Maggie, the 13-year-old dog, was just a two-year-old pup when she was abandoned. Now she is hoping to find a new home by Christmas.

A whippet-cross abandoned more than a decade ago is believed to be Britain's loneliest dog after being overlooked by up to 50,000 possible owners in its Staffordshire kennels.



Maggie, the 13-year-old dog, was just a two-year-old pup when she was abandoned at Serendipity Kennels in Werrington, Stoke on Trent, back in 2004.

Maggie the dog who has been in a dog's home for a record 11 years Photo: CATERS

Maggie's lived at the kennels longer than any other dog but despite several appeals to match her with a loving family she's yet to find a home - despite more than 50,000 people coming to see her - and the kennels rehoming more than 5,000 other dogs in that time.

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Maggie playing in the field Photo: CATERS

Pat Lawton, 71, has been a trustee at the kennels for 38 years and can remember the day Maggie first arrived as a young pup with a pin in a leg - the reason for which is still a mystery.

Maggie in her kennel Photo: Newsteam

She said: "Maggie's such a lovely dog and she's done so well after a tough start in life.

"We all love her to bits - I think everyone here treats her like she's their own dog.

"The thought of Maggie curled up in front of a fireplace at Christmas time in a nice loving family is just amazing." Pat Lawton

"Maggie's had interest in the past because she's such a lovable dog but sadly no-one's ever been prepared to commit to homing her.

"We'd miss her if she found a home because we've all formed such a strong bond with her but it would be absolutely wonderful to see her in a nice family home.

Mrs Lawton prides herself in hand-picking suitable dog-owners and interviews prospective owners in their homes before deciding on whether to let the dogs go.

Mrs Lawton, who lives in Newcastle-under Lyme, said: "It's really important to us that our dogs are put with families who can properly look after them and give them a good home.

Maggie in her kennel Photo: Newsteam

"The dogs deserve it. Most of them here have been abandoned so it's only fair we make sure there's no chance of it happening again."



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"Maggie's had interest in the past because she's such a lovable dog but sadly no-one's ever been prepared to commit to homing her.

"Hopefully we can find her a home soon. She's in the twilight of her life and it would be so lovely for her to find a home by Christmas.

"She's great company so would be perfect for anyone who is a little lonely. She's a very loving dog who would be very loyal towards an owner.

"She loves her walks but she is also very gentle."



