Shut inside a derelict barn with 44 other dogs and never once taken for a walk, border collie Ellie's life was one of complete misery and neglect. That is, until her rescue from the run-down premises 15 months ago.
However, while almost all those animals have since been rehomed to loving families, she is still waiting to be adopted some 450 days later. That means she's now been in the RSPCA 's care longer than any other dog in Wales, North Wales Live reports.
Currently being looked after at the charity's Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre in Upper Colwyn Bay, staff there blame the neglect Ellie suffered for her anxiety and inability to trust people. Along with the other dogs, she was completely unsocialised and had never gone outside, worn a collar or been exercised.
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The pack were removed from the mid-Wales property after the owner agreed to work with the RSPCA. He admitted the situation got out of control due to the sheer number of dogs he'd amassed and that he was no longer able to meet their basic needs.
"When Ellie arrived at the centre she was unsocialised and understandably nervous," said Victoria Williams, Bryn-y-Maen’s manager. "She'd been living rough in inappropriate conditions in a dilapidated outhouse with 44 other dogs and had never experienced a normal life, so we’ve worked really hard to build up her trust and confidence.
“For the first couple of months we’d sit outside her kennel and throw in high value treats for her. Once she was comfortable with that we fed her through the kennel bars before letting her out in the main block, leaving food bowls in different areas and gradually introducing more staff around her.
“The next step was to get her used to a collar and a lead, and about three months after she arrived, she was finally ready to go for a walk. It was really important not to rush Ellie and to let her do everything at her own pace.
"She’s been with us a long time and has seen her friends from the barn all go off to new families, so we’d really love to see her settled and happy in her own home after everything she’s been through." Victoria added that Ellie will need a quiet rural or semi-rural environment with understanding owners. She also needs to go to an adult-only home with no other pets present. To find out more about adopting Ellie, click here.
