Dog found abandoned in flat finds forever home

A dog who was found abandoned in a flat by an estate agent has finally found her forever home after spending nearly 500 days in a West Sussex charity's care.

Dogs Trust Shoreham said Lola Lou was discovered in 2024 with an open bag of dog food and a note left behind which read "everything in this flat I no longer want".

The charity said it believed the dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier and pug crossbreed about 10 years old, had been left alone for about five days before being discovered.

Her adopters said they "fell in love with Lola Lou after meeting her the first time".

"Lola Lou's story really touched us," they said. "The Shoreham team and her foster carers have looked after her tremendously over the past year.

"We are really looking forward to giving Lola Lou a kind and loving forever home."

The charity said when Lola Lou was placed in its care she "struggled with separation anxiety", which meant finding the right home took time and patience.

Her story gained national attention when the charity hosted a speed-dating event to help Lola Lou meet potential adopters.

She was adopted at the end of 2025 and spent Christmas in her forever home.

Beth Madgwick, manager at Dogs Trust Shoreham, said Lola Lou's story had been an "emotional one" for everyone who had met her.

"We are absolutely thrilled to see her finally settle into the loving home she deserves," she added.

"We hope Lola Lou's story will inspire others to consider adopting older dogs or those who may need a little more understanding, and to remember that the right dog is worth waiting for."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.