New home sought for dog abandoned outside Hackney pub

Hackney couple Lucy Hughes and Matt McKee have been looking after Willow since she was found outside The Virgin Queen pub in Goldsmiths Row in January.

The couple believe the 20-month-old Dutch shepherd was dumped by a puppy farm after raising a litter.

Willow was found outside The Virgin Queen pub in Hackney (Image: Lucy Hughes)

According to them, she was in a “terrible” condition – underweight, with fresh wounds and old scars on her face and body.

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Lucy said: “Despite what she’s been through, Willow is a sweet-natured girl who is devoted to the people she trusts…

“She’s playful, goofy and loves to curl up on the sofa.

“But she’s not well-suited to living in London and needs a quieter life.

“Her dream would be an experienced, adult-only home in a non-urban location, with a secure garden.”

Willow will be released from the rehabilitation centre in mid-June (Image: Lucy Hughes)

Willow has just taken up a place at Birkett-Smith Rehabilitation Sanctuary, which works to rehabilitate dogs who are at high risk of euthanasia

She will spend two months there, learning the skills she needs to live with a permanent family.

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When she’s released in mid-June, Lucy said it’s “vital” she has somewhere else to go because “there isn’t a back-up”.

It is believed Willow was abandoned by a puppy farm (Image: Lucy Hughes)

She added: “It's a huge relief to have got her a spot, and to have been able to cover a two-month stay thanks to donations, but if she has nowhere to go when she leaves, there isn't a back-up.

“She can't come back to our gardenless flat in busy London, as it would undo her recovery at the sanctuary.

“It's vital we find her a suitable home by mid-June.”

To get in touch about adopting Willow, email grubbypawsdogs@gmail.com.