According to some, Blue Monday (15 January), is the most depressing day of the year - but Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Brands Hatch has some very good news to cheer everyone up.
Dolly, who spent an incredible 440 days at the world-famous rescue centre in Kent, sang her Battersea swansong and finally found herself a home to call her own.
The American Bulldog, now three years old, arrived at Battersea Brands Hatch in October 2016 after her previous owner moved house and was unable to take Dolly with her.
Dolly was a very nervous girl with any new people she met, and during her time at Battersea Brands Hatch, expert staff worked every day for over a year to help her gain more confidence.
Never one to judge a book by its cover, along came Daryl Povey from Reading, who saw Dolly’s potential and asked to meet the shy animal.
Mr Povey, who’s retired, said: “I’ve always had rescue dogs and I’ve never gone in with any preconceptions about any dog. For me, it’s all about the initial appeal and the connection on that first meeting, and Dolly was the one for me.
“Dolly’s settled in really well at home, she’s like my shadow and won’t let me leave her sight. She’s so friendly and such a lap dog too – a very big one! We can’t wait until the weather gets better when she can fully enjoy the garden whenever she wants.”
Anna Hemmings, Centre Manager, added: “Dolly had been here for such a long time but we never gave up hope. Her designated team did such a great job working on her low self-esteem and training her to come out of her shell and show her true personality. Looking after Dolly isn’t a 9 to 5 job, it’s a forever job – but a lovely one at that. We’re all so happy she’s finally gone to a good home. We will always love you, Dolly.”
Anyone interested in giving any of Battersea Brands Hatch dogs a second chance, please visit www.battersea.org.uk