Doughnut, a seven-year-old spaniel crossbreed, has spent more than five months at Dogs Trust Snetterton since arriving last August. Staff describe him as a favourite, but finding him a home has proved difficult.
The reason? He needs something most adopters can’t provide: an adult-only household with no other pets, patient owners willing to make multiple trips to the rehoming centre before taking him home, and a quiet rural setting where he won’t feel overwhelmed.
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A Dog Who Takes Time to Trust
Those who know Doughnut well see a different dog than the one nervous strangers encounter. Staff at the Norfolk rescue centre watch him light up during training sessions, motivated by his love of food and learning new commands. He settles into his crate between activities, sometimes choosing to relax in office spaces when given the chance.
“He can be worried by people he doesn’t know so needs careful introductions to your friends and family,” a Dogs Trust spokesman said. “He is such a lovely boy once he knows you and is definitely a staff favourite.”
The brown and white spaniel mix struggles with busy environments. Too much activity, too many people, or unexpected approaches send him retreating to spaces where he feels safe. His ideal day involves exploring a secure garden, working through training exercises with someone he trusts, and having a quiet corner to decompress.
What Doughnut’s Adopters Need to Provide
The rehoming centre requires future owners to keep Doughnut on a lead and muzzled during walks. He shows anxiety around unfamiliar dogs, though staff believe socialisation training with calm, patient dogs could help once he settles into a permanent home.
His new house needs a crate set up in a low-traffic area, ideally with a baby gate at the entrance. This gives him control over when people can approach, something he needs to feel secure. Staff have learned he does best when he can choose to engage rather than having interaction forced on him.
The spokesman added: “Doughnut will need adopters who are willing to do multiple visits and then progress to home visits.”
This process isn’t standard for every dog at the centre. Dogs Trust uses it for animals who need extra time building relationships before leaving their familiar environment. Potential adopters visit repeatedly, spending time with Doughnut until both dog and humans feel comfortable. Only then do staff arrange home visits to see how he reacts in the new space.
Once he adjusts, owners can gradually extend the time they leave him alone. Staff expect he’ll handle a few hours independently after the initial settling period.
A Centre Working Through High Demand
Dogs Trust Snetterton rehomed 195 dogs throughout 2024 from its facility on North End Road. By January, staff were caring for 53 animals across 42 kennels, including several long-term residents who’ve waited months or years for suitable homes.
The centre can accommodate up to 70 dogs at once, using its training barn, paddock, wooded areas, and playing fields to keep animals physically and mentally engaged while they wait. A bathing and grooming room helps prepare dogs for adoption viewings.
Kelly Smith, the centre’s manager, said last month: “Last year we saw so many of our lovely dogs find their forever homes, but our work here isn’t done.”
Long-term residents often need experienced owners or specific living situations that limit their pool of potential adopters. Doughnut falls into this category. His needs aren’t extreme, but they’re specific enough that staff can’t place him with the average family looking to adopt.
How to Start the Adoption Process
The Snetterton centre opens for general visits Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon until 4pm. Wednesday and Friday mornings operate by appointment only.
Interested adopters can visit without applying first, though staff recommend completing the online application form to speed up the matching process. The form covers household composition, lifestyle details, and experience with dogs. Staff use this information to suggest suitable matches rather than having people apply for individual animals.
Dogs Trust Snetterton
North End Road
Snetterton, Norfolk NR16 2LD
Phone: 01953 497912 or 0303 003 0000
Adoption fee: ยฃ300
All adopted dogs leave vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, wormed, and treated for fleas. The charity provides post-adoption support for families adjusting to their new pet.
Finding Doughnut’s People
Somewhere in Norfolk or the surrounding counties, Doughnut’s future owners might be reading about him now. They’ll need patience, a quiet home, and the ability to visit Snetterton multiple times before committing. They’ll need to understand that trust takes time and that some dogs show their best selves only after weeks or months in a stable environment.
For now, Doughnut continues his routine at the rehoming centre. Training sessions. Walks around the grounds. Time in his crate. Staff attention when he wants it, space when he doesn’t. He’s waiting for the people who understand that the best dogs aren’t always the easiest ones.
