Two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier-cross, Lola, has now spent over a year in the care of the RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Branch, waiting for a new home.
Despite her loving and playful nature, Lola has struggled to find adopters willing to take the time to get to know her, according to the centre’s staff.
Lola’s long stay in the kennels, marking half her life in RSPCA care, has coincided with the charity’s annual ‘Adoptober’ campaign, which urges animal lovers to adopt pets from rescue centres. The campaign comes at a time when the RSPCA is facing a growing rehoming crisis across England and Wales.
Lola’s Journey in RSPCA Care
Support Engagement Officer at RSPCA Chesterfield, Steph McCawley, shared that Lola initially had trouble settling in and appeared worried in the kennels. However, over time, the young Staffie has emerged from her shell, revealing her true personality.
“She’s a sweet, friendly, and loving dog who enjoys curling up on your lap and has that distinctive broad Staffie smile,” said McCawley. “She loves to run and play off-lead, and her enthusiasm and zest for life really brighten our days here.”
Despite this, Lola has yet to find her forever home. McCawley believes it is due to potential adopters not spending enough time getting to know her. Lola thrives on human interaction, but she needs time to build trust, making it crucial for potential owners to be willing to visit the centre multiple times to develop a bond with her.
RSPCA Faces Rehoming Crisis
Lola’s situation is a reflection of a wider issue affecting rehoming centres across the country. According to the RSPCA, in 2023, the number of animals arriving at the charity’s centres exceeded the number of adoptions by 42%. This mismatch has resulted in overcrowded rehoming centres, with some animals like Lola waiting longer than usual for a permanent home.
Rehoming centres across England and Wales are now nearing full capacity. Pets like Lola are either waiting for adoption or being assessed for placement, while many others remain in emergency boarding, awaiting space in the rescue centres.
Last year, the RSPCA’s 14 rehoming centres and 135 independently run branches successfully found homes for over 28,000 animals. However, more than 40,000 animals arrived at their facilities, leaving many animals, like Lola, to wait longer for a suitable home.
Seeking the Right Match for Lola
Lola’s carers are hopeful that during the RSPCA’s Adoptober campaign, the right owner will come forward for her. Despite her challenging start in life, which left her anxious and withdrawn, she has blossomed into a loving companion, and the staff believe she would thrive in the right environment.
“We are looking for someone who has the patience to visit and spend time with her, helping her build trust,” McCawley explained. “Lola may be a busy and bouncy girl, but she can also be sensitive, so we want to find an experienced dog owner who can offer her the love and care she needs to flourish.”
The RSPCA is hoping to find Lola a home with adults only, where she can be the only pet. Her carers believe that, in the right home, Lola’s sweet and playful nature will shine, and she will finally get the chance to live the life she deserves.
Lola’s story highlights the ongoing need for adopters to consider rescue animals, particularly during this rehoming crisis. The RSPCA continues to urge those considering adding a pet to their family to adopt rather than buy from breeders, helping to ease the pressure on rehoming centres and giving pets like Lola a second chance at life.
