HEREFORD and Worcester Animal Rescue have dogs looking for their forever homes.

We will post each dog and their story over Christmas and the new year.

First up is four-year-old Mastiff Rupert.

Rupert was found alone in the Herefordshire countryside; he must have been left behind by someone, said a spokesperson from the centre.

It quickly became apparent that Rupert had issues with his vision and after a check-up with the centre’s vets it was confirmed he had cataracts.

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After being referred to the eye hospital in Leominster and multiple check-ups the centre was told that Rupert wouldn’t be a successful candidate for surgery to help him see again.

Rupert has cataracts in both eyes which are stable, retinal detachment to his left eye and is at high risk of retinal detachment to his right eye.

The drainage angle of both eyes is abnormal, which means there is only a small space as a way out for the aqueous and this means that he is predisposed to have glaucoma in both eyes.

The centre understands that he would be at high risk of further complications from the surgery.

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“Rupert’s health and happiness has always been and will always be our priority, so the decision was made not to go ahead with the surgery,” said the spokesperson.

“We have vowed to him that we will find him his happy ever after, don’t get us wrong.”

He enjoys his life and has a routine that he knows, he trusts the centre, and its team adores him, but it would desperately love for him to have his own people and a home to call his own, said the spokesperson.

“Rupert is a wonderful boy and growing in confidence every day- he is hilarious, affectionate and we just love him although he can be stubborn at times, but we just think this adds to his character,” they said.

Any potential owner will need to be aware that Rupert’s vision is severely impaired although he copes very well day to day, but he will eventually lose all sight to both eyes.

It will be a big commitment, but Rupert the centre believes he is 100 per cent worth it.

“We are so proud of him and everything he has been through and is yet to overcome,” said the spokesperson.

A quiet and calm home with one or two adults who are experienced with large breed dogs would be ideal, any potential owner/s must be willing and able to make regular visits to build a good bond with Rupert before adoption.

A child and pet free home is also essential as Rupert can be easily startled by things around him.