Shy stray dog spends Valentine's Day alone after 200 days in animal shelter
Watch: Shy stray spends Valentine's Day alone
A shy stray dog spent Valentine's Day alone after nobody showed up to a meet-and-greet thrown in the hope of finding him new owners.
Stray mongrel Luke, thought to be around five years old, was rescued by the Kent branch of Battersea Cats and Dogs rescue more than six months ago.
He has won over the team at the refuge with his "cuddly" nature, but is yet to find a family to take him on.
Little is known about Luke's background but staff have seen he is nervous around other dogs. They described him as a "big softie" and said all he needs is a loving home.
Luke has been looked after by the charity for 206 days - more than five times longer than the average Battersea rescue who takes around 35 days to be rehomed.
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 heartbreaking knowing that Luke will be spending the day without anybody to love because nobody came to meet him for a date.
"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 lap dog that he truly is and give him the chance to be loved as he deserves."
Bevan said Luke loves being around people and will be the happiest as the only pet of the family. He loves humans, and can live with teenage children, but dislikes cats.
At Battersea Brands Hatch, he's benefitted from the quieter environment for dogs who struggle to cope with the big city life and his shy nature also means he would do best in a rural area, away from the hustle, bustle and the noise of big cities.
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Battersea is hoping to find a confident owner with experience dealing with larger, nervous breeds and, because Luke will need to be kept on a lead during his walks, he will need a large garden for off-leash time at home.
Staff said he also suffers with some ear and skin issues so will need a patient owner.
The team had hoped Luke would find his perfect family at a Valentine's Day meet organised by the centre, but nobody registered interest.
Bevan added: "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."
If you think that you could be ‘The One’ for Luke, please contact Battersea Brands Hatch at bbh.rehomers@battersea.org.uk or by calling 01474 874994.
