dog’ in Britain after spending 901 days waiting for a permanent home.
The canine, named Sam, has been kept at Destitute Animal Shelter in Bolton, Greater Manchester, has been a permanent fixture at the shelter since February 21, 2017, when his last owner died six months after adopting him.
Sam, who has now been rehomed three times, was first rescued in 2014 and despite being adored by shelter staff has been unable to find his ‘forever’ home.
Eight-year-old lurcher Sam has spent 901 days waiting for a permanent home while being kept at Destitute Animal Shelter in Bolton, Greater Manchester
The dog, which has not had a permanent home since February 2017 has been dubbed the ‘loneliest dog’ in Britain
Shelter manager Karen Rickards said: ‘Sam has been so unlucky, and it’s through no fault of his own.
‘His last owner died in 2017 – which was his third brief attempt at being re-homed – he was there for six months and he’s been here ever since.
‘It’s never anything Sam’s done, he’s just constantly found himself in the wrong home at the wrong time.
‘He’s currently our longest-serving resident. And yet he’s playful, gentle and absolutely loves people.
‘We need to find someone who can take care of him. He deserves nothing less than an amazing home.’
Sam, who has been rehomed three times, was moved back to the shelter when his last owner died six months after adopting him
Sam was first rescued in 2014 and shelter manager Karen Rickards believes he is simply ‘unlucky’
There are currently 12 cats and 20 dogs all looking for new homes at the shelter which recently announced a new charity partnership with local energy switching firm, Love Energy Savings.
Joining Sam in the ‘unlucky’ stakes is Blake, a seven-year-old Greyhound, who was badly attacked by another dog in autumn last year and narrowly avoided death.
Ms Rickards added: ‘It’s a miracle Blake is still with us.
‘His owner took him to the vets and asked for him to be put down after he was attacked by another dog, as they couldn’t afford the vet’s fees to patch him back up. His wounds were horrific.
‘Thankfully the vet rang us and suggested that if they operated on him for free, we could take him in and re-home him. Of course, we said yes.
‘Blake’s fur grew back and the attack didn’t seem to faze him too much. He recovered well and was adopted in October last year.
The shelter hope to find a permanent residence for the dog and said that Sam has constantly found himself in the wrong home
There are currently 12 cats and 20 dogs, including Sam (pictured), who hope to find a permanent home
‘But he was returned in April this year, as his new owner moved to a new home that didn’t allow dogs.
‘So, he’s also still looking for a new home. He’s a gentle giant, but he loves an energetic game of football!
‘The sad thing is, 90 per cent of the animals are brought in by their owners who simply no longer want them.
‘They either admit that or pretend they’ve just ‘found’ the animal. If you’re not committed to caring for a dog in the long term, don’t get one.’
The shelter, which only takes in strays and unwanted cats and dogs in its local area, has been chosen by Bolton firm Love Energy Savings as their chosen charity partner.
Phil Foster, CEO, said: ‘While none of our animal-loving staff have adopted directly from the shelter, many know someone who has, so we’re thrilled to be able to help out.
‘The shelter needs £180,000 per year to survive and is in constant need of repair. We really hope we can raise enough money for them to make a difference.
For more information and details about the adoption process visit the shelter’s Facebook page or call 01204 526 486.