'UK's most forgotten dog' has spent a decade in kennels waiting for forever home
Woody - a Shih Tzu cross Poodle - has just celebrated his 11th birthday with carers at a Dogs Trust's rehoming centre. He is looking forward to his forever home
A dog who could be the 'UK's most forgotten dog' after spending almost a decade in a rehoming centre.
Woody just celebrated his 11th birthday with carers at a Dogs Trust's rehoming centre - the Shih Tzu cross Poodle's 10th one with them. He is described as 'one of a kind' and 'the most intelligent dog we've ever worked with' and is still looking for a family who can match his sharp mind and playful spirit.
Michaela Wells, Assistant Manager at Dogs Trust Shoreham Rehoming Centre said: "Woody is an incredible dog. He's clever, playful and full of personality. We adore him, and every birthday we celebrate with him is special, but what he really needs is a home of his own. He deserves to spend his next birthday on a cosy sofa, not in a kennel.
After a decade of waiting, we know there's someone out there who's the perfect match for Woody - we just need to find them!" Woody initially came to Dogs Trust back in September 2015, as his owners were struggling with some of his behaviours.
READ MORE: 'A celeb-loved home device did more for my double chin than £500 in-clinic injections'He is looking for adopters who understand his need for space. Animal carers says introducing him to life in a home will take a lot of time and patience since he has been in kennels for a long time and is used to his current routine.
Despite his heartbreaking story, staff at Dogs Trust Shoreham pull out all the stops every year to ensure his big day 'does not go unnoticed'. This year, Woody was showered in birthday cards, toys, and gifts from his fans nationwide thanks to his new role as a Sponsor Dog. Even at his old age, Woody has energy to burn, whether it's showing off tricks, playing tug, or sniffing out adventures.
The Dogs Trust team would be happy to speak to potential adopters about Woody's health conditions and how to easily manage them at home. Find out more about Woody and other Dogs Trust dogs at www.dogstrust.org.uk/shoreham.
Dog stories
Last week, the Mirror reported on Kiki, a seven-year-old crossbreed, who has also been dubbed one of the UK's most unwanted dogs after spending 468 days at Oakwood Dog Rescue in Hull without receiving a single rehoming application. The poor pooch was taken in by the rescue centre in November 2023 and it's clear she's had a tough past, initially too terrified to leave her kennel.
A statement from the rescue centre reads: "Kiki has clearly encountered lots of mistreatment at the hands of humans. Coming off the transport van she was absolutely terrified and fighting for her life.
"She spent the first few days too terrified to leave the safety of her kennel, but over time she has begun to realise that we are treating her with kindness and lots of patience. This has made the absolute world of difference to Kiki and she has started to show us a very silly, giddy side of her."