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A homeless dog with a permanently sad expression is wagging her tail again after a couple adopted her.

Bless, who was the longest living resident at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, struggled to find a new home because of her “mournful face”.

The dog’s home ran an appeal to try and find someone to adopt the German Shepherd cross. She was finally taken home by Geoff and Sylvia Shoesmith, of Chelmsford, Essex, this week after more than 40 people came forward offering her a home.

They both saw an image of Bless in the newspapers and thought they would not have a chance to adopt the German Shepherd cross, because so many potential owners would contact the home.

But when they saw her again the following day on This Morning they called up immediately, and Battersea staff knew they were the perfect match.

Mr Shoesmith said: “She’s fantastic, I can’t fault her. She’s got that sort of face that never gives much away – but as soon as you put your coat on and it’s time to take her out, then she positively bounces.”

Rob Young, head of dog rehoming at Battersea, said: "Bless has a mournful face but a heart of gold - anyone who meets her can't believe what a gentle giant she is.”

Bless will be making an appearance at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home 20 annual reunion on September 7 in Battersea Park.