THE Reading Chronicle has launched its Dog of the Month feature with help from Dogs Trust Newbury.

Each month, we will appeal to dog lovers who are considering adopting a dog and giving it the forever home it’s been eagerly waiting for.

This month, the rehoming centre in Hamstead Marshall is showcasing Spider, a seven-year-old Lurcher who loves human company.

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He’s a sweet, sensitive soul who’s looking for patient owners who can boost his confidence.

Antony Dominy, Dogs Trust Newbury Rehoming Centre Manager, said: “Spider is a gentle boy who lacks confidence in new environments so we’d really like to find him an owner who can show him the world isn’t that scary and is full of places to explore!

“He likes his food, especially treats, which is a sure way to earn his trust and friendship.

"He enjoys having a silly five minutes and does ‘zoomies’ around the paddock when he’s feeling playful!

“He can be a little over-exuberant when meeting other dogs but once he has said hello, he does quickly calm down.

"He’d like his new owners to help him improve his doggy manners, as some dogs may find him a bit OTT!

"He’d love a large secure garden in his new home where he can enjoy some off-lead playtime.

“Spider would like to be the only dog in the home and sadly can’t live with cats or small furries.

"He could live with children aged 12 or over, if they are used to larger dogs and will give him his space when he needs it.

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"He will need time to settle in initially, but could be left for a maximum of four hours once built up gradually.”

If you think you could change the tale for Spider, please call 01488 505157.

For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.

The charity estimates that up to 40,000 more dogs could need support as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Its rehoming centres in England are currently closed to members of the public but they are still able to rehome some of the dogs, using a socially distanced ‘handover at home’ process.