A unique dog with no nose spends five years in kennels as no one wants him

Albie was used for illegal hunting and, sadly, lost a part of his nose. His misfortune didn’t end with his rescue as the poor dog had to spend five years in the shelter. No one wanted to adopt him. But one day his story broke one of the volunteer’s hearts.

Used for hunting

The lurcher called Albie was rescued by the RSPCA just before Christmas in 2017. The dog had previously been used for illegal hunting and wildlife crimes, and the investigation had been opened in a bid to prosecute the culprits. Albie had to stay in the charity’s care for the duration of the case.

When he was finally ready for rehoming, the Covid-19 pandemic hit. The staff in the kennels had to restrict potential adopters from visiting, making it hard for them to see how lovable Albie was.

Sadly, the pooch had lost a part of his nose as a result of a hunting accident, making him look quirky and unique, but it also meant he appeared unappealing in the pictures.

Charity manager Anna White said:

Sadly, Albie was a victim of Covid. If someone had come in looking for a dog in person they’d be sure to fall in love with him as he’s such a lovely boy when you meet him.

But we had to rely on advertising our animals online and, sadly, we found he was constantly overlooked and we had barely any enquiries about him.

‘It broke my heart’

Grace Ho, from West London, lost her dog this spring. When she finally decided to adopt another pet, she was planning to take in a small Staffie or a spaniel. But when she saw Albie’s profile and read his story, they broke her heart.

Ho said:

I think most people see him as this scary dog because he’s missing part of his nose and has lots of scars and so never even gave him a chance.

She immediately contacted the shelter and arranged to meet the pooch.

The animal lover spent around two months walking him and getting to know him. She learned all about his quirks and his ‘reactivity towards other dogs’ and I felt like she could manage them.

Ho added:

Albie is so lovely. He’s a real gentle soul with humans and smiles. There’s obviously a lot to work on, but I know I can handle it. He’s already made some good progress.

‘There is a home out there for every dog’

Albie moved into his new home in September and is settling into his new life well.

He enjoys walks with his new mum and has already made friends with two greyhounds he met on doggy playdates.

According to Ho, he’s ‘such a good boy’ at home.

She said:

He’ll jump up onto the sofa next to me when I’m working and stuff his head behind my back; he just likes to be close to me.

The shelter is ecstatic that Albie has finally found a loving home after such a traumatic start in life and many years in kennels.

Anna White said:

It just shows that there is a home out there for every dog.

Sources used:

- Metro: 'Lurcher with no nose who spent nearly five years in kennels finally finds forever home'