Rescue centre staff are struggling to find a home for an abandoned mutt – because would-be owners think she is ‘too ugly.’
Morrissa is a 13-year-old hairless Chinese crested dog and is naturally bald on most of her body.
She’s also blind, and has been languishing at an RSPCA centre for weeks – but has become a firm favourite with staff.
Despite this, staff at the Danaher Animal Home, in Braintree, Essex, say no one will take Morrissa home because they find her too ugly.
Craig Horsler, senior supervisor at Danaher, said: “They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and we all think Morissa is absolutely gorgeous.
“But she is unusual looking and we’re worried that prospective owners consider her ugly and that is what could be putting them off of her.
“As well as being a hairless variety of the Chinese crested – a small, toy breed that was
traditionally kept as a companion dog – she’s also in her twilight years and does have a few health problems.
“She’s partially blind which we believe is due to heavy scarring to her eyes from previous ulcers.
“She’s also quite nervous – particularly around men – so we’re looking for a calm, quiet home for her where her new owners can slowly work to build her confidence.”
Morrissa has tufts of white and grey hair on her head and around her feet and tail, but the rest of her body is bald – as with all hairless Chinese crested dogs.
She knows lots of commands and is happy being left alone for short periods of time.
She may be able to live with another dog and with a friendly cat. She may also be suitable to live in a family home with children.
Craig added: “She’s such a sweet, friendly little dog and she really deserves to find a loving home to enjoy her senior years.
“If anyone can offer her a home then we’d love them to get in touch.”