Dogsey

MEET Dennis – the lonely rescue dog struggling to find a new home because potential owners are put off by his CROSSED EYES.

The three-year-old Collie was born with a medical condition, meaning his eyes are misaligned and look in different directions.

The condition – known as strabismus – makes the playful pooch a little slower at playing catch but otherwise has little effect on his everyday life.

But staff at the Dogs' Trust branch that houses the cross-eyed Collie believe the pup is having trouble attracting interest from potential owners.

Dogs' Trust support relations officer Jane Hirons said: "We take in hundreds of dogs of all shapes and sizes but I have never seen anything quite like Dennis.

"Some people will overlook any dogs that have a slight health problem or appear different, and even with his striking good looks and fun personality Dennis is often passed by – possibly due to his unusual eyes.

"But he is such a cheeky character.

"He is an affectionate, fun loving boy who adores his carers and loves to be with other dogs.

"This energetic boy is looking for an active family, could live with children as young as six and must be rehomed with another dog.

"Dennis may not be winning any frisbee catching competitions any time soon but he is a super dog who will make a fantastic pet in the right home so we have everything crossed he will find it soon."

Lonely cross-eyed Dennis was dropped-off at the Dogs' Trust in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, last month after his owner was no longer able to care for him.

Luckily, the three-year-old Collie's condition is not degenerative.

Dogs' Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said: "We rarely see a dog at our rehoming centres with this condition and Dennis is definitely the only cross-eyed Collie I have come across.

"Fortunately, Dennis is a happy dog and his new owner will not need to treat him differently from a fully sighted dog, though they do need to consider he may find it slightly harder to focus which can make it more difficult for him to catch a ball."