Dog rehomed for Christmas after overcoming anxiety

Blossom has found a new family after two failed attempts

An anxious dog who spent more than 1,000 days in a Leicestershire kennels has found a new home in time for Christmas.

After arriving at Dogs Trust Loughborough in March 2020, Blossom tried and failed to move into a new family twice due to her worries around traffic, other dogs and people.

But staff at the Wymeswold centre used a mocked-up home environment to help the seven-year-old German shepherd develop skills to manage anxiety.

And now a new owner has gently settled her since August, and said rehoming Blossom in time for Christmas "has been the best gift I could ever ask for".

Blossom will be spending Christmas with a new family

Dogs Trust credits the Education House technique - the mocked-up home environment - for helping Blossom overcome her anxiety.

Her new owner, who did not wish to be named, also worked to create the calm environment that Blossom would need.

'Impossible to forget'

The pair now plan to spend Christmas visiting a rural cabin, for plenty of walks.

She said: "I'm so happy to have Blossom home for the festive season.

"Despite her tough start, Blossom has really settled in well and you can tell how hard Dogs Trust has worked to make her feel more comfortable."

It was third time lucky for Blossom after two failed attempts at rehoming

Celine Di Crocco, manager of the Wymeswold centre, said the team was happy to see their hard work with Blossom have a happy ending.

But she said: "After almost three years in our care, it would be impossible to forget Blossom!"