‘Unluckiest rescue dog in the UK’ Unwanted Daisy boomerangs back to pets home

A SAD-EYED pet is being dubbed “the unluckiest rescue dog in the UK” after being sent back to a world famous animal home.

Daisy 'the unluckiest dog in the UK' (Image: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home)

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have said Daisy the nine year old mongrel is their most unfortunate resident because nobody wants to look after her as she reaches old age. She has been languishing for 99 days in kennels without a single potential owner giving her a second glance. This is the second time that the black mastiff-cross has found herself looking for a family at the famous animal home which has been rescuing pets since 1860 and last year helped 7,000 dogs and cats. At any given time, it is looking after 300 dogs and 200 cats across its three centres. Eight years ago, it took only 15 days for Daisy to be adopted from the charity.

But when her owners found a recent change in circumstances meant they could no longer look after a big pet, Daisy found herself back at Battersea, leaving staff to describe her as their “unluckiest rescue dog”.

Centre manager Steve Craddock explained: “When Daisy was at Battersea for the first time as a young and energetic dog, she found a home after just 15 days, but now back for a second time as an older dog, she has still had no interest after being here for close to 100 days.

“Sadly, large breeds like Daisy don’t have as long life spans as smaller dogs, living for an average of around 10 to 12 years.

“While Daisy is in the twilight years of her life, she still acts like a big baby.

Daisy the dog left languishing for 99 days (Image: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home)

"She loves to bounce around and play with her favourite people, curl up for cuddles and is always most comfortable carrying around one of her soft toys.”

Daisy’s predicament as “boomerang dog” – one that has been returned to a rescue centre – highlights the problems faced by elderly pets coming through Battersea’s gates, with many having to wait far longer to be rehomed than their younger counterparts.

Over the past three years, more than 900 dogs aged seven or over have been found new homes by Battersea, with the average stay before being resettled 40 days.

"For dogs under seven, the wait is an average 31 days.

Yet dogs like Daisy face far longer waiting times, although they have the potential to be perfect pets the moment they are given a chance.

Fun loving Daisy still loves to play despite being unwanted (Image: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home)

“Many people prefer to rehome puppies and younger dogs, so that they can have them for their whole lives, but people often forget how much time, training and exercise younger dogs need,” said Mr Craddock.

“Older dogs, like Daisy, are already house trained and while many still have a lot of get-up-and-go, they need a lot less exercise making them a lot less work for a new owner.

“Senior dogs are often much more relaxed than younger dogs, and in a lot of cases they would rather just have a cuddle on the sofa and some human affection, than be running around chasing tennis balls all day. They have a lifetime of love to give and will cherish every moment spent with their favourite people.”

For further information on Battersea, please visit www.battersea.org.uk .