A shy stray who is looking for a forever home is still languishing in a shelter after nobody came to a Valentine’s Day meet-and-greet that staff threw in the hope of finding him loving owners.
Luke, a stray mongrel, was rescued by Battersea Cats and Dogs Kent branch more than six months ago.
He is thought to be about five-years-old, and has won over the team at the refuge with his ‘cuddly’ nature, but is yet to find a family to take him on.
The team threw a Valentine’s Day party for Luke in hopes people would take an interest in the ‘big softie,’ but unfortunately, nobody came, and Luke is still waiting to find a loving owner to take him on.

Luke, a stray mongrel, was rescued by Battersea Cats and Dogs Kent branch more than six months ago. Staff threw a Valentine’s Day party in the hope of finding him new owners, but sadly nobody came

Luke is a cuddly puppy who wants nothing more than to find a loving home, away from the bustle of the city
Little is known about the mongrel because he was rescued as a stray, however, throughout his time at Battersea Brands Hatch, Luke has charmed his minders with his good temperament.
He has been staying at the charity’s shelter for 206 days so far, which is more than five times longer than the averate Battersea rescue, who takes about 35 days to be rehomed.
Staff believe that ‘scaredy cat’ Luke will gain from finding a loving owner to help him build his confidence. Currently, the dog is a little insecure when it comes to other canines.
He loves being around people and will be the happiest as the only pet of the family. He loves humans, and can live with teenage children, but dislikes cats.

Luke, a stray mongrel, has a cuddly nature, but is very shy and would benefit from an owner with experience of looking after larger, more timid dogs
At Battersea Brands Hatch, he’s benefitted from the quieter environment for dogs who struggle to cope with the big city life.
His shy nature also means he would do best in a rural area, away from the hustle, bustle and the noise of big cities.
Battersea is hoping to find a confident owner who have experience dealing with larger, nervous breeds.
Because Luke will need to be kept on a lead during his walks, he will need a large garden for some off-leash time at home.

The pooch loves his soft toys, but is a bit more nervous around other dogs, and would do best being the only pet of the house
He should be given plenty of time to settle into his new home, however, once he will have gotten to know you, he’ll be a cuddle and loyal friend.
The pup also suffers with some ear and skin issues, and will need a patient owner to help him manage a healthy, balanced diet.
The team had hoped Luke would find his perfect family at a Valentines’ Day meet organised by the centre, however, no one registered interest for the pupper.
Michelle Bevan, Centre Manager at Battersea Brands Hatch said: ‘Valentine’s Day is a time to show your appreciation for those you care about,
‘So it’s heart-breaking knowing that Luke will be spending the day without anybody to love nobody came to meet him for a date.

Luke is a loving pooch but needs a patient owner to help him gain confidence and learn to communicate with other dogs

The pooch has been saying with the centre for nearly seven months. He was a stray dog before he was rescued
‘Thankfully, Battersea staff were on hand to show Luke plenty of love and affection instead,’ she added.
She had plenty of nice things to say about Luke, describing him as a loving pooch.
‘Despite being a large dog, Luke is really just a big softie and enjoys nothing more than to cuddle up by a radiator with his favourite people and a cuddly toy.
‘We’re really hoping that someone will love him for the big lapdog that he truly is and give him the chance to be loved as he deserves,’ she added.
As Luke arrived at Battersea as a stray, staff at the charity don’t know much about his past relationship history.
‘Luke may have a few quirks, but he really does have so much love to offer the right person. He may not be perfect but is absolutely worth it,’ Michelle added.
If you think that you could be ‘The One’ for Luke, please contact Battersea Brands Hatch on [email protected] or by calling 01474 874994. To find out more about rehoming a rescue pet, please visit www.battersea.org.uk.