Poor Staffordshire bull terrier is overlooked time and time again - could he be the loneliest pup this Christmas?
Beautiful Bentley has his bags packed and is ready to find his forever home just in time for Christmas - after one year in RSPCA care.
The three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier doesn’t want to spend his second Christmas in kennels and has written his list for Santa with just one wish included: ‘A new home’.
Bentley, who arrived at the RSPCA’s Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, just days before Christmas in 2016 was rescued by the charity after being found living in appalling conditions.
Paula Flitney, deputy manager at Blackberry Farm, said: “Poor Bentley has had an awful start to life and seems to be one of Britain’s unluckiest pooches.
“He was kept in terrible conditions and was badly under-socialised before being rescued by our inspectors. This has caused him to be quite reactive to new situations and others animals so we’re really after an experienced owner who can help teach him that the world isn’t such a scary place.
“As other dogs around the country are lavished with gifts and look forward to the festive period at home with their family, Bentley is facing the prospect of another Christmas in kennels. He is so desperate to find a home to call his own that he has his toys organised and his bags packed ready to go.”
He’s an active boy who is quick to learn new things and has already mastered basic commands like ‘sit’. He can be left for short periods of time and could live with older, teenage children but must be the only pet in the home.
Paula added: “Bentley is the king of cuddles and cannot get enough love or attention from people. He loves to sprawl out on the sofa with you or curl up on your lap for fuss and is such a sweet lad.
“He’s had a difficult past and, sadly, that’s left emotional and mental scars for poor Bentley. But we know that with time and effort - and lots of love - he will grow into a happy, well-rounded dog and will make a wonderful pet and companion.
“We’d like him to go to a quiet area where he can enjoy lots of long walks and progress with his training without constantly bumping into other dogs, until his confidence has improved. He just needs someone to take a chance on him and give him that happy ever after he so truly deserves.”
Sadly, on 17 December, Bentley will mark a heartbreaking milestone with the RSPCA - 365 days in the charity’s care. And staff are desperate to find this lovable pooch the paw-fect home in time for Christmas - so he can be spoiled with lots of cuddles, treats and his very own family to celebrate with.
If you could make Bentley’s Christmas wish come true, please visit his Find A Pet profile for more information about him or contact Blackberry Farm on 0300 123 0752.
This winter, the RSPCA expects to receive 2,000 calls a day about animals who, just like Bentley, are in desperate need at Christmas time. To make sure the RSPCA can help many more dogs like Bentley this festive season, please make a donation to the RSPCA’s Kindness at Christmas Appeal by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/winterappeal.