Scotland's 'loneliest' dog finds forever home after 767 days at Scottish SPCA shelter

Scotland’s “loneliest” dog has found its forever home after spending 767 days at a rescue shelter.

Five-year-old Roxy has spent almost half of her life living in kennels at Scottish SPCA’s Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

The Staffordshire bull terrier was given up by her previous owner after a “change in their life circumstances” meant they couldn’t look after her anymore.

After her arrival, Roxy struggled to adapt to life in the centre but “learned to love life again” thanks to the shelter’s support staff.

A number of appeals were put out to find Roxy a new home, but she was continuously overlooked, until Gerrard Brown and his daughter Dawn saw her picture on a wall at the centre.

Mr Brown said that he and his daughter “instantly” fell in love with the pup’s face.

“The team managed to arrange a meeting that same day. She came out bouncing about and was an instant bundle of joy.”

Roxy spent almost half of her life living in kennels at Scottish SPCA's Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre. — Roxy spent almost half of her life living in kennels at Scottish SPCA’s Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre. SSPCA

Mr Brown returned to the centre with the rest of his family to take her out for a walk before they decided to foster her for two weeks.

“It all went well and we completed the paperwork for her to come home with us and be officially part of our family,” he said.

Mr Brown said that the pup has settled in with her new family well, and is very relaxed in her new environment.

He added: “We’re focusing on training and getting her used to family-life. She’s been loving getting spoiled with new toys!”

Rehabilitation operations lead Rachael Maclean said that Roxy’s case is rare as the charity works to find animals their forever home as quick as possible.

The charity has recently seen a massive 25% increase in arrivals at their shelters across Scotland with 6,944 animals being taken into their care in 2023.

“We also rehomed 3,881 animals to loving new homes, fostered 459 animals, and treated 5,163 wild animals.

“Our aims for 2024 are to enhance our adoption and fostering services with an expanded team,” she said.

“This means getting animals into the right homes faster and improving the experience for animals, fosterers and adopters.”