Northern Ireland's 'loneliest dog' looking for a loving owner

Would you have space in your heart and home to take in Northern Ireland's 'loneliest dog'?

Vinnie is a labrador cross and was abandoned a year ago.

The 7 year old canine has been described as a gentle giant and still seeking a loving owner.

He's being cared for at the Dogs Trust in Ballymena.

Rehoming Centre Manager, Oonagh Phillips said: “Vinnie is such a loveable dog and we can’t understand why no budding owners have come forward yet.

He's been dubbed the one "noboby wanted" and there's a nationwide appeal for someone caring to take him home.

Oonagh said: “Since Vinnie came to Dogs Trust he has made leaps and bounds, having doubled in weight and become much healthier. "

Despite being showered with affection, staff are worried that Vinnie will never find the loving home he deserves as he has been without an owner now for more than a year.

He arrived at the Re-homing Centre in August 2015 after being abandoned and was severely underweight. 

Vinnie has an ongoing medical condition linked to his kidneys, however it doesn’t slow him down in the slightest and the team at Ballymena can advise on this.

Vinnie can live with older children aged 12 and over and staff say he would benefit from a home where he is the only dog so that he can be showered with attention.

"He has a lot of energy so active owners would suit Vinnie.

"Some of his favourite things include being outside, exploring and snuggling up for an afternoon snooze on a comfy bed." staff added.

Sarah Park of the Dogs Trust in Ballymena, spoke to Q Radio news