RSPCA Suffolk Central in Martlesham, near Kesgrave, desperate to find home for ‘special and beautiful’ dog for Christmas

An animal welfare charity is putting out an ‘urgent and unusual’ appeal as it seeks to rehome a dog in time for Christmas.

The RSPCA has revealed it is desperate to rehome a large-breed female dog from its Suffolk Central branch in Martlesham, near Kesgrave.

However, due to the animal being part of an ongoing investigation by the charity, it cannot be named – which has made efforts to foster her more challenging.

It is expected that potential foster parents would need to care for the dog for at least four months.

Zoe Barrett-Lamb, the animal centre manager, said: “This is a highly unusual situation for the branch as we are unable to release many details publicly about this dog due to legal reasons.

“But what we can say is that this dog really deserves to be in a home environment which is why we are putting out this plea for a special foster home.”

Zoe said the dog had been in kennels for a long time, and deserved all the attention she could get.

She enjoys football, zooming around the garden, and being in the presence of people.

The animal would need to be taught that it is okay to be left alone for short periods, but would prefer having someone at home most of the time.

Zoe added: “We do need a special home for her and any potential fosterer will have the full support of the branch throughout this.

“We are just trying to do the best for her - but it is hard given we cannot release any information publicly about her at this stage.

“But if there is someone out there who has a pet-free home, time to help her and a warm lap for a rather large dog - then this would be the perfect Christmas for this special girl.”