IT’S been a dog’s life for Sonya, a three-year-old lurcher
She was found with a broken paw, wandering the streets of Newbury.
After an operation at the Dogs Trust where she has been recovering, the charity hopes her sad tail will have a happy ending and she finds a forever home.
Rhian Grey, assistant manager at Dogs Trust Newbury, said : “Sonya is a lovely girl who has experienced a terribly difficult start to life.
“She really struggled after her injury. Thankfully, she has undergone successful surgery and is currently recovering with a foster family.
“Sonya deserves to find a loving forever home where she would make a fantastic companion. She has so much love to give and deserves a chance after her tough start.”
The Newbury branch has 60 dogs in its care. There are currently 31 different breeds with crossbreeds being the most common, followed by Border Collies, Lurchers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Lurchers were the third most popular breed of dog rehomed by Dogs Trust last year, with 524 finding loving new homes in 2022. So far this year, over 350 have come into Dogs Trust’s care across the UK.
Rhian said many people have the misconception that lurchers require lots of exercise: “While they do need regular exercise as every dog does, they also very much love lounging on the sofa like Sonya.
“She enjoys receiving lots of fuss and attention and is very affectionate towards her human friends.
“Sonya would prefer to live with adopters who are around all the time, as she does suffer from separation anxiety, however this is something that is being worked on and time away can be built up gradually.
“She needs to be the only pet in the home and can live with children over the age of 12. Her new family would ideally live within an hour of Dogs Trust Newbury, so she is able to easily return for vet appointments.”
Sonya’s plight has led to the Dogs Trust issuing an early Christmas message to anyone thinking of buying a pet this year.
Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust Veterinary Director said: “Dogs Trust urges people thinking of buying a dog for Christmas to stop and think first; it’s a huge commitment.
“Anyone considering getting a puppy, or a dog of any age, needs to carefully consider all aspects of dog ownership, including the responsibility and associated costs such as healthcare and insurance, and caring for your dog when you are working or away on holiday. Before taking the plunge, we recommend visiting the Dogs Trust’s website for advice on being dog ready.
“We hope people who have thought carefully about adding a dog to their family will consider adopting one of the thousands of dogs currently in rehoming centres across the UK. Whilst we do not advise buying a puppy for Christmas, if anyone is still considering buying one, please visit the Dogs Trust website for advice on buying responsibility.”
For more information, or If you think you could offer Sonya a forever home, please visit: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/lurcher/1266476
