An unlucky pooch is seeking his forever home as he celebrates his 10th birthday - after almost 500 days in RSPCA care.
Crossbreed Maxy will celebrate his double-digits birthday on Saturday with a party thrown for him by staff at the RSPCA's Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, in Aylesbury, Bucks.
Maxy has lived at the charity's animal centre for over 16 months, since December 27, 2019, and is well-loved by the staff, who describe him as a "real cuddle monster".
But the staff have just one wish for Maxy for his birthday this year - that he finally finds his 'forever' home, and gets his own family at last.
Maxy was rescued by RSPCA staff at the end of 2019 after spending his whole life outdoors, working as a guard dog on a scrapyard.
He'd never been walked and was overweight, but has lost almost 10kg since being at the centre.
He has never lived in a family home - but despite this, staff at the Blackberry Farm Animal Centre say Maxy "adores" people.
Lauren Atkins, who is taking care of Maxy, said: "Despite a lifetime as a guard dog, Maxy absolutely adores people.
"He greets everyone with slobbery kisses and is a real cuddle monster who will make a wonderful companion for the right person. He loves having fuss and will do almost anything for a treat."
Lauren added that Maxy arrived at Blackberry Farm with his best friend Skyla, with whom he had spent his entire life in the scrapyard.
But sadly, elderly Skyla was suffering a lot of health problems and had to be put down shortly after arriving at the animal centre - leaving Maxy alone for the first time in his life.
Lauren said: "Maxy loved her so much, they were inseparable. When we lost her he was lost and found himself on his own for, what we believe, was the first time ever.
"He’s struggled ever since we lost Skyla and our behaviour team have been working with him to help prepare him for a new home.
"Unfortunately he’s been under-socialised and finds it difficult interacting with some dogs.
"We’ve been working on this and he has improved vastly.
"But we feel he’d be best suited to experienced owners who live in a quiet, rural area where he can enjoy going for walks without encountering lots of dogs.
"We’ve had lots of success muzzle training and he’s happy wearing this out and about."
Maxy is an older chap and is showing some early signs of arthritis. He’s currently on pain relief which has helped him a lot and this will need to continue in his new home.
But he doesn't let his arthritis slow him down - and loves to run around and play in the garden.
Maxy would suit a family home with children over ten - but he needs to be the only pet, although may be able to live with outdoor animals such as horses or livestock.
He can be left for short periods of time, and is well toilet-trained so should be clean in a home.
Lauren added: "We’d advise continuing with leaving him in a crate when he’s alone as he feels settled and relaxed in a crate.
"He has learned some commands while in kennels - including ‘sit’ and ‘paw’ - but would benefit from further training.
"Maxy does find it difficult socialising but has made strong bonds with some dogs he’s met during his time here.
"Unfortunately, he ends up heartbroken again when they get rehomed and he is overlooked once more.
"That’s why we’re desperate to find him a family to show him the love he deserves. It really is his turn for a happy ever after."
