A loving pup who spent nearly two years at Dogs Trust Darlington has finally found his fur-ever home in Northumberland after arriving at the centre in 2021.

Badger the Lurcher, 7, has struck gold after being matched with Prudhoe local Jacqui Dunn in July this year after she lost her beloved rescue dog Otis to cancer in March.

Described as an “underdog” at the centre, Badger was said to have found kennel life rather stressful after arriving from Ireland so received little interest - until he was taken home by Jacqui and is described as “the sweetest, most adorable dog ever.”

The Northern Echo: Badger the dog with his new family.Badger the dog with his new family. (Image: Dog Trust)  

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 per cent happier now having Badger by my side.

The Northern Echo: Badger the dog at the centre.Badger the dog at the centre. (Image: DOGS TRUST)

“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.” 

Following the process and the adoption, Jacqui has affirmed she is a strong advocate for Dogs Trust and encourages others to consider rescuing a pup.

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The Northern Echo: Badger the dog with Dogs Trust staff.Badger the dog with Dogs Trust staff. (Image: DOGS TRUST)

She added: “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.” 

To look at dogs available at Dogs Trust Darlington, click here.