A Dutch shepherd, Mia, who spent the majority of her life in a rescue centre, has been re-homed after waiting for years to find a family. The five-year-old dog, who was brought to Southridge Animal Centre in Hertfordshire at just nine days old, had been available for adoption since November 2022. Until recently, she held the title of the longest-serving resident at the centre.
Mia, once known as the country’s “most unwanted dog,” has now found her forever home with a family in North Yorkshire, a distance of 200 miles from the rescue centre.
Chris Atwell, her new owner, expressed his joy at giving Mia a loving home. “I’m so pleased I’ve been able to give her a happy life,” Atwell said. “I’m not sure why such a special dog was overlooked for so long, but seeing how quickly she’s settled into our home has been amazing.”
Mia’s journey to adoption began in 2019 when she and her mother were rescued by the RSPCA from “extremely poor conditions.” After spending her fifth birthday at the rescue centre last October and watching 400 other dogs get adopted, Mia’s wait for a home seemed endless. However, Chris Atwell and his family were the ones to change her fate.
“Considering she hasn’t spent much time in a home environment, she’s adapted incredibly well,” said Mr. Greenwell, another member of the family. “She’s a sweet, eager-to-please dog who loves training and staying mentally engaged. Her curiosity knows no bounds; she’s always investigating what’s going on around her.”
Since joining her new home, Mia has begun accompanying Mr. Greenwell on hikes, exploring the Yorkshire moorland, and even experiencing her first peat bog encounter, which led to a much-needed shower.
“Mia is a superb dog and a great companion—she brings a smile to my face every day,” Mr. Greenwell added.
RSPCA behavior and welfare advisor Claire Hoffman reflected on Mia’s lengthy stay in the shelter, noting, “Mia spent almost her entire life in kennels—35 years in dog years. Her long wait was heart-breaking, but we are thrilled that her story now has a happy ending.”
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