One of the UK's loneliest dogs is still looking for its forever home after being stuck in an animal shelter for more than two years.
Patterdale cross Nigel is one of 700 dogs waiting to be adopted from Dog's Trust after the cost of living crisis has seen many pets surrendered.
Nigel is described as a "lovely, human-loving doggy" by staff at the rehoming centre in Harefield who are hopeful 2023 will be his year.
They say he's a very active and playful boy, and loves to say hello to everybody he meets.
Hundreds more dogs are in the care of Dog's Trust while they wait for adoption, MyLondon reports.
The charity has said the ongoing the cost of living crisis has seen many households and pet owners forced to make the difficult decision to give over their pets as they cannot afford them.
A Dogs Trust spokesperson said: “Many of Dogs Trust’s rehoming centres across the country are already at capacity, with waiting lists for kennel spaces.
"Dogs Trust is the most stretched it has ever been, dealing with an influx of dogs whose owners can’t afford to look after them as the cost of living crises continues.
“Along with the rising costs of essentials for their dog such as food and vet bills, some dog owners are being forced to downsize their property or relocate so they can afford their rent and living costs and the rental market is very poor at allowing people to have pets.
"If people are unable to find somewhere they can afford which allows dogs, they have no choice but to rehome their dog.
“We’re also hearing from many people who now need to work more hours than ever before to make ends meet, and because their dogs are suffering from being left alone for long periods of time, they feel there is no option but to rehome them.”
To find out more about rehoming a dog, head to the Dog's Trust website here.
