A lurcher who spent over 4.5 years under Dogs Trust care has overcome his difficult start in life and finally found a new home.
Jake spent two stints at the Leeds kennels, first in 2015, then from 2019, earning him the moniker of Britain’s “most unwanted” dog.
He was adopted aged one in 2015, but then was returned to the kennels four years later when his owner’s circumstances changed. Despite being described by Dogs Trust staff as “one of the sweetest dogs you could ever wish to meet”, he was overlooked by potential new owners.
All his carers praised his affectionate nature but, due to a tricky beginning, Jake needed some extra help building his trust in new people and developing his social skills when around other dogs.
As a result, staff noted that anyone interested in adopting Jake needed to be willing to take a gradual approach. “After so much upheaval in his life, and then spending so long in a rehoming centre, he needed time to adjust to a new way of living,” says carer Kevin Johnson.
In a bid to get him ready for new owners, Jake was taken on weekends away for activities to get him used to life away from his kennel. The excursions included hiking in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, with Kevin capturing some of their adventures on video.
The film was spotted by Veronica and Keith, from Keighley in the west of the county, who said they felt an “instant connection” with the nervous lurcher.
“I knew the moment that I saw the video of Jake on his holidays that I wanted him to come and live with us,” says Veronica. “He’d had a tough start to life and lacked in confidence, but it was clear from our first meeting that he was an affectionate and friendly dog who just needed someone to give him a chance.”
Over the next three months, they spent time getting to know Jake, first at the rehoming centre and then progressing to local walks. By February 2024, after some successful overnight stays, he was finally ready to start his new life.
“Jake literally bounced out of the car, straight into his new home and on to the sofa. I’m not ashamed to say there was quite the lump in my throat,” says Kevin. “Seeing him happily and confidently standing at his new home front door with his family as we left was so emotional.”
For his new owners it has been a huge success: “We love having Jake in our home. It feels like he’s been with us forever, and we couldn’t imagine life without him,” says Veronica.
For more “Underdogs”, those who have been in Dogs Trust care for six months or more, see dogstrust.org.uk.
