A shy stray looking for a forever home is still languishing in a shelter after no one showed up to a Valentine’s Day meet-and-greet staff organized in the hopes of finding him loving owners.
Luke, a stray mongrel, was rescued more than six months ago by the Battersea Cats and Dogs Kent branch.
He is believed to be around five years old and has won over the team at the refuge with his ‘cuddly’ nature, but he has yet to find a family to adopt him.
The team threw a Valentine’s Day party for Luke in the hopes that people would take an interest in the ‘big softie,’ but no one showed up, and Luke is still looking for a loving owner to adopt him.
Little is known about the mongrel because he was rescued as a stray, but Luke has charmed his minders with his good temperament throughout his time at Battersea Brands Hatch.
He’s been at the charity’s shelter for 206 days, which is more than five times the average Battersea rescue, which takes about 35 days to rehome.
Staff believe that finding a loving owner for’scaredy cat’ Luke will help him gain confidence. When it comes to other dogs, the dog is currently nervous.
He enjoys being around people and will be the happiest as the family’s only pet. He adores humans and can live with teenagers, but he despises cats.
He has benefited from the quieter environment at Battersea Brands Hatch for dogs who struggle to cope with city life.
His shy personality also suggests that he would thrive in a rural setting, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Battersea is looking for a confident owner with experience with larger, nervous breeds.
Luke will require a large garden for off-leash time at home because he will need to be kept on a lead during his walks.
He should be given plenty of time to settle into his new home, however, once he will have gotten to know you, he’ll be a cuddle and loyal friend.
The pup also suffers with some ear and skin issues, and will need a patient owner to help him manage a healthy, balanced diet.
The team had hoped Luke would find his perfect family at a Valentines’ Day meet organised by the centre, however, no one registered interest for the pupper.
Michelle Bevan, Centre Manager at Battersea Brands Hatch said: ‘Valentine’s Day is a time to show your appreciation for those you care about,
‘So it’s heart-breaking knowing that Luke will be spending the day without anybody to love nobody came to meet him for a date.
Thankfully, Battersea staff were on hand to show Luke plenty of love and affection instead,’ she added.
She had plenty of nice things to say about Luke, describing him as a loving pooch.
‘Despite being a large dog, Luke is really just a big softie and enjoys nothing more than to cuddle up by a radiator with his favourite people and a cuddly toy.
‘We’re really hoping that someone will love him for the big lapdog that he truly is and give him the chance to be loved as he deserves,’ she added.
As Luke arrived at Battersea as a stray, staff at the charity don’t know much about his past relationship history.
‘Luke may have a few quirks, but he really does have so much love to offer the right person. He may not be perfect but is absolutely worth it,’ Michelle added.
