Meet the loneliest dog in the West Midlands looking for a forever home for 500 days

National pet charity Blue Cross is looking for a home for their loneliest dog who has been patiently waiting for more than a year.

Staffordshire bull terrier Duke, 10, was a good companion to his owner, who could no longer take care of him due to illness. He arrived at the charity Blue Cross Bromsgrove at the end of January 2022 but more than 460 days later the good boy is yet to find his forever home.

He has had a hard time living in kennels and is now with a permanent foster, but the charity never imagined that Duke have to live with their volunteer foster carer for almost 1.5 years.

Laura Coveney, Rehoming Supervisor at Blue Cross’s rehoming centre in Bromsgrove, said: “Duke found kennels so tough, to the point it was affecting both his mental and physical health. He was so stressed and was not coping at all.

“He was then in and out of what we call ‘bed and breakfast’ foster care, which meant he didn’t need to stay in kennels overnight, but he still wasn’t coping with the back and forth.”

Duke then went into permanent foster with Christine Tilt, who became a foster carer for Blue Cross in 2022 having been a lifelong supporter, alongside her late husband.

Laura, who visits Duke every week for training sessions – which he loves, said: “It’s frustrating that we can’t show what a lovely companion he is, and how easy he is to live with. It’s such a shame as he would perfectly fit into so many families’ lives.

“He’s the dog people are looking for – they just don’t realise it. And so, they don’t look in his direction. If you ask them what they want from a dog, it’s Duke.

“He’s the ultimate rescue dog. Duke’s the dog who proves the saying ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ is wrong. He’s learnt so much since he’s been with Christine. He’s just been really unlucky. It’s heartbreaking.”

His foster carer Christine knows beyond all doubt that he’ll make a wonderful pet. She adds: “He’s got so much character. He just wants to be loved.

“It will just be so lovely to see him go to a new home. I know he’ll be happy and know that he’ll settle down easily as he’s so loveable, and very easy to live with.”

If you think Duke is right for you, visit Blue Cross’ website to find out more or to make a donation to help the national pet charity care for more animals like Duke.