A sweet dog who looks like a little lion is desperately searching for a place to call home. Lola the shar-pei is around seven years old and arrived at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre in February with her sister, Keeco, after their previous owner was unable to cope with their specific needs.
The siblings were left with very sore skin and fur loss, but have been transformed in RSPCA care and are back covered in fluff. Despite stealing the hearts of rescue staff, sadly neither of them have found families. It has now been decided to try and rehome them separately, in the hopes that they can both get their second chance of happiness sooner.
Hayley Moorey, the centre's behaviour and welfare advisor, said: "Sadly it has proved challenging finding a home for them both together, so we think it is in their best interests to find a home for them separately."
At the centre, the duo received around four months of treatment as they both had severe alopecia, untreated sores, sore skin inside their folds and were scratching almost constantly which made them themselves bleed again.
Hayley said: "They were both put on Prednidale and treated with Malaseb baths, which started with every other day but is now twice a week.
"They saw the vet every other week during their treatment, so the vet could keep an eye on their progress. They were finally ready for rehoming in the middle of June, so it has been a long road for them!
"It is just heartbreaking that they are still at the centre. We know how amazing they are, and just can't wait to see them get their forever homes."
Keeco and Lola can still be rehomed together - but options for them to rehomed individually are being looked at too.
"They are so loving and have such quirky personalities," Hayley added. "They love nothing more than giving and receiving cuddles from the staff.
"Keeco is more playful, whereas Lola likes a fuss and a head rub. They can be a little nervous of new people at first but once they get that bond they are super fun and affectionate."
Keeco and Lola are looking for adult-only homes without any pets, and owners who have had experience with the shar-pei breed.
If you are interested in adopting these delightful duo together or individually please complete an Online Application Form or you can speak to the centre directly.
This month is Adoptober, the RSPCA's rehoming drive promoting adoption and encouraging people to adopt and not shop.
Sadly it comes at a time when the charity is braced for an animal rescue crisis as more pets come into its care while less people are considering taking on a new pet due to the rocketing cost of living.
At the same time, more animals arrived in the charity's care and the average length of stay increased, resulting in long waiting lists for spaces in rehoming centres.
The charity is urging people who can commit to the lifelong responsibility of a pet to consider rescuing instead of buying, and is also asking the public to help them rescue more animals by donating online.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
