Is this London’s loneliest dog? Dogs Trust terrier Nigel hoping to find a home in 2023

An “active and playful” Patterdale cross terrier might be London’s loneliest dog.

Four-year-old Nigel has spent much of his life living at the Dogs Trust animal shelter in west London, since arriving in 2020.

But the “lovely, human-loving” hound is hoping 2023 will be the year he finds a forever home to call his very own.

Staff at the Dogs Trust West London rehoming centre, in Harefield, are appealing to Londoners to open their hearts and homes to Nigel and other Dogs Trusts pups.

They described Nigel as a “very active and playful boy” who “loves to say hello to everybody he meets, but despite his lovely character, this perfect match hasn’t been found yet”.

They added: “He has been working super hard at his training and settling skills with the dedicated canine carers, and he is more than ready for his new owners to take the lead.

“He’s a lovely, human-loving doggy, who would like to be kept busy and entertained, but he does find seeing other dogs stressful.

“For this reason he would like to be the only paws in the home and be able to be walked at quieter times of day.”

Nigel would like to live in a busy household, within an hour’s drive from Harefield Dogs Trust, and with his own secure garden to explore and play in.

A Dogs Trust spokesperson said: “Many of our rehoming centres across the country are already at capacity, with waiting lists for kennel spaces.

“Dogs Trust is the most stretched it has ever been, dealing with an influx of dogs whose owners can’t afford to look after them as the cost of living crisis continues.”

“Along with the rising costs of essentials for their dog such as food and vet bills, some dog owners are being forced to downsize their property or relocate so they can afford their rent and living costs and the rental market is very poor at allowing people to have pets.

“If people are unable to find somewhere they can afford which allows dogs, they have no choice but to rehome their dog.”

“We’re also hearing from many people who now need to work more hours than ever before to make ends meet, and because their dogs are suffering from being left alone for long periods of time, they feel there is no option but to rehome them.”

If you could open your heart as well as your home to Nigel, or would like to know more about any of the dogs at Dogs Trust West London, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming.