DOGS Trust Evesham is celebrating rehoming its 200th dog of the year – an elderly blind German Shepherd called Duke.

Eleven-year-old Duke arrived at the rehoming centre in February after his owner sadly passed away. Originally cared for in a loving foster home, Duke has now been adopted by Dawn and Clive Crofts from Shropshire. Whilst Duke might be blind, this this didn’t stop him catching the eye of Dawn and Clive, who fell in love with his photo on the website. He is now looking forward to his retirement where he can put his paws up and enjoy being part of a family in his twilight years.

Dawn said: “We’d been looking to adopt a dog for a while, but we knew we weren’t looking for a puppy – I didn’t think we could keep up with a younger dog! Our hearts melted when we a saw Duke and we contacted the rehoming centre straight away to find out more about him. We knew he’d be the perfect addition to our family and our thoughts were confirmed when we met him and we’re so pleased to be able to give an elderly dog a home.

“Duke is absolutely wonderful. He settled in straightaway and already feels like he’s been part of the family. We’re so excited to have Duke in our lives – we think we’re the lucky ones to be able to adopt such a wonderful chap.”

Neil Barker, Rehoming Centre Assistant Manager at Dogs Trust Evesham, said: “The team are delighted to have found new homes for so many dogs already this year but there are always lots more still waiting to find their special someone.

“A dog is for life and, thankfully, Duke has really landed on his paws and we know he’ll be very happy with his new family.”

Dog Trust Evesham care for around 800 dogs per year and currently have around 60 dogs waiting to be adopted.

Supporters drive everything that happens at Dogs Trust. With no government funding for the delivery of their life-saving work, they never forget that it is only thanks to the generosity of the public that Dogs Trust can be there for the thousands of dogs they care for and rehome, every year.

Staff will only work with professional fundraising organisations that meet our high standards.

For more information, please visit dogstrust.org.uk or pop in to the rehoming centre at 89 Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford, Evesham, WR11 7RT.