Lovable Charlie may be gutted on the inside, but he is refusing to show it on the outside.
The five-year-old "cheeky" rescue dog has been in RSPCA care for 470 days, and has since been very unsuccessful in his search for a family.
Two potential offers of homes have come to nothing and the pup is waiting once more for his happy ending.
But despite being let down twice, Charlie won't let anything wipe the smile off his face.
Staff are hoping it will be third time lucky for this beautiful boy, who was once too scared to even step outside.
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Deputy manager at Newport Animal Centre, Kathryn Logan, said: "We were feeling so hopeful that Charlie would be enjoying life with new owners by now, but sadly the two offers of homes have fallen through and we find ourselves back at square one.
"He’s come such a long way from the scared and nervous dog he was when he arrived at the centre back in January 2021; he had never gone outside, worn a collar or been on a walk, but his transformation has been quite incredible."
For the first few weeks, Charlie refused to leave the corner of his kennel out of fear.
It was only when he began to trust his carers and feel more at ease that he finally took his first steps outside.
Kathryn said: "Charlie really is a different character now, his beautiful personality shines through and he loves a cwtch from his carers.
"We all think the world of him, but of course we'd love nothing more than to see him finally settled in his own home."
Volunteer Danni Wilson has built up a close bond with Charlie over many months and regularly takes him for walks.
She said: "It's been wonderful watching Charlie come out of his shell and start to enjoy life. He wouldn’t let us go near him when he first arrived, but now he can’t get enough attention and showers me with kisses and affection!
"I think his favourite pastimes are rolling around on the nearest patch of grass when we go out walking and then wrapping himself up in towels when he's had a bath.
"Despite what he’s been through, he’s exceptionally friendly and he would definitely enjoy, and benefit from, the company of another canine companion."
Like the rest of the dogs, Charlie had experienced very little human contact before he was rescued from the dilapidated barn in West Wales.
He can still find new stimuli scary, so he will need a patient and quiet adult-only environment where he can get used to different noises slowly.
A big garden would also be beneficial so he can bond with his new family in a bigger space before gradually going out on walks with them.
His sociable nature means he would really benefit from living with another calm and confident male dog, or neutered female, who can help his progress and get him used to dealing with everyday life.
His new family will also need to come to the Newport centre multiple times to build up a bond with him, so they will ideally need to live nearby.
If you'd like to adopt Charlie, you can visit his profile on RSPCA online.
Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
