A Staffordshire bull terrier nicknamed “Scotland’s saddest dog” because he spent more than half his life waiting to be adopted, finally found a new home.
Two year-old Scooby spent 15 months in the kennels and care of the Scottish SPCA. Staff at the Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre said Scooby was always passed over for “cute fluffy” dogs and was “dying of depression” because of the situation.
A nationwide appeal was issued last week to find Scooby a permanent home.
Retired police dog handler David Prokipczyn and his wife Anne read about Scooby’s plight in the newspaper. The couple always had dogs in their home, raising two ex-police German shepherds, boxers, a beagle, a Jack Russell terrier, a spaniel and their favorite, a brindle Staffordshire bull terrier named Cassie.
“Looking at Scooby in the newspaper reminded us so much of her,” said David. “We’ve been married 40 years and never been long without a dog. It just seemed like fate to read about Scooby.” The couple’s last dog died two years ago.
David added, “My wife was in tears so we agreed we would love to offer him the home he deserves.”
David, Anne and their grandson Evan drove 220 miles round trip to meet Scooby at the SPCA center. “He was a lovely boy and seemed very cheerful,” said Anne. “He just about licked David to death.”
The couple knew they wanted to adopt Scooby, but because nearly 200 people had responded to the appeal to meet the dog, the family wasn’t allowed to finalize the adoption. Sadly they returned Scooby to his kennel.
“As soon as he was popped back into the kennel, he became very sad and quiet,” said Anne. “He hardly lifted his head and looked miserable.”
On May 8, the Prokipczyn family received the call they hoped to get. They were chosen to be Scooby’s new family. They headed directly to the rescue center to collect the dog.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be getting him home with us,” said Anne. by Sharon Seltzer
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