Homes needed for 'gentle giants' - RSPCA

The RSPCA is looking to find "a forever home" for a three-year-old German shepherd called Luna.

It comes after the charity revealed it can take up to seven times longer for some bigger breeds to find a new home compared to smaller dogs.

As a result, staff at the RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, North East & Lincoln Branch said Luna had "sadly reached the heartbreaking milestone" of being in their care for more than a year.

A spokesperson for the branch said: "Luna has been through a lot of hardship in her short life - but she adores human company and is just waiting for their perfect forever home which she can call her own."

The RSPCA is urging people to consider adopting "gentle giants, big softies and larger than life characters" as part of its annual Adoptober campaign.

RSPCA pet behaviour expert Dr Sam Gaines said: "These special dogs may not be the right pet for everyone, but we know the right people are out there and we urgently need to hear from them."

Luna, who came into the care of the RSPCA in Lincolnshire in July, 2024, "neglected and underweight" is described as a "hugely affectionate and playful young lady who can't wait to find a safe and loving home environment.

"She absolutely loves to play and will often walk around with a toy in her mouth - but she is nervous of other dogs and needs to be the only pet in the home," a branch spokesperson said.

"She is wonderful around people and eager to please, she has already mastered commands but is looking for a strong bond with her owner to reassure her that she's safe."

Potential adopters can visit the RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, North East and Lincoln branch website for more information.

In 2024, the RSPCA rehomed 26,167 animals across all its centres.

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