A dog who was living in a cage where she was unable to stand up is still patiently waiting for a loving new home, more than a year after being rescued by the RSPCA.
Five-year-old crossbreed Gina was living in cramped conditions with another dog in a property in County Durham and was signed over to the animal welfare charity because of welfare concerns.
She’d had very little experience of the outside world and had been left with weakened muscles because of a lack of exercise.
The RSPCA’s Northumberland West Branch has been caring for Gina since May last year. Since then 77 dogs, including her companion, have been adopted, but sadly Gina is still waiting for her happy ending.
Their Adoptions Officer, John Billany, says Gina is the longest-staying dog he has ever known come into the branch’s care in nearly 15 years of working for the RSPCA.
“Gina has been with us for well over a year now and is still searching for a home to call her own. We rehome four or five dogs every month so she’s seen a lot of others come and go.
“When she first came into rescue Gina had a look of abject sadness on her face and you could tell she was depressed because of her living conditions. We understand she spent a lot of time locked in a crate where she was unable to stand up properly. She had to lie down in what little room she had and didn’t have the space to exercise, play, stretch her legs or explore the outside world.
“Despite her difficult past she’s an extremely friendly and loveable dog who loves spending time with people. She’s been adopted from us twice but has sadly been returned on both occasions because of separation anxiety. This is improving but is something her new owners will need to support her with.
“In the right home Gina will make a wonderful companion and we really hope this appeal will help us to find a perfect match for her. She’s a young dog who very much deserves happiness.”
John
Gina is being looked after at private kennels on behalf of the RSPCA’s Northumberland West Branch. Staff have worked carefully over many months to slowly build up her muscle mass and they say she’s now an energetic dog who is full of beans and loves chasing her ball.
Although she had previously lived with another dog Gina was unsocialised and had had limited interaction with other canines. Although she is still a little unsure, she is now more comfortable around other dogs and can be easily distracted with a tasty treat.
Because Gina has been in kennels for an extended period of time, and to ensure ongoing support can be given where necessary, potential adopters will ideally need to live within a 40 mile radius of Hexham. A quiet, adult-only household with a single person or a couple would be ideal. This could possibly be with people who are retired or work from home. She cannot live with other pets.
Because of her separation anxiety, it’s important that potential adopters are patient and understanding of Gina’s needs and are able to spend a lot of time with her during the day.
If you think you can provide Gina with the type of home she is looking for, please visit the branch’s website for details about how to apply.
The RSPCA’s Northumberland West Branch is an independent, self-funding charity which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals. They also run three charity shops in Hexham, Prudhoe and Rothbury. Visit their website for more information about animals who are currently looking for new homes or how you can support their work.
