RSPCA West Suffolk seeks a new home for 'broken-hearted' border collie Ernie

A new home is being sought for a border collie left 'broken-hearted' after his owner became ill and could no longer take care of him.

Eleven-year-old Ernie has spent more than a year in kennels and staff at RSPCA West Suffolk are looking for an owner who can 'give him time and space to slowly adjust to his new surroundings'.

Stella Pledger, from the branch, said: "Ernie’s devoted owner was becoming increasingly unwell and was unable to provide for him so the family put him into kennels hoping it would be a temporary measure.

"Sadly, almost a year later, his owner passed away and Ernie had nowhere to go.

"It must have been extremely difficult for Ernie who, as far as we know, spent his whole life with his previous owner, to suddenly find his whole world turned upside down and end up in kennels while pining for his owner.

"The poor lad was broken-hearted.

"We use the same kennels to board some of our dogs so when we found out Ernie needed a new home we agreed to take him on and try to find him the right family.”

The rough-coated collie is described as 'a sweet and easy-going pooch who would like a calm and quiet retirement home'.

He loves food, will do almost anything for a treat and he enjoys going for walks.

Ernie can be strong on the lead so needs an owner who can manage and work with him on his lead manners.

Stella added: "Ernie can be a little unpredictable and we had a behavioural assessment done.

"He is good with people he knows and trusts but is suspicious of strangers and can get overwhelmed meeting new people.

"He doesn’t like being groomed but had a lot of matted fur so we’ve been gradually working to tidy up his coat and build up his confidence with the experience as he’ll need continued brushing and grooming in his new home.

"Ernie needs an owner who can work with him slowly and give him time and space to slowly adjust to his new surroundings and owners.

"However, it’ll certainly be worth it as he is truly a wonderful, loving dog once he’s comfortable enough to show this side.

"And he’s also incredibly playful given his senior age.

"He loves to play ball and is keen to learn new tricks and already knows lots of basic commands."

Ernie is on medication for arthritis which has given him a new lease of life but new owners will need to factor in the ongoing cost of this treatment.

He’s looking for a home without children or other pets.

He can be left alone for short periods of time and is described as 'a bright spark looking for love in his twilight years'.

He needs an experienced home with minimal stress where new owners will gently handle him and respect his boundaries.

Note: Following a huge response to the above appeal, Ernie has found a new home. Click here for more details.

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