TV star Barry finally finds a fantastic new family after more than a year in RSPCA care
English mastiff Barry was first brought into the RSPCA animal centre in South Godstone, Surrey in January 2012 after being abused as a young puppy.
He was rehomed in June that year but unfortunately his new owners’ circumstances changed and this January he found himself back at the centre.
He has since had a cruciate ligament operation and was just waiting to find the right person.
The RSPCA was determined not to give up on brave Barry and launched a national appeal to find him a home.
He featured in two national papers as part of the RSPCA’s Game of Homes campaign in which he was paired with doppelganger The Hound played by Rory McCann.
As well as featuring in several national and regional rehoming appeals, Barry even appeared on This Morning back in March and spent the day with Eamonn and Ruth.
Fortunately for Barry on August 4 Lynn Bakewell who lives on a farm in South Godstone visited the RSPCA centre and was taken with the three-year-old.
Mrs Bakewell who lives with husband Alan as well as their daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren said: “I have recently lost our beloved rottweiler Sid and I didn’t think I would get another dog.
“We have a female English mastiff cross Doberman called Sandie and after Sid died she was very down so thought we would have a look.
“Barry was the first dog I saw and I fell in love with him. He has a lovely temperament and enjoys human company.
“He loves the space we have here and playing with Sandie. He can be quite lazy and doesn’t get up until about 9am.
“I love big dogs and we are lucky to have the space here, not everyone does.”
Mrs Bakewell also cared for Sid after he had a cruciate ligament operation so is experienced in the care Barry needs.
She added: “He can sit and roll over but we are working on his recall.
“He is a wonderful character.
“There are so many dogs out there needing homes, I would urge anyone to look into adopting instead of buying dogs from breeders.”
Liz Forbes-Dale who works at RSPCA South Godstone said: “We are delighted Barry has found his home.
“He had a tough time after surgery and had to have lots of rest but he remained good natured and is a dog with a lovely temperament.
“I’m sure he will have a lovely life with his new owners.”
Notes to editors
? First picture shows Barry at the This Morning studios.
? The second picture shows Barry with Sandie.
? The third is of Mrs Bakewell and Barry.
? For more information please ring the press office.
? The RSPCA currently has 1,378 dogs in its 16 national centres and private boarding. If you would like to adopt a dog please visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 07825 158490
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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