Holly’s ready for a new start in life

LOVABLE TERRIER WITH A RARE CONDITION IS FIT, HEALTHY AND IN NEED OF A GOOD HOME

A RARE hermaphrodite dog which had been struggling to find a new owner may be about to get a fresh start.

Holly, an eight-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, has both male and female reproductive organs.

Her condition doesn’t interfere with daily life or cause her any health problems.

But she’s been in the centre since November without anyone wanting to take her home.

RSPCA staff fear her unusual condition is putting people off even though she’s playful, friendly and loves being taken out for walks.

After an appeal in the Coventry Telegraph last month, staff at the charity’s Coventry and Nuneaton district branch in Coundon Wedge Drive, Brownshill Green, Coventry, have had inquiries from as far afield as Denmark.

Now a local family are coming to see Holly to start the process of giving the canine a home.

Ross McAlpine, animal care assistant, said: “Holly came into us from a previous owner - they were getting a bit older so didn’t have the time to give her. When she came in, she was something I had never seen before – a female hermaphrodite dog. “It’s very rare. “But it doesn’t cause her any concern, the vets have checked. “It doesn’t cause her any discomfort but it can put off potential adopters. They see there’s a stigma around it. “Potentially, with the insurance, they think there may be health issues, even though she’s been given the all-clear by vets. She’s absolutely fine. It’s not going to affect her at all. The appeal has reached quite far and we’ve got a potential adopter coming Friday to visit her, so fingers crossed that all goes well.”

Holly has more female than male organs so staff use she rather than he to talk about her. Vets say the condition is very unusual.

But earlier this year RSPCA staff in Essex made a similar appeal to rehome a hermaphrodite Staffordshire bull terrier.

Although Holly is set to find a home soon there are other dogs at the RSPCA’s Coventry animal centre needing a new home.

To find out more contact the RSPCA branch on 02476 336616, or email enquiries@rspca-coventryandnuneaton@org.uk

It’s very rare but it doesn’t cause her any concern, the vets have checked... she’s absolutely fine. Ross McAlpine