Hundreds offer home to dog cuddled by Meghan
Happy ending
A homeless dog cuddled by the Duchess of Sussex during a visit to an animal welfare charity has generated hundreds of enquiries from potential owners.
Meghan took a shine to one-year-old Minnie, a female Jack Russell Terrier, when she toured Mayhew on Wednesday and gathered the dog into her arms when she noticed she was shivering.
With her large baby bump on show, the duchess told staff at the London-based charity she supports as patron: “We can’t get another dog before the baby, our hands are full.”
Harry and Meghan already have a beagle called Guy, a rescue dog the duchess brought from America, and a black Labrador.
Minnie has now been reserved by one animal lover who is being vetted.
Her adoption profile was posted on the charity’s website on Wednesday and a spokeswoman said: “We’ve enjoyed an approximate 40% increase in calls, not just relating to adoption but across all our service areas – from people requiring veterinary help, to wanting to arrange a visit from our therapy dogs and asking for advice on reporting strays.
“We’ve had hundreds of calls about Minnie specifically, and are currently speaking to a potential owner to arrange a home visit and suitability checks.
“Minnie has been reserved in anticipation of these being completed over the coming weeks.”
The profile for the dog, taken to the charity in November after it was no longer wanted by its owner, said: “Sweet-natured Minnie is a shy and sensitive girl who can be timid around strangers and gets spooked by loud noises.
“However once she knows you she’s extremely affectionate and likes to climb up on to your lap to give kisses, and she also loves a tummy rub!”
PA
Mayhew was founded in 1886 and today sees itself as an animal welfare social worker, keeping cats and dogs – whether family pets or companions for the homeless – safe and well alongside their owners, and supporting communities.
It has a pet refuge service, provides vet services to vulnerable owners and has a team of animal welfare officers who work in the community.
The spokeswoman said the charity had also seen an increase in walk-ins on Thursday afternoon with people wanting to meet all available animals for adoption.
