RSPCA in Surrey picks up puppy after owner evicted

A puppy who ended up living in a van during lockdown has got a new home in Surrey.

Lockdown puppy Nala
Author: James LewerPublished 19th Aug 2021

Lockdown puppy Nala ended up living in a van with her owner when their circumstances changed and they were evicted from their home.

The one-year-old husky cross ended up in RSPCA care after her previous owner called the charity to ask for help. Inspector Jo Bowling, who collected the dog in July and took her to Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey.

A spokesperson said: “Nala’s owner bought her as a puppy during lockdown but, sadly, when their circumstances changed and they were evicted the duo ended up living in a van. Nala’s owner couldn’t leave her dog at all through fear of her overheating in the van and realised it wasn’t a suitable situation for the youngster so called us for help.

“With the hot summer temperatures and her difficult personal circumstances, Nala’s owner did the right thing signing her over for rehoming but we realise that it must have been incredibly difficult to say goodbye to the sweet dog.”

Nala has been microchipped and spayed, and is now looking for her new home.

Oriana Lovato from Millbrook said: “Nala has settled in nicely and is a really lovely girl. She is super bouncy and just wants to play, play, play. She loves people and dogs.

“Nala is very energetic and still acts like a big puppy! Her new owners will be able to commit to giving her lots of exercise as well as enrichment to keep her mind stimulated.

“Nala can be strong and lively on the lead and is eager to say hello to other dogs. When she’s off-lead she loves to play with other pooches and she’ll benefit from further socialisation but believe she needs a home where she’ll be the only dog. She also can’t live with horses, cats or other small animals.”

Nala needs access to a large, private garden with secure 6ft fencing so she can play with her football and enjoy running around. Her owners should take her for training as she’s very intelligent.

She could live with older children and will need owners who can originally be at home with her before teaching her that it’s okay to be home alone.

Inspector Bowling said: “It must have been really, really difficult for Nala’s owner to give her up. Cars, caravans and other vehicles are incredibly dangerous during the warmer weather and it can be fatal for dogs to be confined inside them so they did the right thing by giving her up.

“Nala is now getting the care that she needs and can now begin her search for a wonderful new home where she can enjoy being a dog.”