Scottish SPCA appeals for home for 'saddest dog' Scooby
A nationwide search for a home for a Staffordshire bull terrier dubbed Scotland's saddest dog has been launched by the Scottish SPCA.
Two-year-old Scooby has spent 15 months in kennels, longer than any other animal looked after by the charity.
Staff at the Aberdeenshire Rehoming and Rescue Centre now fear he is so lonely his health is suffering.
They are looking to convince people Scooby would make a "loyal and loving pet".
Debbie Innes, assistant manager at the centre in Drumoak near Banchory, said: "Poor Scooby has all but given up on life and you can just see the light in his eyes fading as he returns to his lonely kennel at the end of another day without any interest.
"He just loves being out so much. He is so full of love and he is so mischievous. He is such a wonderful little guy and it is so heartbreaking having to put him back.
"As soon as you put him back in the kennel you almost see the little shoulders slump."
And Scooby is not the only lonely Staffie. The Aberdeenshire centre is also home to two others - Frankie who has spent 10 months in kennels and Oliver who has been there for 6 months.
The Scottish SPCA says about 40% of all dogs in the care of its centres are Staffordshire bull terriers and the charity is striving to dispel the myth the breed is inherently dangerous or aggressive.
Ms Innes added: "Scooby, Frankie and Oliver are all huge people-pleasers and they are literally begging to be given a chance to prove what fantastic family members they could make.
"The love these guys have got to offer their prospective new owners is unconditional and without limits."
Anyone interested in offering Frankie, Scooby or Oliver a home is asked to call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.