Sasha the Staffy rehomed after 683 days in kennels

A dog who was punished for going to the toilet indoors before spending nearly two years in kennels is "making herself right at home" after finally being adopted.

Sasha the Staffordshire bull terrier had spent 683 days at the RSPCA's Suffolk Central branch, in Martlesham, after being found trapped in a home in June 2024.

Despite the best efforts of staff, finding new owners for the four-year-old, who requires a muzzle when being walked, initially proved a struggle.

That was until 33-year-old dog-lover Charlotte Sampson, from Martlesham, set eyes on Sasha and instantly "fell in love with her".

"One of my friends shared her photo and said somebody needed to save her, and when I first met her, she was beautiful," Sampson said.

"We were told she would be a bit nervous, especially around men, but she came straight up to [my partner] Ryan - there was an unconditional love.

"She's settling in well and made herself right at home – she has taken to us like a duck to water and it was like she knew this was home. She's been brilliant."

Sasha would previously be punished and refused food and water for going to the toilet inside, despite not having any access to the garden, the RSPCA said.

In contrast to that, Sampson said she was already snuggling up to her during the early hours of the morning for "extra cuddles".

"I've grown up with Staffy breeds, and I just love them – they are the best dogs ever, but I think they are very misunderstood," she said.

"Some people just don't understand them but deep down they just love everybody and they just want to be loved."

Despite Sasha's lovable personality, she was visited by just one prospective new owner in her first 15 months in kennels.

Lorna Goodwin, the branch's corporate and community fundraiser, said she and her colleagues were "very emotional" when Sasha left to be taken to her new home.

"She got a really big send off from everybody in the team and we were all crying, but we were all really thrilled that she has found an amazing home," she said.

"It was incredibly emotional because we've been on this journey with her for the last two years, so it was really sad to say goodbye."

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