A TYNEDALE woman has rescued an 'overlooked' dog who has spent 21 months in a rehoming centre.

Jacqui Dunn, from Prudhoe, feels she is the lucky one after adopting seven-year-old lurcher Badger in July from Dogs Trust Darlington Rehoming Centre.

Since bringing him home, she describes Badger as “the sweetest, most adorable dog ever”.

Badger came into Dogs Trust care from Ireland in November 2021 with no information about his past life. 

He found life in kennels stressful and sadly attracted little interest from anyone looking to adopt so was promoted as an ‘underdog’ - which is the term given to a dog that has been overlooked and spent more than six months in Dogs Trust care. 

 Jacqui, who lost her beloved rescue dog Otis to cancer in March, completed an online application form for another dog at Darlington rehoming centre, but as they already had a new home lined up, Badger was suggested as a possible match.  Jacqui wasn’t looking for a specific breed of dog so was very open to adopting a lurcher.  

Jacqui said: “Badger is absolutely perfect in my eyes.  He has his little quirks, including being uncomfortable when he sees other dogs, but I work around them as he works around mine.  I am gobsmacked he was in kennels for so long and I feel it is my good fortune that nobody was interested in him as I couldn’t ask for a sweeter dog. 

“When Otis died earlier this year, I missed the companionship and routine of dog ownership.  I am 100 percent happier now having Badger by my side. He is brilliant with my grandchildren and we most enjoy walks and nights on the sofa together. My house is a home again after welcoming Badger into my life. 

“To anyone thinking of getting a dog I would say please consider a rescue dog and don’t let the length of time they have been in kennels put you off. Be honest with Dogs Trust staff and fully explain your circumstances, they are there to help you every step of the way.

"Do your research and be prepared to be patient to give the dog time to adapt to their new life. Badger’s personality has always been there, he just needed someone to give him a chance so he could truly shine.”