UK's 'most unwanted dog' seeks patient and understanding owner after 468 days stuck in kennels
Kiki, a seven-year-old crossbreed, was taken in by Oakwood Dog Rescue in Hull, but she sadly hasn't received a single rehoming application throughout her stay
Kiki, a seven-year-old crossbreed, has 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."
'So much potential'
Kiki is now showing signs of progress, allowing rescue workers to stroke and brush her – and even approaching those she's unsure about slowly. The statement continued: "For the ones she's not yet ready to allow touch, she does dance around when we do lots of silly talk to her and is brave enough to come forward and take treats from us.
"This girl has so much potential and has shown that all she needs is love, patience and someone to give her the loving home that she has never had and so desperately deserves."
While she wants to make friends with other dogs, she would need a slow introduction as she builds enough confidence to approach them for play time.
"Kiki has now been mixed with a number of dogs and usually she will stand and look over at them a lot, really wanting to go and say hello but is just far too worried of how they might react to her," the statement added.
"This may be down to fear as she is so much smaller then all the others and it's likely she would've been picked on in the kill shelter. She has lots of trust issues with other dogs but has shown us that she is able to make friends.
"She used to spend a lot of time with ex Oakwood dog Pippa – who has now been adopted – and currently spends her playtimes with either Rusty or Chocolate and Pepper. We believe that she would be able to live with another dog based on the right match."
Extra training required
Kiki needs a patient and understanding owner who is willing to put the hours in to train her as she has no form of training. She cannot live with children under 14 years old or cats.
Her owners will also need to teach her how to walk on a lead when she is accepting enough to be collared. She can be left home alone for four to five hours, but this should be built up over time after she has settled into her new environment.
In an emotional appeal on Facebook, the rescue centre shared: "Kiki arrived with us 10th November 2023. The total number of applications since this date are... Zero. Not even one single enquiry. When Kiki arrived with us, she was completely untouchable. She has spent months learning to trust us and now all she wants is to be with us. It's definitely Kiki's time for her very own home."
Social media users were moved by her story, with one commenting: "One of my favourites and she's made massive strides since she arrived. I pray her forever home comes quickly for her."
Another chimed in, saying: "She is so adorable and deserves a loving home very soon. Good luck beautiful girl. I wish I could have adopted you." While a third remarked: "Not one application. How on earth? She is beautiful."
For those interested in giving Kiki or any other dogs at Oakwood Dog Rescue a new family, click here for more information.