A RESCUE dog who was in kennels for two years is spending his first Christmas in a new home.
Crossbreed Butch appeared in The Observer and Dog’s Trust’s annual rehoming appeal, 12 Dogs of Christmas, for two consecutive years, but no one showed interest in adopting him.
That was until Jakub Kulikowske and Joanna Sokołowska from Stratford visited the Dogs Trust centre in Kenilworth and fell in love with the three-year-old dog.
Now Butch has landed on his paws and is spending his first Christmas at home doing his favourite things – playing with his toys, enjoying treats and falling asleep on the sofa with his teddy bear.
Jakub said: “Butch is our first rescue dog but we knew he was going to be our dog from first time we saw him. The way he looked at us made us fall in love with him and we couldn’t believe he had been there for more than two years.
“He isn’t keen on other dogs so that why we think he was waiting a while but he is a very intelligent dog and does anything for treats – he shocks us at how quickly he picks things up sometimes.
“Butch has settled in so well and thrives on his routine which makes him very comfortable.
“Once a week we take him to a large secure field where he can run as much as he wants.”
And the couple are urging people to open up their hearts and homes to a dog who has been in rescue for a long time.
Jakub added: “We would definitely recommend adopting a dog if you can. The longer term dogs have so much love to give as long as you can give them time and patience to settle.
“We enjoy every moment with Butch, he is the best dog ever.”
Dogs Trust staff are ‘delighted’ for their former long-term resident.
Centre manager Emma Healey said: “Butch was with us for so long. He loved the company of people but the only thing holding him back was that he wasn’t overly keen on other dogs. Luckily Jakub and Joanna were more than happy to work with the training team who showed them how to help him when he went home with them so it has worked out perfectly.
“We’re delighted that he will be spending his first Christmas with them, being given the love and affection he deserves. Seeing our dogs go to their new homes is why we do the job we do and we are all absolutely delighted for Butch.
“This Christmas we have more than 150 dogs looking for their forever homes and we hope they’ll all be with their special someone this time next year.”
Visit www.leamingtonobserver.co.uk to see this year’s 12 Dogs of Christmas or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk to see the dogs needing homes.
