A DOG who had spent half of his life in kennels has finally found a loving home thanks to a nationwide appeal.
Scooby, a two and a half year old Staffordshire bull terrier, had given up all hope of ever being part of a family after constantly being overlooked by visitors because of his breed and appearance.
The Scottish SPCA launched a national appeal last week to find Scooby and fellow long-term residents Frankie and Oliver the loving, permanent homes they were desperate for after spending a total of 31 months in kennels.
Scooby is finally set to leave kennels
Public interest in the three staffies, dubbed Scotland’s least-loved dogs, rocketed after the media exposure. More than 200 people called the Scottish SPCA to offer the dogs homes, including David Prokipczyn from West Lothian, who was chosen from scores of applicants to become Scooby’s new owner.
David collected the excited Scooby from the Scottish SPCA’s Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Drumoak, Banchory, today (Monday 8 April).
Centre Manager Graeme Innes said, “We were completely overwhelmed by the response to our appeal to find Scooby, Frankie and Oliver good homes.
“Our phones were literally ringing off the hook for three days solid and we just couldn’t believe how many people were willing to offer the boys homes after they’d all spent such a long time in our care with very little interest at all.
“We couldn’t be happier for all three dogs but we’re especially pleased for Scooby, who has spent half of his life in kennels which is no way for a young, playful dog to live.
“Frankie has already settled into a new, loving home with a family from Ross-shire and Oliver is reserved to go to his new home in Moray in the next few days.”
Scooby’s new owner, David, said, “My wife and I have been married forty years and we’ve always owned dogs, including three ex-police dogs, a staffie and a jack russell terrier. It’s only very recently that we’ve been without one and the house has felt so empty.
“When we read Scooby’s story in the paper my wife was in tears so we both agreed that we would love to offer him the good home he deserves.”
Anyone interested in offering a staffie like Scooby a home can call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
