The average length of time a dog spends in a shelter is said to be a few months, though this can vary a lot depending on factors like temperament, age, and breed.
One dog in UK, however, has been making headlines because he’s been at a shelter for three years but has only been visited once. While he’s no doubt getting plenty of the best dog treats from staff and volunteers, they’ve been raising awareness to help him find his forever home.
Flash, a nine-year-old Lurcher, found himself at Dogs Trust Darlington in the north of England in July 2022. Since then, he has become one of the longest residents at the site, which can care for around 100 dogs altogether.
The staff even held an open day for Flash, inviting the public to come and meet him, but nobody turned up, something rehoming center manager Nikki Holroyd described as “heartbreaking”.
"He still had a good day out of his kennel socializing with the staff, so a good day for him but a little unfortunate and sad for us,” she said, via BBC News.
She explained that the staff were confused as to why there’s been no interest in Flash – while some animals in shelters can have more complex needs and requirements, he’s “no trouble” and gets on well with people.
“Put a blanket on the floor, he'll snooze on it, chew his toy, and what he's allowed to chew, and he's just a loveable and fun dog to be around,” she added.
Dogs Trust has thrown Flash a pet’s birthday party to mark his third year there in a bid to cheer him up, but as Holroyd put it: "We obviously try and make it the best time in our care with us, but obviously we want him in a home.”
The charity has posted about Flash on social media to help raise awareness further, too. In a Facebook post, it said: “Flash is an affectionate and playful boy who loves going out on walking adventures as well as curling up on the sofa. The staff at Dogs Trust Darlington adore him and can't believe he's still in our care.”
Posted by DogsTrust on
His adoption page adds: “Flash has a playful personality that will always leave a smile on your face. He would love to find a secure garden to call his own, where he can zoom around with toys or have a snooze in the sun. Flash enjoys a fuss from his carers and is always excited to greet you.”
Read next: 8 things you need to know before getting a rescue dog
