A DOG that was left homeless after a pub he lived in shut down is looking for his forever home.

Kayden, a Dutch X German Shepherd, used to be a pub dog and absolutely loves being around people. Unfortunately, Kayden’s previous owner lost his pub and his home during Covid, leaving Kayden homeless and then rescued by Shads Legacy North Wales.

Shads Legacy is a small rescue based in Oakenholt, near Flint, and specialises in shepherds and husky dogs, mainly saving dogs that would otherwise have been euthanised in the local dog pounds.

Kayden has now been at Shads Legacy for two-and-a-half years. He was one of the first dogs it took in after opening.

(Image: Ellie Percival) A spokesperson for the rescue said: "He is now seven and we are worried he will never see a life outside the rescue again. Kayden loves being around people, so even with all the love the volunteers give him, he is very lonely in the shelter.

"He wants nothing more than a cuddle and to play fetch with his ball. He goes out for a walk twice a day and has had an extra large kennel specially built for him but is always sad to go back into it. Kayden can walk with other dogs but would need to be homed as an only dog.

"Kayden can be homed with children 10+. He can be strong on the lead so experience with larger dogs would be helpful."

While the length of Kayden's stay at the rescue is unique, the trend of pets taken in after Covid is one that has left many rescues at breaking point. 

Ellie Percival, a volunteer at Shads Legacy, said: "There's definitely been an increase in the number of dogs we've rescued over the last year. I think it's a combination of the cost of living, people can't afford to keep their pets - and people not wanting pets after the Covid restrictions were lifted.

"We're at capacity and the picture is the same at rescue centres across North Wales and beyond. It's a worry as we can't rescue dogs we don't have space for, meaning more will be put down."

For anyone interested in Kayden or in any of the dogs at Shads Legacy - it can be contacted on Facebook (Shads Legacy North Wales), Instagram (@shadslegacynw) or phone (07711388042).