The RSPCA’s 7 least loved dogs are YEARS waiting for a home, including ‘Wise Eric’

Dutch Shepherd Eric has spent most of his home in RSPCA care and staff say he is a “loyal boy” who would be a great addition to any family

A “loving and affectionate” dog rescued from a filthy home with his mother and seven siblings nearly three years ago is among the RSPCA rescue pooches who have waited the longest for a new home.

Dutch Shepherd Eric has seen his whole family adopted but is still waiting for his perfect match.

In the first year of the pandemic alone, over three million households bought a pet – but many more need a loving home.

Some dogs in RSPCA foster care, like Eric, take a long time to be placed in new homes due to health issues, behavioral issues, or lengthy evaluations.

RSPCA Birmingham’s Kelly Legg said: “Eric has spent most of his life in our care and all he knows is living here with us.

“We struggled to find the right match for him. He really is the most loyal boy once he gets to know you. He’s extremely smart and needs a challenge for his brain, but he needs time to get used to new people.”

The RSPCA says a rural home would be best for Eric, who is nervous but energetic at times.

Here are another seven pooches that the RSPCA is dying to re-accommodate…

Bandit, 513 days

This eight-year-old Lurcher is still looking for a home in County Durham more than a year after he was rescued.

Advisor Emma Cosby said: “Bandit didn’t even like being touched. It took us a lot of time to gradually introduce him to people, but now he’s formed some wonderful bonds.

“He’s nervous and needs dedicated owners willing to 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 derelict barn in Ceredigion, West Wales in January 2021.

The five-year-old mongrel is Newport RSPCA’s longest-staying dog, despite “coming out of his shell.”

Assistant 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 accepted by the RSPCA in July 2021 after being rescued in Dorset while being underweight and suffering from a skin condition.

She had been locked in a bedroom with little socialization.

Now Dotty is eight years old and is desperately looking for a home where she will be the only pet and have a garden.

She can be reactive when out and about, so she must wear a muzzle and walk in quiet places.

Hades, 271 days

This cute two year old Labrador cross has been struggling to find a match since arriving at the RSPCA center in Gloucestershire in September last year.

Although he has some special needs due to his difficult start in life, staff at Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home say he is an “affectionate, bouncy” dog who would make a great pet.

Haley Medlock said: “He can now manage busy areas but there are some things he still finds daunting so his new owners will have to be patient with him.”

Zac and Joe, 424 days

These Alaskan Malamutes have been waiting for a home for over a year.

Joe, six, and Zac, eight, were found in a large group of dogs living outside.

They were dirty, had matted coats, and didn’t interact with humans.

Now in central Birmingham they need a patient owner to take them in as a couple.

Sue

This Lurcher was found on the streets of Bath in August 2017.

She was re-homed in 2018 but quickly returned to Bath Cats and Dogs Home when her adopter’s circumstances changed.

Chief Executive Rachel Jones said: “We think Sue’s color might put people off. RSPCA research has shown that brindle dogs take about 36% longer to find new homes.

“She walks well on a leash and desires an active home where she enjoys going for long walks.”

Snowy, 544 days

This bouncy Staffordshire Bull Terrier has not met his mate after almost 18 months in the kennel.

RSPCA Birmingham’s Kelly Legg said: “Snowy loves excitement and has a lot of energy so she needs someone to keep up with her. She loves to play, but stuffed animals don’t last long around her.”

Snowy loves tugging and long walks – and needs a garden.