A DOG which was taken in by the RSPCA last year is still looking for a home - six months later.

Staffordshire bull terrier cross Dotty was taken in by the RSPCA in July 2021 after being rescued underweight and suffering from a skin condition.

She’d been kept locked in a bedroom with little socialisation, with staff at the charity’s Ashley Heath Animal Centre near Ringwood spending weeks getting to know her and treating her health problems before she went up for rehoming.

Sadly, six months later, no applications have come forward to rehome her.

Animal care assistant Hollie Jones, who has been taking care of Dotty, said: “We’ve had zero interest in Dotty and it’s devastating. She’s such a sweet girl but, because she’s led such a restricted and withdrawn life, she needs really patient owners who can help her get used to the big wide world.”

Dotty is ideally looking for a home where she’ll be the only pet and will have access to a private, secure garden. She can be reactive when out and about so needs to wear a muzzle, something staff have trained her to get used to.

She enjoys going for walks in quiet places so would benefit from a rural home.

Hollie said: “Other dogs are particularly difficult for her but we’ve had her on a strict training plan and her behaviour has improved hugely in that time.

“With people, however, it’s a different story. She absolutely loves being around people and all she wants in life is a snuggle and a belly rub. She doesn’t quite understand the concept of personal space so will plonk herself on your lap.

She’d like owners who will initially be around for most of the day while she settles and can slowly introduce her to being left home alone for short periods.

Hollie said: “It’ll take the right person to give Dotty what she needs but, after all she’s been through, no one deserves it more. Who could resist that dazzling Staffie smile and her waggy tail?”

To find out more about Dotty visit her online profile or contact the Ashley Heath team on ashleyheath@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0749