IS this the region's most overlooked rescue dog?

Players of the postcode lottery are appealing to help find a permanent home for the longest-serving canine residents at Dogs Trust Darlington.

Seven-year-old Jed has been cared for by the charity since he arrived as a four-month-old puppy, meaning that he has been overlooked by more than 14,000 potential new owners since February 2008.

Despite rehoming Jed shortly after he arrived, he only stayed with the family for seven months after struggling to get on with the family’s other dog.

He was also adopted in 2012 but returned last year due to an unforeseen change in his owner’s circumstances.

Jed’s carer, Judith Davidson, said: “Nothing could really compare to seeing Jed find a loving new family of his own.

"I know I shouldn’t have favourites but Jed is such an affectionate, fun loving dog that I have a real soft spot for.”

The centre thinks Jed would be especially well-received in a family with older teenagers, or somebody who works part-time to ensure that he gets enough love and attention during the day.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for nearly 17,000 dogs within its 19 rehoming centres across the UK and Dublin, and is entirely reliant on funding from generous supporters such as players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Hazel Johnstone, Trusts Manager at People’s Postcode Lottery added: “Funding from players has helped ensure Dogs Trust are able to give Jed all the care he needs so he never need give up on finding a loving family of his own.”