Lana is a gorgeous white long-haired bitch. At one stage she had spent more of her life in rescue kennels than in a home.

This is her story.

Lana came to us from the SSPCA at approximately 2 years old. She had been handed into one of their rescue centres as her owners felt they couldn't handle her anymore. Although a loyal and loving dog once she got to know you she was very mistrusting of strangers especially children. The SSPCA struggled to find the right home for Lana as she was aggressive in the kennels to visitors. Unfortunately while being walked by one of their volunteers she bit the centre's postman and this was the last straw. She was due to be put to sleep unless GSD Rescue Scotland was prepared to take her.

Lana came into the rescue and was placed in a local boarding kennels to be assessed. Luckily she was more relaxed in these kennels and benefited from long daily walks and lots of attention. Her true nature shone through and we decided to try and find her a forever home. This proved difficult as she needed a quiet loving home with an owner prepared to help with her fear of new people. After many months Lana was offered a home with, ironically, the postman who delivered mail to the kennels! Kenny was a quiet gentle man who worked hard with Lana to build her confidence.

Unfortunately Lana's story doesn't end there. After 2 years living with Kenny, tragedy struck. Kenny died suddenly of a heart attack and she found herself back in rescue again. Poor Lana was not so lucky this time as despite the efforts of the rescue nobody came forward to offer her another home. She wasn't great with other dogs, didn't like cats and still had a problem with new people. This proved to be too big a challenge for most people and Lana was overlooked time and time again. Although friendly in the kennels she began to spend more and more time lying quietly at the back of her kennel not really looking for attention. She also began to lose weight and condition and we at the rescue started to worry. Poor Lana was showing signs of kennel stress and depression. Extra efforts were made to cheer her up but to no avail. Lana had given up hope and resigned herself to a kennel existence. The rescue increased their efforts to find her the right home, even having a coat made up saying 'I need a home' and taking her to any fundraising events. But still no one was interested. Lana had now spent a total of 2 and half years in rescue kennels and she had had enough. It was coming to the point where difficult decisions would have to be made. If Lana was so miserable in kennels and no home could be found that what should we do?

Luckily there is a very happy ending to this story. A wonderful family came forward certain that they could be Lana's forever home. Although Steve had years of GSD experience there were young children in the home and 5 cats. It could never work! But Steve was determined that his family was the right place for this dog and as Lana really had no other options we tentatively let her go and waited to see how she would settle in.

Amazingly this family has been the making of Lana. Steve's experience with dogs meant he introduced her gradually to all members of the household until she was comfortable and relaxed with every one, even the cats. The kids absolutely love her and she hasn't put a foot wrong since coming to her forever home. The rescue is truly thankful to Steve and his family for giving a very special dog a second chance.