Plea for a home for dog which has been in Fenland RSPCA care for more than two years

A dog which was involved in a large welfare case has reached a “heartbreaking” milestone after spending more than two years in RSPCA care.

Sarah, a three-year-old lurcher, has been at RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre since November 2021 – and before that was at another centre from March 2021.

As a result, she only became available for rehoming in December last year.

Between 2021 and 2022, the RSPCA saw a 6% increase in the number of dogs taken into care at a time when adoptions have fallen.

As the “crisis” continues, RSPCA rescue centres are “full to bursting” with unwanted pets.

Heidi Sweetland is an animal care assistant at Block Fen and is the main handler for Sarah - with whom she has formed a unique bond.

And now Heidi is making a personal plea to help find Sarah a new home.

Heidi said: “We love all the dogs and animals that we care for – but there is always that special one that stands out a little more and for me that’s Sarah.

“I think part of it is because you become so heartbroken that they spend so long waiting for a new home – and knowing them so well you just know that they will be the perfect family pet – they just have to find the right family.

“Sarah is a sweet natured, cheeky girl, with so much personality. She initially comes across as being shy but once she is bonded with you she is very loving and cheeky.

“She loves nothing more than zooming around and playing with her male friends here at the centre. She is so playful.

“She is very affectionate when she is bonded with you and loves climbing on your lap for cuddles and kisses.”

Due to Sarah only being used to a kennel environment, she is likely to find settling into a new home and new situations quite overwhelming at first.

She will need some further training when being taught her day-to-day commands and when out on walks.

The RSPCA is looking for experienced Lurcher owners and for her to be rehomed with a neutered male dog, as “she loves the company/playing with other dogs” and they feel this will help her with her confidence in a new home environment.

Heidi added: “She is a very shy, timid girl when it comes to meeting new people so she will require a few meets at the centre for her to be comfortable enough around you before taking her home.”

Sarah is to be in an adult-only household due to her shy nature and not being used to being around children – and will require a large garden for her to run around in.

Heidi added: “It would be good for her to have access to an enclosed exercise paddock for her to let off some steam and do lots of zoomies.”