Dog only has one visitor after years at shelter

Flash is described as being sociable and friendly with people

A rescue dog which has spent three years patiently waiting for his forever home has only been visited once, according to a charity trying to rehome him.

Nine-year-old lurcher Flash was handed over to Dogs Trust in July 2022, but efforts to find him a home have been unsuccessful "through no fault of his own".

He is one of the longest residents at the charity's site in Sadberge, near Darlington, which can care for about 100 dogs.

Staff recently held a dedicated open day for Flash, where the public were invited to meet him, but nobody turned up.

Lauren Hutchinson is part of the team trying to rehome Flash, one of the longest residents at Dogs Trust Darlington

"It was heartbreaking," said Nikki Holroyd, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Darlington.

"He still had a good day out of his kennel socialising with the staff, so a good day for him but a little unfortunate and sad for us."

Nikki Holroyd says the team loves Flash but wants to see him in his forever home

Although some rescue animals can have complex requirements, Ms Holroyd said he was "no trouble", fine with people and loved to travel on adventures.

She said the team were perplexed as to why there had been very little interest in Flash.

"Put a blanket on the floor, he'll snooze on it, chew his toy, and what he's allowed to chew, and he's just a loveable and fun dog to be around."

The nine-year-old recently celebrated another birthday at the centre

The charity has since thrown Flash a birthday party marking his third year at the site in an effort to cheer him up, complete with treats and toys.

"We obviously try and make it the best time in our care with us, but obviously we want him in a home," Ms Holroyd said.