This rescue pooch has been adopted at the doggy age of 104

By SWNS Staff

Britain's oldest rescue dog, who was discovered unwell and abandoned, has finally found a forever home - at the doggy age of 104.

Duke the Akita is 17 in human years and was rescued from an empty house where he had been left.

The elderly pooch was emaciated and very unwell when he was found.

The RSPCA took him to the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home, but he struggled to find a home through adoption or fostering due to his age.

RSPCA inspector David Milborrow said: “Poor Duke was in quite a state when he arrived here. He was underweight and very unsteady on his legs.

"He was suffering from severe muscle loss, knuckling of his hind limbs and sores on his back legs.''

Haley Medlock, digital and community fundraiser for Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home, said: ''Walking is a real struggle for him.

“Despite all of this, he is full of love and adores cuddling up to our staff and snoozing in the sunshine.

''Realistically we don’t know how long this lovely lad has left but we’re determined to ensure his final weeks or months are the best they can be.”'

But things began to turn around when Kate and her family – first time fosterers – offered him a home.

"We lost our dog in January and when we saw Duke’s advert on Facebook, we were so sad that he hadn’t had any applications," Kate said.

"We felt every dog deserves a loving home, especially in those later years and, being a vet student studying at home, I felt we could offer him a suitable home.

“He’s getting on so well and settled in straight away. His personality is really coming through now, he’s doing much better with his mobility around the house, and he barks when we get his harness out for a walk.

''He gets so excited when my parents come home from work and wags his tail.

“Considering all he’s been through it is lovely to see that he can still trust people and that’s testament to the work of the RSPCA and his wonderful carers at Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home.”

You can sponsor Duke online or donate to the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home to help them continue their work.

Anything raised over the total will go towards helping Duke’s friends who remain in care.