Is this Britain’s loneliest dog? Diefer the ‘cheeky’ terrier cross is still waiting for his forever home 439 days after his last owner died
- Diefer, nine, has been at RSPCA’s Sheffield Animal Centre since December 2018
- Terrier cross is intelligent and active and loves having snuggles from the staff
- Video shows him rolling over for belly scratches during his 439 days at shelter
- The adorable canine would be best suited to adult-only home with no other pets
A ‘cheeky’ terrier cross has spent 439 days waiting for his ‘forever home’ after his previous owner died.
Nine-year-old dog Diefer has been in the care of the RSPCA’s Sheffield Animal Centre since 21 December 2018.
In an adorable video of playtime Diefer is seen snuggling up with one of the RSPCA workers and rolling over onto his back for some belly scratches.
Adorable nine-year-old dog Diefer (pictured) has spent 439 days waiting at the RSPCA’s Sheffield Animal Centre for his forever home after his previous owner died
The sweet dog happily lays back and holds his paws up as the staff member tickles his stomach before spinning back onto his feet and giving her a sniff.
Although first being anxious, the sweet and intelligent canine is now friendly and loves going for walks.
Staff at the centre worked hard to reassure Diefer, spending time with him daily and introducing new ways to have fun, use his brain and enjoy himself.
Hayley Crookes, the Animal Care Lead at RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre, said: ‘We are heartbroken that the lovely Diefer hasn’t found his forever home yet. He has been so close but sadly it has fallen through when someone showed an interest in him.
The cute canine loves going for walks and is full of energy for chasing balls and playing outside
‘He has waited 439 (as of March 4) long days since his owner passed away to find a new home. We’re not sure why as he is a very friendly dog who deserves a home to call his own.
‘He goes for lovely leisurely walks and loves to see the sights and take in the world. We have shown him some fun ways to channel his energy by doing things like scent work.
‘We have also helped him tweak his manners, he will now happily swap his toys for another or something equally as fun.
‘Once he is comfortable with you, he is an absolute diamond. His favourite people get cuddles and kisses by the bucket load and he really does enjoy human company.
Animal Care Lead Hayley Crookes said Diefer (pictured) is ‘an absolute diamond’ and will give his favourite people cuddles once he’s comfortable with them
Diefer is trained to wear a muzzle and would prefer an adults-only home without other pets
Ms Crookes added: ‘Diefer has such an affectionate side to him as well as a cheeky side to his personality which we just find very charming.’
The canine would like to live in an adult-only home with no other pets as he is choosy about the dogs he likes to interact with and doesn’t like sharing human affection.
He is trained to wear a muzzle whilst out walking and is very comfortable in it as the staff ensured this was a positive experience for Diefer with yummy treats.
Ms Crookes added: ‘He would suit experienced owners who have an active lifestyle with lots of time to spend helping Diefer develop his education and training further.’