Poor Star the Staffie might be the most popular dog breed in the UK and recently captured the heart of a football star but, five years after being abandoned in a derelict building, he's still waiting for his forever home at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
After 1,800 days in the dog's home, the staff at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home have today spoken out in a bid to find his soul-mate owner and a home - fearing he may just be the UK's unluckiest dog.
His residency is more than three times longer than that of a dog recently touted as 'Britain's loneliest dog', who has been at a shelter for 500 days.
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And clocking up a massive 1,800 days means seven-and-a-half-year-old Star has been living at the shelter for most of his life.
Now, the staff at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home have launched an urgent appeal to find Star a forever home.
The Very Good Boy was first brought to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home back in July 2013, when he was found by police officers, tied up behind a derelict building.
Star showed signs of significant neglect, was greatly underweight and had claws so long they curled painfully underneath the pad of his paw.
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It was clear to the staff at the dog home that this little guy was lucky to be alive, so they nicknamed him their 'lucky' Star.
While the staff at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home worked closely with Star to help him recover from his physical injuries, the mental scars from his neglect took a little longer to heal.
When he saw other dogs and children while out and about he was very tentative. But a spokesperson for the home said: "More than five years later, Star has progressed in leaps and bounds.
"He has learned to walk politely on a harness and lead, to play fetch, sit on command and maintain eye contact when given the 'watch-me' instruction.
"Staff have been working on his confidence around other dogs, so he needs an experienced owner with the time to continue his behavioural training.
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"However, despite all this hard work, and as other pets come and go at the rescue centre, Star continues to wait for his special someone to walk through the door."
The staff will be sad to see their longest-serving and much-loved resident go but are desperate to say goodbye to Star so he can get a second chance at life.
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home Kennel Manager, Wendy Mullen, talked affectionately about him: "Star is such an intelligent, affectionate and playful boy, who has a lot of love to give, so it breaks our hearts that he keeps getting overlooked.
"For many years, our staff have been working hard to find him a new family, because we know what an amazing companion this loveable lad will make for the right owner.
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"He is so deserving of a second chance to feel the love and security only a forever home can provide."
Staffordshire Bull Terriers were crowned the nation's favourite dog breed, ahead of Labradors and Cockapoos in an ITV poll of 10,000 Brits last month.
And the cheeky little pup gave Hibernian FC player, Marvin Bartley, a run for his money when the midfielder came to the Home to challenge the football-mad pooch to a kick around.
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For further information about Star, visit the website, call 0131 669 5331 or visit Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
Featured Image Credit: Edinburgh Dog and Cat HomeTopics: Life News, News, Cute, Life