Britain’s loneliest dog is still waiting for a loving owner to give her a forever home - after more than 450 days living in kennels

Bella was passed from home to home from birth before being brought into RSPCA's care in February 2020, where the one-year-old pup has remained ever since.

Despite spending more than a year at RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey, without finding a loving owner, staff say they still hope Bella will find the forever home she deserves.

Bella, a beagle-lurcher cross, is described as having a "lovely, cheeky personality" but could often be very wary and anxious - which staff said is a result of 'emotional scars' she developed being passed around homes as a puppy.

The animal charity called her “Britain’s loneliest” on account of how long she had been waiting for a home.

Deputy manager at RSPCA Millbrook, Liz Wood said: "When Bella came to us, she was very scared and very under socialised with dogs and people. Also her attention and recall with people was limited.

"She had been living in a small flat before coming to our care and was very wary of noises and unfamiliar people."

After hard work from Bella and her care team, she is now much more confident, much better at socialising, and has even learnt commands such as 'sit', 'down' and 'paw'.

After this February marked a year in RSPCA for Bella, Liz says the anniversary has been "an opportunity to celebrate how far she's come" - and hopes Bella now has the "best-ever chance of a happy ever after".

The cheeky, energetic one-year-old dog is seeking an experienced adult-only home in a rural location - and patient, loving owners who will be around to give her lots of attention and continue her training.

Liz said: "At times, Bella can be high on life and her lovely, cheeky personality really shines through, but if something scares her or is unfamiliar, she can struggle to cope.

"This means she will need a patient and understanding owner who is going to help build up her confidence.

“She enjoys being with people she knows and trusts and would benefit from having an owner who has trained and had young, complex dogs before.

"We are really keen to find a home for Bella - she has already been in four homes and she she isn't even two years old.

"We want to make sure that this time she ends up in the right, permanent and happy forever home that she so desperately deserves.”

It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription here and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.