Britain’s saddest dog left living in a cage too small to stand up in is still waiting for a new home over a year after being rescued.
Five-year-old Gina was living in cramped conditions with another dog.
She’d had very little experience of the outside world and had weakened muscles through lack of exercise.
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The crossbreed was rescued in County Durham last May after being signed over to the RSPCA of welfare concerns.
Since then 77 dogs, including her companion, have been adopted.
But sad Gina is still waiting, as reported by What’s The Jam.
RSPCA Adoptions Officer, John Billany, said Gina is the longest-staying dog he has ever known come into the branch’s care in 15 years.
He said: “Gina has been with us for well over a year now and is still searching for a home to call her own.
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“We rehome four or five dogs every month so she’s seen a lot of others come and go.
“When she first came into rescue Gina had a look of abject sadness on her face and you could tell she was depressed because of her living conditions.
“We understand she spent a lot of time locked in a crate where she was unable to stand up properly.
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“She had to lie down in what little room she had and didn’t have the space to exercise, play, stretch her legs or explore the outside world.
“Despite her difficult past she’s an extremely friendly and loveable dog who loves spending time with people.
“She’s been adopted from us twice but has sadly been returned on both occasions because of separation anxiety.
“This is improving but is something her new owners will need to support her with.
“In the right home Gina will make a wonderful companion and we really hope this appeal will help us to find a perfect match for her.
“She’s a young dog who very much deserves happiness.”
Gina is being looked after at private kennels on behalf of the RSPCA’s Northumberland West Branch.
Staff have worked carefully over many months to slowly build up her muscle mass and they say she’s now an energetic dog who is full of beans and loves chasing her ball.
Although she had previously lived with another dog Gina was unsocialised and had had limited interaction with other dogs.
Although she is still a little unsure she is now more comfortable around other dogs and can be easily distracted with a tasty treat.
The chairity advised that because Gina had been in kennels for an extended period of time and to ensure ongoing support can be given where necessary, potential adopters will ideally need to live within a 40 mile radius of Hexham.
A spokesperson added: “A quiet, adult-only household with a single person or a couple would be ideal.
“She cannot live with other pets.
“Because of her separation anxiety it’s important that potential adopters are patient and understanding of Gina’s needs and are able to spend a lot of time with her during the day.”
