Bald dog finds fur-ever home after year in kennels

RSPCA Dog Patch, a boxer breed, laying in a grassy field, wearing a red harnessRSPCA
Patch has begun to have fur grow back

A bald dog who struggled to find a home due to his unusual skin allergy has been adopted after more than a year in kennels.

Boxer Patch has an allergy to dust mites and birch pollen which led to his previous owners giving him up after being unable to afford treatments.

Staff at the RSPCA's Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and District Branch worked for six months to figure out and solve Patch's soreness and balding.

After hearing of the dog's struggles, Simon Mullins made repeated visits and checked he could care for Patch before finally bringing him home after 373 days with the charity.

RSPCA Patch sat on the arm of a grey sofa with his owner's arms around him.RSPCA
Simon Mullins has created a social media page to raise awareness of Patch's conditions

His new owner has created a social media page specifically for his pet and to raise awareness of Patch's skin conditions.

Mr Mullins said Patch had adapted well to his new home environment.

"Considering one of his allergies is dust, I can say at this moment in time he is doing very well with his allergies. No home is dust free and I was worried about how a home environment would be for him - but so far so good.

"His skin is so soft now, it feels like a baby's skin. I do want him to grow more fur but secretly I love my naked pooch just the way he is."

RSPCA centre manager Claire Kendall said: "When Patch came in to us, we were shocked at how bad his skin was.

"Then after 373 days of being at the animal centre his wonderful adopters came to us after seeing him on various platforms.

"All the staff were very tearful when he left as everyone was so happy for him.

"We all follow him on social media, and we can see he is doing amazing - it's just wonderful!"

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