A rescue dog who has finally found her forever home after nearly 500 days in the care of Dogs Trust Shoreham.

Lola Lou, a Staffordshire bull terrier/pug crossbreed believed to be about ten years old, came to the charity via the dog warden in July, 2024.

Dogs Trust said Lola Lou was placed in a Dogs Trust foster home, ‘where she could receive the stability and reassurance she needed’ while a permanent home was sought – which took time and patience because of separation anxiety and some reactivity towards other dogs.

A spokesperson for Dogs Trust Shoreham said: “Last year, Lola Lou’s journey gained national attention when Dogs Trust Shoreham hosted a speed-dating event to help her meet potential adopters.

Lola Lou spent Christmas in her new home after being in the care of Dogs Trust for almost 500 days. Picture: Dogs Trust

placeholder image — Lola Lou spent Christmas in her new home after being in the care of Dogs Trust for almost 500 days. Picture: Dogs Trust

“Although, sadly, no one attended the event, the story gained lots of media attention. Not only did this help raise her profile, but also highlighted the challenges older dogs can face when searching for a forever home.

“Thanks to the dedication of her foster carers who took good care of her for over a year, and the commitment of the team at Dogs Trust Shoreham, Lola Lou’s wait is finally over. She was officially adopted at the end of 2025 and spent Christmas in her forever home.”

Her new adopters, who have adopted from Dogs Trust before, said: “Lola Lou’s story really touched us and we fell for her at the first meeting with the Shoreham team who, along with her foster carers, have looked after her tremendously over the past year or so. We are really looking forward to giving Lola Lou a kind and loving forever home.”

Dogs Trust Shoreham manager Beth Madgwick said: “Lola Lou’s journey has been an emotional one for everyone who met her, and we are absolutely thrilled to see her finally settle into the loving home she deserves.

The Dogs Trust Shoreham team saying a fond farewell to Lola Lou. Picture: Dogs Trust

“Stories like Lola Lou’s remind us that sometimes dogs need extra time, but with patience, compassion and the right match, happy endings really do happen.

“We hope Lola Lou’s story will inspire others to consider adopting older dogs or those who may need a little more understanding, and to remember that the right dog is worth waiting for.”

For more information about Lola Lou’s friends at the rehoming centre who are still waiting to meet their match, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/shoreham