Britain's most love-starved dog DESPERATE for a permanent home after 5 years in a shelter

Meet Britain’s most love-starved dog… Sad-eyed Muffin has spent almost all of her five years in a dogs' home waiting for that special someone to give her love.

Muffin the crossbreed looking sad-eyed

Forlorn Muffin has spent almost four years in a dogs home (Image: Dogs Trust)

The Dogs Trust is making an early Valentine’s Day appeal for Muffin to finally be given the home she yearns. Since was taken in by the charity in April 2015, she has been waiting for the perfect match without success. As the most romantic day of the year approaches, Muffin is being given matchmaking profile to help her find love.

Staff at Dogs Trust Loughborough have been working hard to build up crossbreed Muffin’s confidence so she bring an end to her long stay at its rescue centre.

The charity has a proud reputation of never putting a healthy dog to sleep and is committed to matching Muffin with a perfect owner despite her many years in doggy care.

Sarah Cochrane is a member of the rehoming centre team working with Muffin to prepare her for a new chapter in her troubled life.

She said: “Before coming to Dogs Trust, Muffin hadn’t had the best start in life. She hadn’t been introduced to people and places as a young dog should be, so understandably she has always found the world a little overwhelming.

“We’ve been spending lots of time teaching her that the world isn’t such a scary place and she has come on in leaps and bounds so we’re really hoping that this Valentine’s Day she will find the loving home she deserves.”

Muffin with dog rehoming team member

Dogs Trust's Sarah Cochrane with Muffin (Image: Dogs Trust)

Muffin being trained by Dogs Trust staff

Muffin is being trained to build her confidence (Image: Dogs Trust)

Among the commands Muffin has been taught to help build her confidence around people and other dogs is the “look back” order that means if she sees another dog she turns to the person walking her so she does not become anxious.

With those she trusts, she shows remarkable affection and likes to lean on people for cuddles, says the charity.

As Ms Cochrane explains: “She is doing so well and it’s wonderful to see her become less and less concerned by the world around her.

“We are also building her confidence around cars. Whatever the weather we can often be found sitting watching cars come and go in the car park while she gets lots of praise and more tasty treats. There are definitely a few soggy bottoms then, but it’s worth it.

Muffin looking at camera with lead on

Muffin has been in a dogs home for almost all of her five years (Image: Dogs Trust)

Ms Cochrane continued: “After all the hard work she has put in, we really hope Muffin finally finds her special someone. Like with all good relationships, Muffin would like to take her time to get to know you at first, but she will give any relationship 100 per cent commitment and will be a wonderful companion for life.”

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Scientists believe that the world’s first known dog lived 31,700 years ago. This prehistoric dog resembled a large Siberian Husky.

Dogs Trust says Muffin is looking for a quiet life while thriving on consistent routine. She would like to live with one or two adults but with no other pets as well as having a secure garden.

Anyone who believes they could offer Muffin her ideal home, can call the centre on 0300 303 0292 or visit them at Dogs Trust Loughborough at Hill Farm, Wide Lane, Wymeswold, Leicestershire, LE12 6SE. Or find out more at www.dogstrust.org.uk .