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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Nia Dalton

Rescue centre's most unwanted dogs still without homes after 546 days

They all have so much love to give - but nobody has given them the chance to show it. Clover, Banksy and Virra are the longest-staying dogs at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (ARC), and staff are at a loss as to why they can't find families.

Clover has been dubbed "the loneliest dog in Bristol" despite her heart of gold; Banksy made headlines worldwide when he learnt how to paint; and Virra has the most beautiful smile that turns heads - but all three of them are homeless.

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Virra found herself without a home just as the animal welfare crisis hit (Nia Dalton)

Gina Jones, communications manager at Bristol ARC, told The Mirror : "All three dogs are waiting in kennels for families to take them home. We are so desperate to find them all loving owners."

Clover: 546 days

Young pup Clover is Bristol's loneliest dog (Nia Dalton)
Her gorgeous smile gets hidden by her muzzle (Bristol Animal Rescue Centre)

Clover is an active, clever girl who loves people and playing with her toys - bouncy balls are her absolute favourite.

"She wears a muzzle and we think maybe she's a little misunderstood because people can't see her beautiful smile when she's out for walks," Gina explains.

The two-year-old Lurcher has an extremely high prey drive and would love a good run around a secure field to burn off some energy.

Clover's family will need to continue her muzzle training, which is based around food and fun.

Staff say she is a "proper smarty pants with a heart of gold" and would be ideal for any adopter than wants to explore agility or go for very long walks in the secluded countryside.

Banksy: 376 days

Banksy has really been through it all (Nia Dalton)
He's spent over a year looking for love (Nia Dalton)

"Banksy is our famous painting dog. He raised £500 for the centre by creating paintings with his nose and paws, which we auctioned off online," Gina said.

"Unbelievably, despite all the press, he is still here."

Banksy the four-year-old Staffy had a rough start in life, having been passed between a few homes already.

He is looking for a consistent and patient forever home, with adopters who are willing to give him the stability that he needs to thrive.

Banksy loves training and is very eager to please, but he can get a bit boisterous and mouthy when he feels unsure.

One of this cheeky chap's favourite activities is muzzle training because it means he gets tasty treats.

Virra: 160 days

It's impossible not to adore old Virra (Nia Dalton)
Her positive energy is contagious (Nia Dalton)

Once a neglected rescue dog from Spain, Virra is now thriving in Bristol ARC and ready to find a loving home.

The eight-year-old golden retriever is still very active and enjoys playing with tennis balls - especially the squeaky ones.

She has a wonderful, thick coat which will need to be maintained to prevent matts from forming and keep her looking fabulous.

"Virra is a very affectionate girl who loves to be by your side once she has established a bond with you," Gina says.

"Her new family will need to be patient and willing to put in the time until Virra is ready to show her true self."

She would benefit from a home with a larger garden where she can properly stretch her legs and burn off all that energy.

If you have a place in your heart and home for Clover, Banksy or Virra, please visit Bristol ARC's website and fill out an adoption form.

Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.

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