It’s a case of happy-ever-after for Polly as she leaves Dogs Trust Ballymena to go to her forever home. We reported the story of Polly a few months ago, here. She had been cared for by Dogs Trust Ballymena for a long time. She eventually ended up at the Ballymena Rehoming Centre for over 500 days! But the good news is she is now with her new family.
Read the full story from Dogs Trust below.
“Staff at Dogs Trust Ballymena are thrilled to announce that one of their long-term residents has found her special someone. Six-year-old Border Collie cross Polly, who is a firm favourite amongst canine carers, recently headed off into the sunset with her new family and is settling in well.
Polly was a resident at Dogs Trust Ballymena for more than 500 days. She was made an honorary member of staff during her stay and has previously supported the work that goes on at the Rehoming Centre. In January this year she helped promote the Northern Ireland Campaigns team’s microchipping efforts when they microchipped their 1,000th dog.
The following month she helped provide valuable information to the public around appropriate tasty treats for dogs ahead of Shrove Tuesday. She then supported the promotion of the team’s rehoming efforts for April Fools’ Day. It seemed only fair that when the Rehoming Centre extended it’s walkway for dogs a few months later, Polly should be the first dog to take a test stroll.
After a very busy stay at Dogs Trust, Polly was spotted online by the Smyth family. Richard and his wife Janet, along with their two daughters Laura and Anna, had been looking for a new pet after their previous dog Jet – also a rescue dog, sadly passed away after 10 happy years with the family.
Richard said:
“We, like the staff of Dogs Trust Ballymena, couldn’t understand why no one had come forward sooner to give Polly a home. After meeting her we could tell she was a very relaxed, happy dog who would fit in nicely with our family. She especially loves people and has given all visitors a warm if noisy welcome. We definitely believe Polly chose us just as much as us choosing her.
It’s strange because our daughter Anna noticed Polly on Dogs Trust social media a year ago and now she is part of our family. We couldn’t ask for a better companion for our family and look forward to plenty of trips to the country and beach for walks.
We are grateful to the Dogs Trust in Ballymena and generally for their support before, during and after our adoption of Polly. The staff at the Rehoming Centre had become very attached to her and must have found it hard to say goodbye. They had worked very hard in training and supporting Polly and this has certainly helped to make her the super dog she is. We look forward to providing a secure and happy home for her after her long wait to find a family.”
Happy-ever-after for Polly and the staff at Dogs Trust Ballymena are also delighted.
Oonagh Phillips, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said:
“We couldn’t be happier that Polly has finally found a new home, especially after all the hard work she had put in helping out around the centre. Richard and his family definitely seem to appreciate her for the amazing companion she is. We look forward to keeping in touch with them to find out how she is progressing in her new surroundings.”
If you are interested in adopting a dog, please get in touch with Dogs Trust Ballymena on 0300 303 0292. You can also visit their Ballymena Rehoming Centre website here.”